Appointment Reminders

A year ago, we implemented a new patient communication system. This system is integrated with our practice management software. One of our main goals was to be able to provide timely reminders to patients about upcoming appointments. The system uses text messages, emails, or if a patient has neither, an automated phone call.

There was a little bit of a learning curve for patients, but now, the system seems to be working well. We originally set reminders to go out 10 days, two days (except for Monday appointments), and two hours prior to appointments. We’ve had a couple of occasions, though, where the 10 reminder has caused a patient to come in a week early.

New Appointment Reminder Schedule

For this reason, we are going to try to new schedule. Effective today, we are going to reduce the reminders from three to two. Patients with appointments on Tuesday – Thursday will get two day and two-hour* reminders. Patients with Monday appointments will get their first reminder on the prior Thursday so that Michele has time to fill any appointments that might need to be cancelled on Monday.

*Two-Hour Reminders

Regarding two-hour reminders, we have set our system so that text reminders don’t go out before 8:00 a.m. So, for patients with 8:00 and 9:00 appointments, you will not receive the two-hour reminder. We are going to keep these reminders for other appointments, however. We have had a number of patients who’ve been in the middle of a project, lost track of time, and would have missed an appointment but for this reminder.

As ever, we appreciate patient feedback. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at 719-634-8458.