This blog was originally published in Becker’s Hospital Review, click here to read.
Long-term obstacles negatively impacting performance loom large for most healthcare groups and providers. Organizations in the marketplace consistently struggle with how to address one or more of the following:
- Staffing shortages and provider burnout
- The one-two punch of rising costs and lower reimbursement
- Growing demand for higher-value care
- Greater healthcare consumerism
- Increased provider competition
Given these challenging dynamics, the ability to redefine as well as reimagine the patient experience will be key to success. Providing timely, consistent and convenient access to patients in outpatient care settings is an increasingly important differentiator for provider groups as they navigate the need to drive patient loyalty and operational efficiency at the same time.
So, how can providers redefine access to offer a more effective approach?
In working with leading provider organizations across the country, Relatient has identified 7 best practices to optimize patient access that address some of the gaps in scheduling.
- Create visibility across the network.
- Leverage standardized but flexible templates.
- Adjust resource allocation based on metrics.
- Incorporate triage into scheduling.
- Utilize targeted overbooking.
- Offer a waitlist.
- Make it easy to make an appointment.
The good news for most groups is that improving access does not require a large investment. An emphasis on process, physician engagement, and cost-effective technologies can result in stronger patient loyalty – and substantial ROI.
To learn more about these 7 best practices, read the full white paper.
