In the digital world it has become easier to streamline procedures for both offices and for the home. From databases that securely hold data, to automating processes, there are several ways to make your office run more smoothly than a greased pig.
If you are ready to really dig in and level up your practice, keep reading to get an idea of how you can start streamlining your office in simple and easily actionable steps.
Go Paperless
One of the best ways to streamline and move your practice to the next stage is to go paperless. There are several ways that this can be done.
Going paperless isn’t as difficult as it used to be. There are databases that can be used that are specifically designed for medical practices, and there are also other secure websites that can be used to house documents.
Having a paperless system also means that you need a type of portal available for your patients. This allows them to go paperless as well and streamline the bill paying process.
Not only is the bill paying process shortened, and made much easier, patients also have access to any paperwork that relates to their health. You, as the doctor, have access to patient documents whenever you need it! Going paperless makes it much easier to find paperwork, and to communicate with your patients.
Use Virtual Receptionists
Believe It or not, we are now in a time where there are virtual receptionists that can be used for the medical field. This can help streamline processes by always having somebody available 24/7 that your patients can be connected to. This gives a sense of security to your patients, but it also ends up streamlining processes.
How so?
Having a virtual receptionist such as those from Global Messaging can lead to better appointment management, and it can also lead to a more comfortable environment when working with the same receptionist.
It is still important to have a receptionist in the office itself, but this will allow them to focus on the patients that are in front of them rather than having to answer all of the phone calls that your medical practice will receive.
Automate Emails and Calls
Another way that you can streamline your office procedures is to automate emails and calls. There are automatic call systems that can remind your patients when their appointments are.
There are also automated email systems that can remind patients when to schedule appointments, refill prescriptions and more! These types of systems are extremely handy because it allows you to communicate with your patients on a regular basis. Not only does this eliminate the process of having to send snail mail, it also keeps your practice in constant communication with those you are caring for.
Stay Organized
This part can be extremely difficult in any environment, but in my opinion it is far more difficult in a medical one. While most medical staff are trained to stay organized and given tips and tricks to keep all of their equipment at the ready, it can still be hard to keep track of everything. A great way to stay organized in a medical practice is to ensure that you have designated areas for each piece of equipment and item. It is also imperative that all items are labeled and remain in the same spot unless you are going through a period of reorganization.
Active Team Communication and Encouragement
One of the best ways to keep a streamlined office is to actively communicate with your team and encourage them. If you have a team that is well encouraged and well taken care of, it is going to be easier to communicate any process changes and any sort of organizational changes.
What this looks like in an office is having some sort of virtual communication available at all times such as Slack, and also providing support when you notice your team might be a little off.
If there is any sort of discontent, address it quickly and also address communication and interpersonal relationship issues quickly as well. This will help a team stay together, streamline work, and help develop long-lasting relationships with your team.
Conclusion
Streamlining any process no matter what type of medical practice you run can be very difficult. However, when you have a team that communicates well, paperwork that is streamlined. and processes that integrate virtual resources, you will find that your medical practice will skyrocket in effectiveness and efficiency.