Oaklawn to offer automated appointment reminders for certain radiological services

Oaklawn has partnered with AccuReg to allow for automated appointment reminders for many radiological services such as a CT, MRI and ultrasound.

Once launched, patients will receive text messages reminding them of their appointment along with any pertinent information to prepare for their procedure. Patients can pre-register, cancel or reschedule their appointments using this system as well.

AccuReg helps support health systems, hospitals and clinics across the country with an integrated platform for patient access, intake and engagement.

“The text reminder will come with basic information like the date, what is scheduled and what time you are supposed to show up and where,” noted Oaklawn Revenue Integrity Director Matt Lueck.

Oaklawn Scheduling Manager Kelly Powell noted that the service should be up and running next week.

“We have been in testing, making sure everything is working, and we are hoping to have it up by Monday, Oct 14,” said Powell. “As we are scheduling patients, we are asking for updated contact information. We are also asking for a preferred method of contact; if they prefer to get these reminders through e-mail, text or phone call.”

Powell noted that patients have the option of using or not using the service.

“We will start off the reminders to everyone as soon as possible, and then if they want to, patients can opt out of these reminders,” she said. “They also have the option to hit cancel or reschedule on that appointment if they are receiving text reminders. That will then come to our scheduling department.”

The benefit of these reminders, added Powell, will help cut down on missed appointments and allow Oaklawn to fill gaps in the schedule.

“Some people forget they have appointments, or the office schedules them, and that communication gets missed,” she said. “It’s a good reminder to let patients know they have an appointment. And if they can’t make it, we can fill that time slot with somebody else and cut down on no-shows.”

Appointment reminders will improve patient communications, patient satisfaction, and patient care, and deliver an intuitive digital experience patients expect.

“I really think it’s a great service and it will help not have as many missed appointments or patients forgetting to call,” said Powell. “It’s a good situation for everybody.”