6 Ways Digital Intake Automates Your Check-in Process

While the check-in process will always be necessary, providers might want to change the way they think of what a quality check-in process looks like. Digital intake enables providers to shorten wait times, improve the accuracy of a patient’s chart, and get access to the most updated information possible. It helps accomplish this while also impacting office efficiencies and improving how your staff spends their time. Below are 6 ways that digital intake automates your check-in process.

Switching to Digital Intake:

1) Outstanding Balances

With a digital process, a few different things are possible. In the past, patients would get their forms on a clipboard, sit in your waiting room, and fill them out by hand. These forms did not offer reminders for other important information or give the patient a comprehensive view of other parts of their care. By implementing digital intake at your practice, your patient’s balance can be brought to their attention. When they go to check-in, they will get the chance to view and pay on their co-pay for their upcoming visit, or even pay on outstanding balances. The best part is that, with the right software, your patient can make a payment right then and there with their credit card. This automated process encourages and prompts more patient payments for your practice.

2) Upload Photo of Insurance

Sometimes patients go through an insurance change, and the reason is not that important. What is important is that your practice has the most updated insurance information on file for each patient at all times. Digital intake allows your patient the convenient opportunity to simply snap a picture of their insurance card and upload it directly into their chart. This helps ensure that your practice has the correct payer information when it comes time to file a claim.

3) Review and Update Clinical Information

Digital intake in their patient portal not only helps patients check-in for their visit ahead of time. It also helps patients review and update clinical information like medications, allergies, history, and more. This is vital to a physician’s ability to make accurate clinical decisions. With paper intake forms, patients had to rely on a physician’s staff to input this data accurately. Transcription errors have been known to lead to mistakes in a patient’s chart that put them at risk. Digital intake eliminates this risk by giving the patient autonomy over their clinical information. This also frees up your staff’s time by eliminating the need to transcribe forms.

4) Electronically Signatures

All of the correct forms need to be signed before services can be rendered to make sure your practice is protected, and your patient gets the opportunity to understand the different policies your practice adheres to. Digital intake makes it possible for your patient to electronically sign the necessary documents like HIPAA agreements, privacy policies, and consent forms prior to entering the office for a visit. 

5) Set Appointment Reminders

There is no argument that some of your patients need reminders in order to stay compliant and engaged with their medical care. The good news is that digital intake allows your patient to opt for text, email, and/or phone call reminders to make sure they are being reached in a way that fits their lifestyle. Giving your patients options like this help them stay on track and involved with your practice.

6) Update Other Information

Lastly, digital intake prompts your patients to update other information in their charts as well. This includes things like demographics, emergency contact information, and responsible parties. Your patient may forget to update this information with you when they are in the office. Digital intake helps them stay on top of these details so that your practice has everything they need to offer the best care possible.

To learn more about how your practice can implement a digital intake process, click here.