There have been patient intake forms as long as there has been a physical therapy provider. Before a visit, patients are expected to complete this excruciating task, which guarantees that their physical therapist has access to the patient information. With a thorough patient history, doctors can make an informed decision. The manual patient intake form’s […]
4 mins, 23 secs .read
There have been patient intake forms as long as there has been a physical therapy provider. Before a visit, patients are expected to complete this excruciating task, which guarantees that their physical therapist has access to the patient information. With a thorough patient history, doctors can make an informed decision. The manual patient intake form’s historical drawback is that patients find it very time-consuming and frustrating, especially on their first visit. It lengthens wait times as patients rush to recall their medical history, describe their symptoms, or update information.
The digital patient intake form has completely changed how patients approach it, how they fill it out, and how accurate the data is then entered into their chart. Creating a digital patient intake form has brought the intake procedure into the 21st century, increasing patient satisfaction and raising the standard of care. So why are fully digital patient intake forms so popular with both patients and office staff? Here’s why digital patient intake forms are the new revolution.
The accuracy and integrity of patient data have long been compromised by the traditional written and transcribed method of collecting PHI. Even something as simple as sloppy handwriting can result in errors in the patient chart and lower the standard of your PT’s clinical judgement. Even seemingly minor errors in a patient’s chart can result in errors that profoundly impact their lives. Because of this, a patient’s chart is as accurate as possible.
By doing away with transcription and other written formats, online patient intake forms enhance the accuracy of patient data. The patient enters their data in a safe online format, which is then immediately uploaded into their chart. Thus with physical therapy documentation software, it is ensured that the data is current and accurate.
Digital patient intake forms are an excellent way for your practice to save money. Due to paper intake forms, many practices go through hundreds of sheets of paper on a daily basis. This quickly adds up to expensive paper and printing costs every day.
Some healthcare professionals worry that switching to an online solution would increase their practice’s overall costs. In contrast, that is not the situation, especially with SmartPT’s PT scheduling software. Implementing a top-notch online patient intake form from a top-notch company will boost many different aspects of your practice while reducing costs in the long run.
Patients generally prefer mobile sign-up over patient portals. With the aid of digital patient intake software, patients can receive intake forms directly on their smartphone or other personal device and submit them to the therapy office. Doing this eliminates the patient’s forgetfulness, and you are provided with the information you require before the client enters the building.
The office can also text clients with automated reminders and confirmations with SmartPT’s mobile app. This has a significant impact on lowering no-shows and cancellations. Consider two-way texting as an additional convenience for both patients and staff.
Prior to a visit, the physical therapist would have very little time with traditional intake to review the patient’s updated information. They have more time and a more accurate chart to work with when using the digital patient intake form to prepare for a visit. Also, as an added advantage, the patients can complete the digital patient intake form days before their scheduled appointment from the comfort of their homes.
The medical decision process is then improved because the PT can now take their time studying the patient’s chart and arrive at a visit armed with all the necessary information. This is important to the patient’s satisfaction because a patient who believes their provider is ready for a visit is more likely to put their trust in them and pay attention to them. Better outcomes result from increased adherence to a treatment plan and greater trust between a provider and their patient.
Managing the clinic staff is one of the biggest challenges that physical therapists face. Staff members’ mental health may be impacted when they are stressed due to patient complaints about long wait times and confusing forms. The digital intake forms from SmartPT not only make the transition for staff simple, but they also eliminate all the time lost when transferring patient data.
The intake forms’ patient data is automatically synchronised with all other applications. This implies that patient information will be updated right away in scheduling programs, clinical notes, and billing software. Office staff can spend more time fostering relationships with patients and ensuring that daily operations go without a hitch by using electronic intake forms.
Making the switch from a conventional medical practice to a cutting-edge, technologically advanced clinic might seem difficult. The patient intake procedure does not, however, have to be challenging and time-consuming. Your therapy client intake can be streamlined with the appropriate planning and technology.
With efficient physical therapy software like SmartPT, burdensome tasks won’t overwork staff, and patients will be able to unwind during appointments. The front desk staff will be more hospitable to patients and encourage repeat business if they believe their work is efficient and simple. And in the long term, this will make both your clients and staff much happier.
Receive updates, business advice, and easy-to-follow tips in your inbox with just a tap.
Does your Physio therapy business needs a boost? Access the ready to implement ideas & strategies.
