Animal Health Solutions

28 | Covetrus ph: 855.724.3461 | fx: 888.329.3861 | covetrus.com Practice management software is essential for automating recalls and reminders Having the right technology and software to back up this arrangement is important. A booked future appointment is a great start, but allowing your client to reschedule online or confirm automated reminders electronically makes life much easier for both you and them. Covetrus' AVImark, eVetPractice, ImproMed, or ImproMed Equine practice management software offer two-way online scheduling tools between pet owners and your practice. Based on your preferences, clients can schedule appointments in real-time, at their convenience, and receive automated appointment reminders. Scheduling a single appointment takes about three to five minutes. Multiply this by the number of appointments your team schedules each day, and this "quick task" grows into a very time-consuming activity. Existing and potential clients can book appointments at a time that suits them – even outside business hours. And automated scheduling and confirmation also frees up your staff to focus on value-add tasks, such as taking care of clients in your practice. Practices that use automated email and postcard reminders, for example, experience a more than 30 percent increase in compliance 4 and text messages typically produce engagement rates that are six to eight times higher than with email. 5 A multimedia client communication module attached to your practice management software enables you to send reminders via post, email, or SMS automatically. So, seriously consider catering to your clients' communication preferences and make it easy for them to respond using automated scheduling and reminders. Automated recalls and reminders deliver immediate benefits All it takes is a simple change in practice workflow and the right systems to start seeing the benefits of an automated, regular recall and reminder system. It starts when your client is at the front desk, finalizing details before they leave your practice. This is a perfect opportunity to get them to book their next appointment, before they walk out the door. Sometimes they may choose not to, but even scheduling a recall for an annual health check 12 months later will bring you a lot closer to having your client return. An indication of how poorly the average practice manages this process is that 25-35% of patients have no reminders attached to them in their practice information management solution. This simple process immediately changes the dynamics of the relationship with your client. Instead of them having to remember to make an appointment for a distant time in the future, contacting you to schedule an appointment closer to the time and then remembering to attend, you have locked in the arrangement. This dramatically increases the chances of them revisiting your practice. And once your clients get used to the idea that you prompt them to make future appointments after each visit, and then follow up with a reminder, they will come to expect it. What are reminders and recalls? A reminder is a message sent to clients who have scheduled appointments, to confirm appointment details. A recall is a message sent to clients who don't have a scheduled appointment, but are due for a visit.

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