Medical scheduling software helps your front desk staff schedule patients for multiple providers, exam rooms and limited resources such as diagnostic equipment. Most medical scheduling software is integrated with a practice management system and/or an EMR software system.
A typical medical scheduling software system will present an intuitive calendar view that is capable of showing multiple providers on the same screen.
Be sure to look for the following characteristics in a
medical scheduling software system:
• An intuitive user interface that will be easy to use for all of your staff
• Simple set-up of providers, exam rooms, types of appointments, etc
• Automated tools for patient recalls and reminders
• Customization that will let you configure the system to your needs
Involving Your Patient in the Process
The more advanced medical scheduling software systems will use the internet during the appointment scheduling and registration process. For example, the system could send an appointment reminder to the patient by email and link to a secure on-line registration page where the patient can fill out required paperwork before arriving for the appointment.
Integration With Other Systems
There are many benefits to having your medical scheduling software integrated to your other systems, such as EMR and billing. These benefits include:
• Eliminating duplicate patient and encounter data entry. In some systems, when a provider enters information in the EMR a completed superbill is automatically generated
• The ability to remind patients of outstanding balances during scheduling
• Reminders of information or what to do to prepare for their visit
• Collection of referral information during scheduling
• Scheduling at checkout based on provider’s orders from the encounter
