It’s no secret that technology is revolutionizing healthcare as we know it. New treatments are emerging, diseases are being cured, robotics are being utilized for surgical procedures, and thanks to telemedicine, patients are now able to virtually interact with physicians from the comfort of their own homes. Technology in the healthcare field isn’t merely limited to the research lab, operating room, and the exam room, though. It’s transforming the entire patient experience—starting with the check-in process.
Much like any check-in process, most patients regard the healthcare check-in process with distaste—associating it with long lines and having to recite their information over and over again. However, no matter how tedious the process, checking in is an unavoidable task of seeing a healthcare provider, right?
While it’s true that patients will always have to utilize some system for notifying their provider of their arrival, completing necessary paperwork, and making future appointments, they don’t necessarily have to take the traditional route. Self-service patient check-in kiosks are quickly emerging as an efficient, unattended solution to patients’ check-in woes. Best of all, the capabilities of self-service patient check-in kiosks extend far beyond creating shorter wait times.
Curious about all that patient check-in kiosks are bringing to the table? Keep reading.
Improving Efficiency
Long wait times are certainly one of the most significant shortcomings of the traditional check-in process. Self-service patient check-in kiosks not only reduce wait times for patients, they also allow the healthcare professionals who were previously responsible for the check-in process to redirect their time and attention to other tasks while still being available to answer questions or help those who may require additional assistance—effectively improving overall facility efficiency.
Providing Secure Access
In addition to enabling patients to check-in for their appointment, patient check-in kiosks are able to integrate with a provider’s back-end office and electronic medical record (EMR) management systems. This integration allows patients to securely update their personal information, access health records, refresh their memory of any directions from their provider, and make note of any future follow-up appointments—all from the kiosk.
Improving Patient Experience
By utilizing patient check-in kiosks, healthcare professionals are able to significantly reduce the amount of time and focus spent on administrative tasks upfront. Doing so enables providers to focus more of their attention on their patients and their unique health needs—improving their patients’ experience.
Promoting Compliant Accessibility
While the implementation of new technology typically raises questions about accessibility, patient check-in kiosks can be designed to meet the requirements set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regarding height, sight, and hearing restrictions. Abiding by these guidelines ensures that patients of a wide spectrum of diverse abilities are able to access and utilize the services offered by check-in kiosks.
As patient check-in kiosks find their way into healthcare facilities and hospitals across the country, they’re improving efficiency, providing secure access to patient information, and improving the overall patient experience all through a versatile and accessible self-service solution. From check-in to check-out, there’s no denying that technology has and will continue to revolutionize and transform the healthcare field.