Can Online Scheduling Increase Patient Satisfaction?

     Take Care Health Systems, a subsidiary of Walgreens, have introduced online scheduling into their care clinics. Take Care Clinics are in select Walgreens stores throughout the country and provide primary care to patients. The online scheduling option at Take Care Clinics allows patients to review the available appoint times, as well as actually book their appointment on the internet or through an in-store kiosk. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), about 20% of Family Practice physicians offer the opportunity for patients to request appointment times online, however, they still need to call to actually set the appointments.

     Even though Take Care Clinics tend to have quick, less complex appointments than other specialties, the technology is worth consideration. Online scheduling provides another avenue to engage patients through technology. It gives patients the autonomy to decide what time best fits their busy lifestyles and increases patient satisfaction.