TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES AT THE HUTCHINSON CLINIC
Improving the Patient Experience
The Hutchinson Clinic is committed to the most compassionate, timely, and advanced care possible. In order to deliver on those ideals we have invested in new technologies designed to improve the patient experience.
“Recent technology upgrades to include the Phreesia electronic check-in process, digital technologies in exam rooms, and a full service patient portal; as well as other programs that increase access to quality care, avenues for patient education, and a patient survey that is designed to help us implement service standards that are important to our patients.” - Traci Hansen, Director of Marketing and Business Development
For exapmple:
Phreesia implementation:
The Hutchinson Clinic has invested in technology to make the patient check-in experience faster, easier, and more comprehensive. From the orange iPad-like device at reception; patients can update their personal information, assign an emergency contact person, sign all of the clinic forms and policies electronically, and pay their copay or set up a payment plan privately from their seat by swiping a credit card on the unit. Another great feature allows patients to use their home computer or smart phone to check-in for their appointment before they even leave home making their wait time shorter.
Digital wallboards in exam rooms
Electronic digital wallboards are completely interactive so the doctor or nurse can pull up information and body systems that are specific to each patient’s medical issues and show them visually what is happening inside their body.
Electronic tablets in Oncology:
Electronic tablets have been added to the chemo/oncology wing so patients can watch full length feature films while getting their chemo or infusion. Some patients are here for hours so that helps pass the time. The tablets also feature connections to support groups, clinical trials, meditation apps and soothing pictures as well as access to specific information about their disease or cancer type and a mentor with the same diagnosis.
Follow My Health Patient Portal
Easiest way to communicate with your physicians – saves time on phone calls!
o Send and receive messages from your doctor's office – medication refills, schedule appointments, ask your doctor or nurse question about your health.
Review your personal health history – labs, medication lists, vitals, personal & family history, lab results, and other test results
o View summaries of your appointments
o Schedule appointments online
o Text notifications to your phone if you want them
Get alerts when there is new health information on the site – patients will get an email indicating that they have new information to view – to see it, they log in to the Follow My Health APP. No personal information is sent in the email
Is it secure – Yes! Patients use their personal email & username/password to sign in to their secure portal.
Text reminders for appointments:
If patients have a cell phone number on file, they can just text HUTCHCLINIC to 622622 to sign up for appointment reminders via text. In our busy daily life and constant access to our cell phones, this is a great feature to confirm, change, or just remember upcoming appointments.
Call Center upgrades:
The Hutchinson Clinic invested in a new technology designed to improve the patient experience and make it faster and more efficient for callers. The new call center system is designed to decrease hold time and produce more accurate call transfers as well as a convenient callback feature and several other patient friendly benefits.
Website upgrades:
The Hutchinson Clinic has transformed the website to create a more patient-centered experience with easier navigation, and more patient information with a focus on the services offered in each department. Soon it will feature more procedure videos, meet the doctor videos, and building tour videos so patients can engage with the Hutchinson Clinic from their home or phone and get the information they are seeking quickly and easily.
Telemedicine:
The Hutchinson Clinic has also created a telemedicine program that allows patients in the farthest reaches of our 10,000 square mile geographic outreach area to gain easier access to quality specialty care.
Social Media:
Join our engaging online presence by following us on social media. Get information via FaceBook, Twitter, and Instagram to learn more about new doctors, new services, job opportunities, Also look for great information sessions via FaceBook LIVE - a great way for patients to learn about a timely topic from a doctor and get questions answered in real time.
State of the Art Eagle Dream Analytic software:
The analytic software provided through EagleDream Health helps achieve more successful population health management through increased quality of care to patients, reduced costs, and greater patient access. EagleDream Health’s software provides useful data that physicians can access to provide a full spectrum of care management while improving clinical outcomes.
Patient Satisfaction Surveys:
Patient satisfaction surveys were implemented a few years ago, the responses are actively monitored, and a customer service committee meets regularly to review the data in order to look for areas to improve upon. Once an area has been identified, new protocols are put into place to improve the overall patient experience.
“The implementation of patient surveys has allowed us to receive, monitor and respond to patient feedback in a timelier manner. It has also allowed us to benchmark the service we provide and implement industry best practices to improve each patient encounter.
We value the feedback our patients provide and have made changes specifically based on the surveys completed by our patients. We are committed to excellence in patient care and truly appreciate the time our patients take in completing this valuable and powerful feedback tool. “ - Tracy Clarke, Chief Human Resources Officer
Lobby closed-circuit TV Monitors:
Important health information scrolls across waiting room screens providing valuable tips and health hints while you wait for your appointment.