Urbana – Carle Clinic Association is one of the first healthcare providers in the country to pilot patient self check-in technology from Epic Systems. Located in the Family Medicine department at South Clinic, the systems allow patients to check in, verify insurance and update personal information without ever visiting the front desk. View a brief demonstration and tutorial of the technology.
Timothy Meneely, DO, FAAFP, Medical Director of Primary Care and Pediatric Subspecialties at Carle Clinic, said the Clinic is testing the systems before opening two new primary care centers in summer 2008. Upon completion of the 68,000 square-foot facilities, the Clinic plans to install several self check-in kiosks at these busy care locations.
“We will be able to serve hundreds of patients each day at our new primary care centers,” Dr. Meneely said. “With a central check-in at each location, we knew we would need to review our processes to best serve patients.”
Each primary care facility will house eight to 10 clinical departments and include on-site lab, imaging and Carle RX Express. Patients already accustomed to ATMs, airport kiosks and grocery store self-scanners will be comfortable using self check-in.
Dr. Meenely also said with its recent implementation of electronic medical records (EMR), Carle Clinic continues to look for ways to eliminate paperwork. Self-service kiosks will store patient information safely and allow patients to privately check-in without a need to verbally discuss personal information.
In future phases of the kiosk project, the Clinic looks to implement processes for checking out, scheduling a return appointment and emailing appointment reminders, all making a trip to the doctor’s office easier for the patient.