Saint Peter’s Healthcare System introduced a new service that helps patients more seamlessly access Saint Peter’s physicians via online scheduling. The service facilitates online appointment-making with participating providers across dozens of specialties, with additional physicians, specialties and appointment availability to be added in coming months. This service is powered by digital health marketplace Zocdoc.
To use this free service of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, patients visit BookMySPDoc.com. Patients can see doctors’ schedules in real time, along with qualifications, verified patient reviews, photos, and additional tools for selecting providers who best fit their needs. Patients can then choose an open time slot and schedule their own appointment with a few clicks. This service removes friction from the traditional patient experience by eliminating time-consuming phone calls, helping patients book with Saint Peter’s doctors 24/7 (even when the office is closed), and even sending email and text reminders about upcoming appointments to help reduce no-shows.
“Allowing patients to self-schedule will reduce the administrative burden on front-desk and office staff; empower patients to make appointments anytime, anywhere; reduce cancellations and missed appointments, and help drive more patients to our system,” said Frank DiSanzo, chief information and strategy officer for Saint Peter’s Healthcare System. “Saint Peter’s is committed to increasing access and enhancing the patient experience. Marketing research has shown that patients increasingly want the convenience of making appointments using the Internet or their smart device.”
Central New Jersey residents may wait as long as 26 days, depending upon the specialty, for a medical appointment, according to a study by the healthcare search and consulting firm of Merritt Hawkins & Associates. However, the typical Zocdoc appointment takes place in just 24 hours. This is made possible by Zocdoc’s online marketplace that shows doctors’ real-time availability — including last-minute cancellations and no-shows — to patients who are seeking care. This so-called “hidden supply of healthcare” accounts for up to 25 percent of a doctor’s day.
Saint Peter’s Healthcare System is proud to unite modern patients and doctors with this cutting-edge technology, and to deliver the great healthcare experience patients expect and deserve.
For more information about Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, visit www.saintpetershcs.com or call 732-745-8600.