Elevating Patient Registration: Improving the First Step in Accessing Care
Patient registration might seem like just another step in the healthcare process, but it's actually a critical gateway to quality care. It also influences the patient's perception of the experience they will receive from a health system. Yet, many health systems still rely on outdated registration methods that create unnecessary barriers for patients, thus negatively impacting their perception of the brand. In a world where convenience and speed are everything, why are we making it harder for patients to get the care they need?
In a recent video, Amenities Health CEO, Aasim Saeed, MD-MPA, explains why modernizing patient registration is essential for healthcare today. Watch the full video below to explore these critical insights in depth.
Patient Registration Matters More Than You Think. Here's Why:
Let's face it—patient registration is most people's first real interaction with a health system. It sets the tone for everything that follows. Traditionally, this process involves an in-person visit, handing over IDs, and filling out paperwork. While it might have worked in the past, this approach doesn't cut it in today's digital age.
Patients today expect more—they're used to booking rides, ordering groceries, and even managing their finances online. Why should healthcare be any different? If we continue to rely on outdated methods, we're not just making it inconvenient for patients but actually turning them away. Think of how many patients might give up on accessing care simply because the registration process is too complicated. That's a big deal.
Moving Towards a Digital-First Approach
Now, imagine a world where patients can register online, verify their identity with a quick text, and get on with their healthcare journey without ever stepping into a waiting room. That's the promise of digital registration, and it's already transforming how health systems operate.
"Registration isn't just a formality; it's the first step in a patient's entire healthcare journey. Making it digital is crucial if we want to meet patients where they are," says Dr. Saeed.
By shifting to digital, we're not only making the process easier for patients but also opening the door to a whole new group of people who might not have sought care otherwise. Think about everyone who shops online or book rides through an app—they want the same convenience when it comes to their health. And it's not just about convenience; it's about making sure we're not leaving anyone behind.
The Financial Upside of Digital Registration
Let's talk numbers. Modernizing patient registration isn't just good for patients; it's also good for business. When Baylor Scott and White introduced a digital registration system, they saw half a million new patients in just 18 months. That's not small change—we're talking several hundred million dollars in revenue.
And it's not just Baylor. Other health systems that have adopted digital registration have seen similar results. The math is simple: the easier it is for patients to register, the more likely they are to complete the process and stick around. That means more patients, more appointments, and more revenue. It's a win-win.
How to Get Started with Rapid Registration
So, how do we make this happen? It all starts with Rapid Registration—a digital-first approach that simplifies the onboarding process. Here's how it works:
Online Registration: Patients start by registering online without needing an in-person visit.
Quick Verification: They verify their identity via a simple text message; no complicated security questions are required.
Seamless Integration: Their information is automatically synced with your electronic medical records (EMR), avoiding any messy data entry or duplicate records.
This approach streamlines the process and reduces the friction that often leads to patient drop-off. It's about making registration as easy and intuitive as possible.
Conclusion
Patient registration is more than just an administrative task—it's the foundation of the entire healthcare experience. By embracing digital registration, we're improving the patient experience and unlocking significant financial benefits. The future of healthcare is digital, and it all starts with how we onboard our patients.
Curious to learn more? Check out the full video, where we further explore these ideas and show you how Rapid Registration can make a difference in your health system. Watch the full video here.
