Don’t we always wish we had a second set of hands or another person? Perhaps that help is right under your nose, and you’re just not using it. Take a second look at your technology.
Is your office equipped with up-to-date technology, and are you utilizing it to the best of your ability? The technology in the business office can almost be like having another person on the team. At least a part-time team member. But it would help if you took the time to set up the technology and learn how to use it. More than likely, your dental office has a patient communication system. Chances are you’ve tried one or two different systems. But are you using it beyond confirming appointments and text communication? Did you know not only can you confirm appointments, but you can send a mass text for short call openings? We know same-day cancellations are a considerable source of frustration. How amazing would it be to mass text a handful of people for a dental hygiene opening?
Most patient communicators will also provide you with a list of needs for the day’s patients. Whether it be a new address, insurance information, or updated medical history. This is helpful to help remind you throughout the day as you check patients in.
The patient communication systems will also do the following:
- Appointment Reminders
- Process Payments
- E-mail custom post-operative directions
- Ask for reviews
- Reactivate recalls and outstanding treatment
- Electronic paperwork (that can populate into your practice management system
- TeleHealth options
Outside of your patient communication system, you can also check with your payment systems programs. They can also work for you. They can take online payments, text to pay, and automated payments by setting up payment plans and, of course, in-office payments.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed and like you need some help, take a minute and evaluate the tools around you that you might not be considering.
