In a field where every second counts, any process or system that slows or disrupts patient care will not do. It’s important that medical professionals can quickly and efficiently connect to patients needing care. For this reason, it is critical to have a phone system that is both reliable and efficient. A phone system powered by leading technology has the ability to significantly improve the efficiency of medical professionals and drastically reduce costs for healthcare professionals.

Unified communications has been used for many years within healthcare organizations as a way of integrating all communications, including phone, fax, chat, and web applications. In our experience, here are the top three benefits of updating a healthcare organization’s legacy phone system to a unified communications solution.

Improved efficiency with mobility

One area in which unified communications offers improved efficiency is with mobility. Health professionals are constantly on-the-go and may have a difficult time keeping in touch with their patients. Unified communications allows providers to be reached anywhere at any time. Consider how long it used to take to transfer vital patient records. Today’s healthcare teams need immediate access to all the patient’s history to ensure proper patient care is administered. Through patient care system integrations with unified communications technology, providers can access vital automated medical information regardless of a staff member’s location.

In addition, healthcare staff can use unified communications through their personal devices for greater flexibility and engagement. This allows physicians who work at multiple hospitals, or nurses constantly on the move to communicate and analyze details faster and more efficiently. This also gives healthcare professionals the privacy of not having to give out their personal cell number, all while offering the same capabilities as their desk phone.

Faster, simpler office operations

The benefits of Unified Communications for healthcare facilities are not just limited to increased mobility for healthcare providers, but also extends to the front desk staff and IT administrators. For instance, IT administrators can employ an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) for daily office operations. Using an IVR, IT staff can set up easy-to-follow menus for patients to reach the appropriate department or create custom call routes based on caller ID information. This gives IT administrators a faster and simpler way to direct call flows and change call options.

IVRs also lessen the workload of the front desk by automating things like appointment confirmations and cancellations. Having an IVR reduces patient waiting times and ensures that no patient calls are missed. In a field where reputation is key to keeping patients, an IVR helps give both small and large medical practices a more professional look and feel.

Cost savings and flexibility

Over the years, we’ve seen first-hand how a unified communications phone system can improve efficiency in healthcare organizations. In addition, we’ve seen how an improved system can extend beyond just improved efficiency and include long-term cost savings and flexibility. One way that unified communications can save your organization money is by consolidating phone systems into one, and integrating with existing infrastructure. For instance, a healthcare practice operating multiple different phone systems can consolidate into a single unified system. Using a platform that is compatible with all SIP-based hardware, can allow the practice to make use of its existing phone system technology and reduce costs.
Upgrading to a new phone system can be difficult for healthcare organizations on a tight budget. However, switching to a unified communications system can bring flexibility and often offers the option of deploying on-premise equipment or connecting to a cloud-hosted phone system. This gives organizations the freedom to opt for an upfront capital investment in on-premise equipment or a monthly subscription to hosted cloud phone service. Additionally, many unified communications systems are regularly updated with the latest features to enhance functionality and ensure your practice stays on the cutting edge.

If you’re ready to experience the benefits of unified communications but still apprehensive about a new deployment and training, rest assured. LBMC Technology Solutions can help to help design and implement a deployment. Read more about our business phone systems services here.

Content provided by LBMC Technology Solutions’ professional, Joe Cron.