For medical office front desk staff, the work is stimulating and the environment is fast-paced. But the role comes with challenges.
The front desk is the first point of contact for patients entering the office, whether they trickle in or arrive in a rush. With schedules packed, and the average wait time exceeding 18 minutes, according to a recent Vitals study, it’s important for check-in to go as smoothly as possible.
The good news is that technology has become more attuned to best practices for the medical front office. Greenway’s latest version of Intergy, our EHR and practice management platform, addresses these three top medical front office and billing frustrations:
- The information the front desk needs right away
When a patient checks in, front desk staff must process multiple items of information. The need to click through several screens to retrieve the information can delay check-in. With Intergy’s latest update, a summary screen gives an all-inclusive look at the information required right away.
- Eligibility verification
An important part of check-in is eligibility verification: obtaining and verifying necessary information, correcting any errors, and updating insurance if necessary. Intergy’s eligibility enhancements reduce potential errors and ensure greater access, improving the billing process and making things easier for the rest of the practice.
- Address verification
Having a patient’s correct address and phone number is vital to maintaining an accurate record. Intergy’s newest version features address verification via the U.S. Postal Service that allows staff to double-check patient contact information.
When verification and updates don’t go as planned, check-in can get complicated. These medical front office and billing features simplify the process and reduce waiting room congestion.
A reasonable wait time matters to patients, the Vitals study found. It’s either “somewhat” or “very” important to 84% of respondents. In addition, about 20% said they had changed doctors due to long wait times. Although check-in is just one piece of the puzzle, enhanced technology can help make it fit.
Click here to read about three patient experience issues cited most often in online reviews.
For more information, CLICK HERE to schedule a conversation with a Greenway representative. Or watch our 3-minute overview video HERE.
