In today's fast-evolving healthcare landscape, the power of technology is reshaping how patients and healthcare providers interact. Among the customer-centric solutions available to providers are phone bridges, which are an essential tool many healthcare practices overlook.
What is a phone bridge? A typical phone bridge, also called a phone tree or IVR, resembles, “Press 1 to schedule an appointment, press 2 to speak with a nurse, press 3 for billing, or press 4 for prescription refills.” When a patient calls a healthcare practice, they're able to select the designated area of the practice they're looking to speak with and get routed directly to someone who can help.
Call Box experts found that healthcare practices with bridges have a 5.27% higher call connection rate than practices without bridges.
This simple tool has a substantial impact on your practice. Here are three reasons why Call Box recommends implementing a phone bridge now:
With a phone bridge in place, patients no longer need to wait on hold to be connected to someone who can help. The 5.27% higher connectivity mentioned above signifies a reduction in wait times for patients seeking immediate advice or follow-ups. Expedited communication ensures that concerns are addressed promptly, which in turn creates trust with your patients.
Phone bridges provide patients with a direct line to their healthcare team, making it easier for them to seek advice, share concerns, and actively participate in their care plans. This newfound engagement often translates to improved patient outcomes and more booked appointments.
It is called a phone “bridge” for a reason. Phone bridges enable a seamless connection between healthcare practitioners and patients, allowing for timely discussions, clarifications, and updates.
As healthcare continues to evolve, embracing innovative technologies like phone bridges can lead to more effective, patient-centered, and accessible healthcare delivery.
To learn more about other research-driven strategies to improve new and existing appointment conversions, check out our recent data study HERE.