Using SMS for Patient Appointment Management in Clinics

Did you know that the introduction of a simple technological solution like the SMS channel can significantly improve the efficiency of attended appointments in medical facilities and reduce cancellations? In this article, we will discuss how the SMS channel impacted a medical facility using 2way.

The efficiency of attended appointments in medical facilities is crucial for the quality of healthcare and the economic functioning of such facilities. Appointment cancellations are a problem that generates not only financial losses but also disrupts the schedule of medical staff.

The SMS channel is a communication tool that allows medical facilities to directly and quickly communicate with patients through short text messages. It can be used to remind patients of appointments, inform them of schedule changes, and enable them to cancel appointments.

A network of clinics in Lower Silesia noticed that the number of attended appointments increased by 25% after implementing the SMS reminder system. Before the implementation, an average of 20% of appointments were canceled or missed. After the implementation, this number dropped to 5%, and when appointments were canceled, they could quickly react and schedule patients from the waiting list.

SMS systems use advanced technologies to manage the patient database, automate message sending, and integrate with appointment management systems. This enables quick and efficient communication with patients. Personalized messages that include the patient's name and appointment details increase patient engagement and responsiveness.

The introduction of the SMS channel in medical facilities brings numerous benefits, such as increased efficiency of attended appointments, reduced number of canceled appointments, and improved communication with patients. Real examples show that this is an investment that quickly pays off, bringing tangible financial and operational benefits.

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