COVID-19 cases might be on the decline, but physicians still have many problems to face before they can relax. Some of these problems were caused by the pandemic, yes, but many were present even before. Staffing shortages, burnout, increasing demand for telehealth and a continuing lack of interoperability have physicians struggling to reach pre-pandemic levels of profitability.

All of it makes it absolutely essential for physicians to begin receiving the payments they are owed, in full, as quickly as possible, capturing accurate payments and minimizing collection costs. The best way to do that for many is adopting digital engagement tools, in order to make it easier and simpler for patients to schedule appointments and receive accurate cost estimates pre-visit. Doing so will also make it easier for practice staff to capture accurate payment details and provide better payment plans for patients.

Improving patient engagement through digital tools

There are many steps along the patient journey where physicians can implement digital tools to improve patient engagement, increasing both convenience and efficiency for patients and staff along the way. Here are a few ways digital tools can help:

Self-scheduling

Self-scheduling options over the internet can enable patients to schedule appointments at any time of the day, no longer having to make time during practice operating hours. It reduces barriers to care for patients by presenting them with a list of available dates and times to choose from that suits their own schedule, while freeing up practice staff to focus on patient care and other tasks of greater importance.

Automated reminders

Practices can implement information systems to deliver automated appointment reminders to patients at specified times pre-appointments. These reminders reduce the chances of missed appointments, helping practices maintain their revenue streams.

Digital check-in

Digital check ins are another method for practices to free up staff for more important tasks, by allowing patients to enter key personal and insurance information on their own without needing any staff supervision. They can also provide patients a pre-visit cost estimate, accounting for their visit type and copays. With patients themselves validating, confirming and updating their information practices can increase their likelihood of submitting clean claims.

Digital billing and reminders

Recent research has indicated that 32% of patients will pay their medical bills within 5 minutes of receiving a text reminder, with 25% paying quickly upon receiving their bill via email. Patients in this day and age expect the security and convenience that text and email reminders provide.

Flexible payment plans

With the rising costs of living and copays it is no surprise that many patients struggle with paying their full medical bills. Providers can exacerbate this problem by requiring them to pay their portion of the bill in full, up front. Providing flexible payment plans that cater to the patients’ ability to pay improves chances of the practice receiving their full payment, as most patients want to pay their bills. Requiring them to pay an unreasonable amount up which they will struggle with can be unreasonable, while flexible payment plans can create a win-win situation for both parties.