Starting any business is daunting, considering leasing, staffing, legal permits, taxes, and more. Finding the right software will help you streamline the process of opening your clinic and keeping it open. While these aren’t legally required, they will certainly make your life easier. Here are five programs you should consider integrating into your walk-in clinic.
1. Membership Management
Unless you want to store every patient’s name, information, and billing on paper, you should invest in an EHR practice management system for optimal organization. An easy way for patients to pay fees and schedule appointments makes the process smoother for both you and your clients.
A few minutes of a system setup can save hours of paperwork, leaving more time for important things. Besides, paper-only records are vulnerable to decay and loss.
2. Accounting Software
As a companion program to a membership manager, solid accounting software can balance your books digitally and ensure there aren’t any costly mistakes. While most good accounting programs do have a fee of some kind, the risks of not having a solid system far outweigh the costs.
Accounting errors that result in overcharging or underpaying can erode the trust your patients and employees have in your clinic, and missing payments for services your clinic relies on can leave everyone in hot water, threatening your business either way.
3. Employee Management
Similar to managing your patient list, having a digital system for your staff will also save you time and reduce the risk of mistakes. With employee management software, you can store and organize relevant information, streamline shift scheduling, ensure automatic paychecks on time, and show appreciation for your team.
Losing information or missing payments can, at best, slow down the workday. At worst, it can result in legal action against your business. All in all, preventing mistakes before they happen will always be the cheapest course of action.
4. Telehealth
In the new age of widespread video calling, you should consider offering telehealth services from your clinic. This will allow you to reach patients who are unable or unwilling to visit in person and allows for easier scheduling as there is no commute time for the patient. This also saves your staff time, making the process easier for everyone.
Telehealth is also safer for patients and staff in the case of infectious diseases, allowing more people to make use of your clinic with minimal risk. You also will be able to use less disinfectant and single-use supplies, saving you money in the long run.
5. Staff Communication
While email certainly has a place in every business, it can get cluttered and inefficient. This is why many businesses use software designed to keep the entire team in contact, from the new hires to management. Many such programs are customizable for your own clinic’s needs, and vendors are usually willing to work with their clients to find the best possible deal for both of you.
This is useful in conjunction with employee management software, especially for shifts, organization, and other simple tasks. In more serious situations, quick communication is essential in emergencies. Waiting for an email is often too slow, and a phone call can be unreliable; instant-messaging software is a solid middle ground for both speed and convenience.
In Conclusion
There are many more types and methods of business and doctor-oriented software available to make your life easier; these are just some of the basics to get you started. The best way to find the right software for you is through trial and error, and the best time to start is now.
