Dan's Comments

Until today I didn't see Dan's comments. I thought I would respond in a new thread just in case the rest of the group missed it, too.

Dan Wrote (2 Comments):

1) Electronic check in really does add to ease and convenience for each visitor. However, I would want to know whether this tool can integrate with the practice management system to support E-visits for non-urgent, follow-up online consultations? Kaiser launched pilots on this advanced model.

2)My initial impression is that this sounds like a great project idea. An employer is more likely to contract with a given health plan's provider network if the providers are using technology to improve care delivery. The big question is whether this tool is truly cost-effective, given start-up and training costs, and whether non-tech savvy patients would be able to navigate this tool. The front desk may still need to walk some patients through the interview process.

Paul Wrote (2 Comments):

1) The patient check-in systems that I found do integrate (in most cases) with the physician's PMS. In the case of the vendors I researched, these solutions also integrate with EMR and EHR systems as well.

According to my research, E-visits and follow-up consultations are usually outside the scope of the patient check-in systems. Most of these systems just handle the basic check-in process.

However, from what I can tell, Phreesia definitely has the most innovative product on the market. Their PheesiaPad checks for insurance eligibility, accepts credit/debit card payment, displays educational info based on the patient's symptoms, and integrates with most EMR/EHR/PMS solutions as well.

I'd be interested to see the info on Kaiser's pilot. Are you certain that their solution is intended for physician offices? Or, is it intended for hospitals?
Please post what you've found.

2) Good point! I looked into the implementation costs (i.e. equipment, training, support, etc.) and Phreesia beats the competition. They charge $50/month and take about $1 for every $25 they collect via credit/debit processing. The competition all have much higher implementation fees. I'll try to do a bit more digging into the fees. I'll post what I find.

Thanks, Dan!