Digital intake and planning delivers big results for Posterity Health

Posterity Health is a virtual-first center of excellence for male reproductive health. It offers a hybrid care delivery model that enables telehealth appointments, ongoing treatment plans, and personalized care. Through a variety of technologies, personalized care, and expert guidance, Posterity Health empowers men to take control of their reproductive health.

THE PROBLEM

Male reproductive health care is often overlooked and there is a persistent stigma around seeking help, says Matt Alley, COO at Posterity Health.

“Men are generally hesitant to call doctors or seek professional help for fertility issues, making it difficult to ensure they receive timely care,” he explained. “This reluctance has been a significant barrier for Posterity Health, as engaging men early in their reproductive journey is critical to successful outcomes.

“Our administrative burden on our staff was significant,” he continued. “The intake process was time-consuming and manually managing appointments was inefficient. This not only strained our resources, but also led to delays and decreased patient satisfaction. We needed a system that could streamline our processes, making it easier for men to reach out, book appointments, and stay connected with our clinic without feeling overwhelmed or embarrassed.”

PROPOSAL

Yosi Health introduced its digital system, giving Alley an opportunity to address these challenges head-on. The provider’s suite of services simplified the patient intake process, made appointments easier and improved overall patient engagement, which was key to breaking through the resistance men often feel to seeking fertility care, he said.

“The vendor provided a comprehensive digital platform that was configured to streamline our administrative processes and improve patient engagement,” he recalled. “Their system focused on these key areas: digital intake, online scheduling, reputation management, payment collection, and two-way text messaging.

“The digital intake process was a game-changer,” he claimed. “By giving patients the ability to complete intake forms online, we were able to significantly reduce the time we spent on administrative tasks. This feature saves our staff about 10 minutes per appointment – ​​and the process is more convenient for patients.”

He added that 70% of patients complete the intake process within 10 minutes. It is clear that this feature improves both patient satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Online scheduling was another key component, allowing men to book appointments for male fertility testing directly from their phones.

“This convenience was crucial in encouraging men to take the first step in their reproductive journey,” Alley noted. “The ability to schedule both in-person appointments, such as vasectomies and reversals, and online consultations reduced the stigma associated with male fertility issues by providing a private and convenient way to access care.

“Reputation management gathers valuable patient feedback to continually improve our services,” he said. “Patients who completed the survey gave an impressive average patient rating of 9.3/10. This feedback loop is essential to maintaining high standards of care and promptly addressing any concerns.”

The technology is designed to alleviate the problem by simplifying the entire process for patients, providers and staff, ultimately leading to more men seeking the fertility care they need, he added.

TOOK UP THE CHALLENGE

Once implemented, Yosi Health’s technology was integrated into Posterity Health’s existing workflows to create a seamless patient experience. Posterity Health’s administrative staff and providers were the primary users of the platform, using its various features to streamline operations and increase patient engagement.

“The digital intake process was adopted immediately,” Alley said. “Patients were encouraged to complete their intake forms online prior to their appointments, significantly reducing the time spent on paperwork during visits. This integration went smoothly because Yosi’s platform was designed to work with our existing electronic medical record system, ensuring patient data was captured accurately and securely.

“For scheduling appointments, the provider’s online system was fully integrated into our website and patient portal,” he continued. “Patients could now schedule appointments directly online for fertility evaluations, vasectomies, and reversals. This convenience was especially beneficial for men who were hesitant to call for sensitive issues.”

The self-scheduling feature allows men to take control of their reproductive journey by scheduling appointments at their own convenience, he added.

“In terms of reputation management, we are able to send fully customizable patient satisfaction surveys to gather patient feedback after appointments,” Alley said. “This data was integrated into our internal review processes, allowing us to continually improve our services based on patient input. The high completion rate of these surveys provided valuable insights into patient satisfaction and areas for improvement.”

“Overall, the technology enhances our ability to provide efficient, patient-centered care,” he continued. “The platform’s ease of use and extensive features allow us to overcome the challenges of engaging men in the fertility process.”

RESULTS

One of the most significant results Posterity Health has achieved is the reduction of administrative time and improved efficiency of patient intake. With the digital intake process, 70% of patients now complete their intake forms within 10 minutes.

This efficiency has saved staff approximately 10 minutes per appointment, allowing them to focus more on patient care than paperwork. This streamlined process has not only improved operational efficiency, but also enhanced the overall patient experience by reducing wait times and making visits more convenient.

Another key statistic is the improvement in patient engagement and satisfaction. Despite only 11% of patients initiating post-appointment surveys, those who did completed them, resulting in an average rating of 9.3/10.

“This high satisfaction score is a testament to the technology’s effectiveness in creating a positive patient experience,” Alley said. “The feedback we receive from these surveys is invaluable and helps us identify areas for improvement and maintain high standards of care.

“A third measure of success is the increased ease and accessibility of scheduling appointments, which has seen a noticeable increase in the number of men booking appointments for semen analysis and other services,” he continued. “This feature has empowered men to take proactive steps in their reproductive journey, reducing the stigma and hesitancy that often accompanies seeking care.”

Making it easier to book appointments online can make it easier for men to access the care they need, leading to better health outcomes, he added.

ADVICE FOR OTHERS

For providers considering implementing digital technologies for intake and scheduling, it’s essential to focus on the patient experience, Alley advises.

“Implementing a user-friendly and efficient system can significantly improve patient engagement and satisfaction,” he noted. “Patients today expect convenience and ease of use when interacting with healthcare providers, and now their expectations can be met. By reducing administrative burdens on staff and streamlining processes, healthcare providers can provide a more seamless and positive patient experience.

“Another key piece of advice is to make sure the technology integrates smoothly with your existing systems or is highly configurable,” he continued. “Compatibility with your electronic health records and other platforms is essential for maintaining accurate and secure patient data. When choosing a technology vendor, look for systems that offer customization and strong support to facilitate a smooth onboarding experience for staff.”

Finally, it is important to continually collect patient feedback and act on it, he advised.

“Reputation management tools that collect patient surveys can provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction and areas for improvement,” he said. “By actively listening to and addressing patient concerns, providers can improve their services and build stronger relationships with patients.

“Technologies that enable this feedback loop are invaluable in maintaining high levels of care and continually improving the patient experience,” he concluded.

Follow Bill’s HIT reporting on LinkedIn: Bill Siwicki
Send him an email: bsiwicki@himss.org
Healthcare IT News is a publication of HIMSS Media.

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