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A Guide to Veterinary Online Appointment Systems

Written by VetCheck | Jul 10, 2023 5:08:15 AM

The world that we know of right now is becoming more connected to the internet. More and more businesses are moving their practices online as we know it. 

 

Online appointment systems are becoming more popular among businesses, including vet clinics worldwide. This is a type of digital solution that allows people to book, schedule, or cancel appointments through a web-based system. They offer a wide range of benefits for both the clinics and customers. Implementation of this system would render the traditional appointment systems obsolete, as they require more costs and manual work, as Online Appointment Systems are done automatically. In this article, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of online appointment systems for vet clinics, and provide tips on how to implement them in practice.

 

Benefits to Vet Clinics

 

1.Flexibility of customers and vet clinics to schedule their services

Online Appointment Systems allow both customers and vet clinics to schedule their services anywhere and everywhere. This method gives flexibility for both parties to schedule their appointments through their computers, phones, or tablets, as long as there is internet access within the area. 

 

This abolishes the need to call or meet a receptionist in person to schedule an appointment. It also reduces time and manpower to schedule appointments, which improves efficiency, and decreases human error for both parties. The system runs 24/7 which gives individuals the ability to book appointments at any time.

 

2.New appointments instantly goes to your database

Online Appointment Systems allows each appointment to be saved to a company database in an instant. There are several benefits that vet clinics may get from this:

  • Ensures all appointment details are properly recorded and easily accessible.
  • Allows efficient tracking of appointments, makes it easier to analyze appointment data and generate reports
  • Helps streamline communication internally (such as communication among vet clinic departments) and externally (such as communication among a vet clinic and customer)

 

3.Online Appointment Systems are quick and easy to use

Online Appointment Systems is a convenient and efficient platform that allows people to book appointments without spending too much time and effort. It is less time-consuming as customers could book appointments online rather than through phone calls. The platform is easy for all ages to learn and use and reduces the time for customers and vet clinics to manage appointments.

 

4.Reduce reception and administrative time

Traditional appointment systems require people to work the processes which require time and effort, such as noting down appointments and calling customers to either book or configure appointments. This requires more work and time for a clinic’s reception and administration. Online Appointment Systems decrease the load of human labour and provide a more efficient work process. As it allows customers to book appointments online and vet clinics to receive and manage appointments through their database.

 

5.Cost Efficiency

Implementing Online Appointment Systems is cost-efficient for vet clinics, as they reduce the administrative workload on the staff and operational costs. The installation of Online Appointment Systems is also not that costly, as it can be considered a huge Return On Investment (ROI) by using such software.

 

Commonly asked questions

 

1.Online appointment systems seem impersonal

Online appointment systems are just a tool to assist your clients in finding a suitable  appointment time. This does not change the fact that the initial interaction with your team, usually by phone, should be warm and friendly. As with many businesses, online appointment systems are convenient and a preferred method for most people. 

 

2.Pet owners don’t always know what type of appointment they need

Online appointment systems have the capability of educating clients on the types of appointments they can book online. Highlighted disclaimers that advise clients that only non-emergency appointments can be booked are essential. Phoning clients to confirm their online appointments is also best practice and can also set expectations when it comes to appointment types.

 

3.How do I know if I need an online appointment system

There are some indications when vet clinics need online appointment systems

  • When clinics have a high volume of phone calls
  • Clinic staff are limited and time-poor
  • High staff turnover
  • Demand for flexibility in booking appointments from clients

 

4.What is the ROI of an online appointment system?

Using Online Appointment Systems may contribute an ROI to vet clinics which are

  • Increase of revenue: As the amount of customer “no shows” are decreased, and clinic staff is able to increase their productivity as the online appointment systems decrease their workload
  • Cost efficiency: as online appointment systems allow clinics to reduce the amount of staff to manage appointment scheduling
  • Increased productivity: As the Online Appointment Systems manages the appointments automatically which reduces the need for staff to process it manually
  • Improved customer satisfaction: As customers have the flexibility to schedule appointments through their computers or mobile devices, instead of calling the clinic during work hours.

 

5.How do I prevent no-shows?

Online Appointment Systems can reduce the number of customer no-shows, as it has features to prevent that

  • Online Appointment Systems puts out automatic reminders to customers who have booked an appointment. This would give out notifications of their appointment to their mobile devices.
  • Confirmation requests are asked automatically to customers’ mobile devices to confirm whether they would show up to their appointment
  • Canceling policies are given to customers which have terms and conditions for canceling appointments. The terms and conditions may be in the form of giving a due date for the final cancellation notice.

 

Tips to Implement Online Appointment Systems for Vet Clinics

 

Selecting the appropriate software for Online Appointment Systems is vital for a vet clinic to gain a positive impact between customers and clinics. 

VetCheck provides vet clinics with accurate and reliable Online Appointment Systems, as it is easy and practical for customers and vet clinics to use. The platform is designed at a minimalistic design which allows people comprehend easily. VetCheck also provides active and reliable customer service if there are any issues regarding the software. Here are some tips for vet clinics to implement Online Appointment Systems.

 

1.Integration with your website

Integration of Online Appointment Systems and vet clinic websites may provide a seamless and convenient experience for customers. As it allows customers to schedule appointments without leaving the website, which may increase consumer engagement. 

 

2.Integration with your practice management system

Integrating a vet clinic’s practice management can be done easily within several steps. Firstly, the clinic must choose an Online Appointment System that is compatible with its current practice management system. Then, ensure the clinic’s software has been configured to communicate with the Online Appointment System. After these steps are done, the clinic must set up its appointment scheduling workflow which may involve configuring their durations, type of appointments, and the availability of veterinarians. Finally, the clinic’s staff should be trained to use the Online Appointment Systems properly. This would help the staff maintain a steady and efficient workflow for both internal and external factors of the clinic.

 

3.Auto Create a new client file within your practice management system

Online Appointment Systems can create a new client file whenever a new client registers for an appointment. The system automatically creates a new client profile into the system when a new client registers and that profile may be used for clinics to have a preview of the client history with the vet and easy access to the profile. The system also complies with local privacy laws and regulations to protect the client’s sensitive data.

 

Conclusion

Online Appointment Systems would provide clinics a huge advantage in the market, as it is digital software that increases a clinic’s efficiency and effectiveness between the clinic and customers. This would work smoothly if clinics choose the proper software to accommodate them, as well as educate their staff and provide good customer service. The system would also help clinics gain insights through the scheduling patterns.