Six Steps to Improve Medical Registration

There are many reasons for missed visits, and thus reduced revenue of a medical facility. One of them is often poorly organized medical registration. It is the registration that is the first point of contact between the patient and the clinic, so it is worth ensuring that it runs smoothly and professionally. 

Nowadays, medical registration has a representative function, with staff answering phone calls and arranging appointments for patients. Thus, it also supports communication between the doctor and the patient. However, if we look at the work of a truly modern medical facility, registration should also perform sales and information functions, encouraging the purchase of services and providing extensive knowledge about benefit settlements.

How to make registration run smoothly

When planning the modernization or digital development of a medical facility, it is worth considering  how best to modernize medical registration. Below, you will find some tips on what to look out for.

1.       Knowledge is the key to success

Medical registration staff should have substantive knowledge of the current offer, specializations of doctors in the facility, and opening hours, and be ready to provide other information that patients may require. Focus on systematic training and education of your employees. Make sure that new recruits have all the necessary knowledge. Do not forget to verify the acquired knowledge (for example, during quarterly assessments).

2.       Fearless staff

In registration, employees who are not afraid of changes will work best. The ability to adapt quickly to the different pace of work is a must. The morning pace can be frantic compared to the usually quieter afternoon hours.

3.       Clear procedures

Reception staff should always have up-to-date procedures for patient registration (in person, by telephone or online) and for dealing with crisis situations. In the work of a medical receptionist, it is extremely important to follow the established rules and procedures. Organized action not only introduces order in everyday work, but also has a positive effect on the image of the clinic.

4.       Take care to build positive relationships

Every person employed in medical registration should have highly developed social competences. They allow the effective creation of relationships with other people (patients and team members) and facilitate crisis resolution.

5.       Choose the technology that fits your needs

Modern medical registration provides tools to support the organization of daily work. Such tools are, for instance, legally operating an HIS-class (hospital information system) system and other applications that allow you to organize an online visit.

6.       Teamwork is your best friend

Remember, working in registration is teamwork. Try to prevent situations in which one person is more burdened than others. The key in this aspect is communication between team members and the selection of tools that will greatly facilitate this process. Our HIS-class Comarch Optimed NXT system has been enriched with an internal communicator – thanks to which, the exchange of information between your employees is simple.

Are you looking for technological support for your medical facility? Do you want to learn more about Comarch Optimed NXT? Visit the product website, or contact our consultant using the dedicated form.

Author: Katarzyna Strzebońska, Comarch S.A.