3 Ways to Use Patient Check-in Software to Increase Profits at Your Dermatology Practice

By Chloe From Clearwave | September 16, 2024

To keep up with the patient demand and increasing competition, dermatology practices are constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance patient experience, streamline operations and boost profitability. By leveraging dermatology patient check-in software., practices can not only improve efficiency but also significantly increase their bottom line. 

There are three key ways in which patient check-in software can help dermatology practices maximize profits while delivering superior patient care.

1. Promote Premium Services and Reduce Marketing Costs

Dermatology practices offer a wide range of services, from medical treatments to cosmetic procedures. However, many patients may not be aware of all the available options, particularly when it comes to premium services. This is where dermatology patient check-in software can play a crucial role in both marketing and upselling services.

When patients use self-check-in kiosks, practices have a unique opportunity to showcase their premium services directly to a captive audience. Forward-thinking dermatology practices are using their digital kiosk check-in workflows to build awareness and interest in premium services, outside of standard exams. 

Consider your current approach. Right now you may lean on your already overworked staff to build interest in services like Botox or other cosmetic procedures. However, your staff may also feel uncomfortable asking about premium services, like Botox, which can sound offensive to patients who may not have been thinking about it.  

Instead, practices are increasing premium service bookings, without creating unwanted staff interactions or increasing marketing costs, by instead adding targeted questions to their check-in workflow. Adding custom questions can be quick, simple and private with the right patient engagement software – meaning your patients could answer honestly and indicate their interest. For example, a patient over forty might see information about anti-aging treatments, while young adults could be shown details about acne therapies or scar reduction procedures. This level of customization not only increases the relevance of your premium services but also improves the likelihood of patient interest.

By leveraging their existing patient base through check-in software, dermatology practices can significantly reduce their reliance on costly traditional advertising methods. See where it’s worked before – one practice increased LASIK revenue by $400K while reducing advertising costs by $5K per month! Read their story here. 

2. Enhance Data Capture for Improved Claims Processing

Delays or errors in this claims process can lead to increased time-to-payment and high resubmission costs. Patient check-in software offers a solution to this problem by dramatically improving the quality and completeness of patient data.

When patients use self-registration systems, they are more likely to provide accurate and up-to-date information because they have direct control over the data entry process and can take their time reviewing all details to ensure they are correct. Pro tip: you can also use smart check-in software to require certain fields, preventing patients from skipping crucial information that might later hold up a claim.

Additionally, dermatology patient check-in software can integrate with a multi-factor eligibility verification system, allowing for real-time eligibility checks and improved data accuracy. Any issues with a patient’s insurance can be identified and addressed before services are rendered, reducing the risk of claim stall, missed co-pay collections or prior authorization setbacks.

The software can also prompt patients to update their information regularly, ensuring that the practice always has the most current data on file, especially for information like phone numbers and addresses. Having accurate patient contact information is crucial to improving patient access to care along their health journey. By improving the accuracy and completeness of patient data, dermatology practices can significantly reduce the time spent on claims processing and follow-ups. This not only speeds up reimbursement but also frees up staff time that can be better spent on patient care and other revenue-generating activities.

3. Streamline Collections With Less Staff Involvement

Arguably one of the most direct ways that dermatology patient check-in software can impact a practice’s bottom line is by improving the collections process. Traditional methods of collecting co-pays and outstanding balances often rely heavily on staff interaction, which can be both time-consuming and uncomfortable for all parties involved.

Self-registration systems integrated with payment processing capabilities offer a streamlined and less confrontational approach to collections. As patients check in for their appointments, a check-in kiosk can automatically display outstanding balances and show options for immediate payment. This approach provides immense profit several advantages:

1. Increased payment likelihood: Patients are more likely to pay when presented with their balance in a clear, matter-of-fact manner through a digital interface. The impersonal nature of the transaction can reduce the hesitation some patients feel when discussing money with staff. Practices using self-registration kiosks have increased point-of-service payments to such an extent that they, “would never go back!”

2. Convenience: Modern dermatology patient check-in software often includes multiple payment options, such as credit cards, card-on-file or even payment plans. This flexibility makes it easier for patients to settle their accounts on the spot.
3. Reduced staff burden: By automating the collections process and reducing staff intervention in registration by 87%, your full-time employees can be  freed from the often uncomfortable task of requesting payment. This not only improves staff morale but also allows them to focus on more value-added tasks that can enhance patient care and satisfaction.
4. Improved accuracy: Automated systems reduce the risk of human error in recording payments, ensuring that all transactions are accurately logged and reconciled.
5. Real-time reporting: Practice managers can access up-to-date information on collections, allowing for better financial planning and cash flow management.

A prime example of the benefits of dermatology check-in software is Cary Dermatology, which saw a 31% increase in copay collections after implementing self-registration solutions. By using tools like self-check-in kiosks and pre-check links, the practice achieved 96% patient adoption, reducing average check-in times to 2 minutes, 15 seconds. The technology helped streamline their processes, improve data accuracy, and reduce staff burden, allowing them to focus on delivering exceptional patient care while boosting profitability.

Leveraging Dermatology Check-in Software for Strategic Profit Growth and Enhanced Patient Care

Dermatology patient check-in software is more than just a convenience tool—it’s a powerful asset that can significantly impact a practice’s profitability. By using this technology to promote premium services, improve data capture and enhance the collections process, dermatology practices can realize substantial financial benefits.

Take a closer look at how Cary Dermatology successfully implemented patient check-in software to achieve impressive results. Read their case study and discover how similar strategies can transform your practice, enhance efficiency, and drive profitability.