5 Ways to Leverage Smart Devices for Practice Success
Updated: Dec 30, 2023
According to Pew Research, an incredible 81% of Americans now own some type of smart device. This number is up from just 35% in 2011, and with rapid advancements in mobile technology, is expected to continue to rise at a steep rate.
What does this mean for veterinary clinics? A lot, actually. In fact, the digital age has fundamentally changed how practices are run, and only those willing to embrace these newer technologies will remain competitive over the long haul.
If you aren’t doing so already, here are a few ways you can start harnessing the power of smart devices to improve client service and boost your clinic’s success.
Send Appointment Reminders
One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your booking calendar full is to remind clients about upcoming appointments. With smartphones, you can make this process even more seamless and efficient by sending appointment reminders via text message. Your clients will appreciate the convenience, you’ll reduce the risk of no-shows, and your front desk agents will be freed up to focus their skills on other important duties. In other words, everybody wins!
Monitor Patient Health
Some symptoms can be difficult to describe accurately over the phone. The beauty of a smart device is that your clients can easily snap a photo or take a quick video recording and send it over prior to booking an appointment. This can help you better prepare for a patient’s arrival and prevent unnecessary visits that could otherwise be taken care of at home. Likewise, smartphones are great tools for following up with a patient after a procedure and/or to monitor ongoing treatment of illness.
Refill Prescriptions
Another great way to use smart devices in your veterinary practice is to enable your clients to refill their pets’ prescription medicine via text, app or your mobile website. Studies have shown that the easier it is for people to stay on top of their pets’ medical needs, the more likely they’ll be to remain compliant. By implementing the ability to quickly and easily refill prescriptions at their fingertips, you’ll pave the way for much healthier patients overall.
Disseminate News & Announcements
Pet food recall? Exciting news at your practice? Upcoming event you’d like to promote? Letting your clients opt-in to text notifications is a powerful way to disseminate a lot of information to the masses without having to do too much legwork. In fact, you can simply prepare one blanket message that can be sent out to your entire subscribed client-base with a few clicks of a button. That way your team will save time while also keeping your clients engaged and informed. Win-win!
Offer Telemedicine
Imagine being able to provide care to your patients without them even stepping foot into your clinic? Telemedicine is something many practices have begun leveraging, particularly due to the recent pandemic and all the new regulations that are currently in place. Whether you can offer this service will ultimately depend on the rules in your area, but if it’s something that’s available to you, it’s well worth exploring. Not only does it keep your current clientele happy, but it provides an excellent opportunity to increase your daily bookings, as these appointments tend to be much more succinct and efficient.
Like it or not, the mass adoption of smartphones and other mobile devices is fundamentally changing the way veterinary providers communicate with and serve their clients. By embracing this technology, you can position your practice as a front-runner and gain the competitive advantage it takes to remain successful, regardless of external circumstances.
For more practice management tips and tricks, be sure to bookmark our blog and check back often for new content.
Our Tips, Tricks, and Expert Advice
How can smart devices send appointment reminders in a veterinary clinic?
Smart devices can send appointment reminders to clients via text messages, making the process efficient and reducing the risk of no-shows.
How can veterinary clinics offer telemedicine services using smart devices?
Veterinary clinics can offer telemedicine services through smart devices, allowing consultations, follow-ups, and care without clients needing to visit the clinic physically.
How is the mass adoption of smart devices changing how veterinary clinics operate?
The adoption of smart devices in veterinary clinics enhances client communication, improves health monitoring, facilitates telemedicine, and streamlines operations.
For more practice management tips, tricks, and expert advice, bookmark the DVMelite blog and check back often for fresh content.
