Smarter Week

How to automate it

How to automate “room patients and type in vitals and history”

Here are 2 ways to spend less time on this, best first. Each comes with steps you can follow today.

60 min
typically, every day
30%
of the time can be automated
Some setup
to set up

Fix 1 of 2

Software featureBest fix

Use vitals machines that send readings straight to the EHR

Connected vitals monitors send blood pressure, pulse, temperature and weight straight into the chart after you scan the patient's wristband or select them. No writing down and retyping.

Typically saves about 30% of the time1 h to set up
  1. 1Ask biomed or IT whether your vitals machines can connect to the EHR.
  2. 2Ask for connected scales and monitors in rooming areas.
  3. 3Scan or select the patient before measuring.
  4. 4Confirm the values in the chart.

Tools: Connected vitals monitors (e.g. Baxter Welch Allyn Connex) · Your EHR (Epic, Oracle Health, athenahealth, eClinicalWorks, NextGen or similar)

Fix 2 of 2

Software feature

Send digital intake forms before the visit

Patients fill in forms, upload insurance cards and ID, and sign consents on their phone before they arrive. It flows straight into the chart, so no one types from clipboards.

Typically saves about 50% of the time3 h to set up
  1. 1Check whether your EHR or PM system has digital check-in (MyChart eCheck-In, Phreesia, Clearwave, Luma, Tebra).
  2. 2Move your paper forms into it.
  3. 3Send the link automatically with the appointment reminder.
  4. 4Keep a tablet at the desk for patients who did not complete it.

Tools: Epic MyChart eCheck-In · Phreesia · Clearwave · Luma Health

Quick wins

Have you tried…

Do patients fill in their forms on their phone before they arrive?
Digital check-in sends patients a link to complete forms, upload their insurance card and sign consents. It goes straight into the chart, so nobody types from paper.

Who does this task

Roles in our library that list this as one of their common tasks. Each guide covers the rest of that role’s week.

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Other common tasks for Medical assistants / front desk staff