In the realm of healthcare, patient relationships aren’t just about providing medical care; they’re about fostering trust, empathy, and loyalty. A positive patient experience is the most powerful signal for retaining patients and increasing revenue-driving appointments. At Clarus, we understand the importance of these relationships, which is why we go above and beyond to strengthen them at every touchpoint. 

Building trust begins with effective communication. When patients reach out to their practice, they expect to be connected to the office staff or provider within minutes. In fact, 60% of callers will hang up after being on hold for one minute. Most patients have long hold times due to staff shortages and high call demand. At Clarus, we remove hold times and decrease the time it takes for patients to get the answers or assistance they need.  

As the urgency of call type increases, the importance of call management heightens. With Clarus After-hours patients with urgent needs connect with a provider 67% faster than with a traditional answering service. By providing accurate information to providers and timely responses to patients, we ensure that vital information is relayed minimizing delays and enhancing care continuity. 

We hear consistently that patients are starting to formally complain to practice management that they cannot get through to office staff and do not get called back when leaving a voicemail. During office hours, Clarus makes it possible for patients to get their calls returned on the same day. Our AI-transcription and automated call sorting ensures the right people get the right calls and can access and triage quickly. Sauk Prairie Healthcare was taking 2-3 days to return patient calls. After implementing Clarus, Sauk Prairie Healthcare was able to return all calls in 2-3 hours. 

 Transparency is another key component of our approach. We believe in keeping providers and staff informed every step of the way. Each call is transcribed and documented in the Clarus dashboard and app, so the practice knows exactly what is going on with their patients. Dr Pritikin from Chicago Nasal & Sinus recently said, “I think the one thing that I appreciate the most about the Clarus system is the fact that I can hear the patient’s voice when they’re leaving the message. I can hear not only what they’re saying, but how they’re saying it. I can get a sense of whether there’s something that’s truly urgent that needs to be acted on right away.”  

 At Clarus, we believe in continuous improvement. We actively seek feedback from healthcare providers and staff to refine our services continually. By embracing innovation and staying ahead of industry trends, we adapt our strategies to meet the changing needs of our customers. Through ongoing refinement and enhancement, we not only strengthen patient trust but also position ourselves as a trusted partner in the healthcare industry.  

 Ultimately, our goal at Clarus is not just to provide communication but to cultivate lasting patient relationships built on trust, empathy, and loyalty. By prioritizing effective communication, transparency, and continuity of care, we aim to strengthen patient relationships and contribute to improved health outcomes and overall well-being.  

AI-Transcribed Patient Messages

Clarus’ AI-powered transcription feature is revolutionizing how patient calls are managed in healthcare. AI technology, endorsed by industry leaders like the CEO of Northwell Health, frees up valuable time for healthcare professionals to focus on delivering quality care instead of busy work. There’s no shortage of conversations happening about artificial intelligence. Healthcare leaders need to know AI is here to stay, and it can start positively impacting their practices today.  

Ease of Labor Shortages  

The integration of AI addresses labor shortages by automating repetitive tasks and optimizing resource allocation. AI-driven solutions like transcription services reduce the administrative burden on healthcare staff, allowing them to work more efficiently and effectively. 

During the Cleveland Clinic’s annual state of address CEO Tom Mihaljevic, MD said, “…we will have to get used to living with a workforce shortage in healthcare for many years to come. We’re very excited about our ability to use artificial intelligence to run our own business smarter.” 

Enhanced Patient Care 

AI transcription services facilitate faster response times and more accurate documentation, ultimately leading to improved patient care. By swiftly transcribing patient messages, healthcare providers can access vital information promptly, make informed decisions, and intervene, when necessary, enhancing patient outcomes and satisfaction. 

In a recent interview Clarus conducted, Sauk Prairie Healthcare’s Director of Specialty Practices said, “Before implementing Clarus, we were experiencing anywhere from 6,000-10,000 calls a month. We now have been able to reduce that and staff can return all calls same-day.” 

Data-Driven Insights 

AI technology enables healthcare organizations to analyze transcribed data, identify trends, and gain valuable insights into patient needs and preferences. This data-driven approach empowers providers to refine their practices, personalize patient experiences, and drive innovation in care delivery, aligning with Michael Dowling’s vision of AI’s potential to address hospital shortfalls. 

Continuous Improvement 

By leveraging AI-powered solutions, healthcare institutions can foster continuous improvement. Through the analysis of transcribed data and feedback, providers can identify areas for optimization, streamline processes, and enhance service delivery. Cleveland Clinic and IBM recently published their findings on training AI to learn how immune systems recognize cancer cells, opening avenues for new treatments. This approach ensures that healthcare organizations remain agile and responsive to evolving patient needs and industry trends. 

In conclusion, the integration of AI technology, exemplified by Clarus’ innovative solutions, is transforming the healthcare landscape by streamlining operations, enhancing patient care, and driving continuous improvement. With insights from industry leaders, it’s evident that AI is not just a technological advancement but a catalyst for positive change in healthcare delivery. 

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, staff shortages can pose significant challenges to maintaining seamless patient care. Whether due to unexpected absences, increased demand, or other factors, healthcare providers must be equipped with strategies to navigate these shortages effectively. Here are some approaches to ensure uninterrupted and high-quality patient care in the face of staff shortages.

1. Utilizing Technology to Enhance Efficiency:

Leveraging technology can significantly improve operational efficiency during staff shortages. Implementing advanced scheduling systems, telemedicine solutions, and automation tools can streamline processes, reducing the burden on the existing workforce. Virtual care options enable healthcare providers to reach patients remotely, alleviating the strain on in-person staffing and improving accessibility to medical services.

2. Prioritizing Patient-Centric Approaches:

During staff shortages, prioritizing patient needs becomes paramount. Healthcare providers should focus on core patient care functions, optimizing workflows to maintain the highest standard of service. Clear communication with patients about potential delays or changes in procedures is crucial to manage expectations and maintain trust.

3. Flexible Staffing Models:

Exploring flexible staffing models can help bridge the gap during shortages. Utilizing locum tenens professionals or agency staff provides a quick and temporary solution to ensure that patient care remains consistent. Additionally, implementing flexible work schedules and remote work options can contribute to better staff retention and satisfaction.

4. Collaborative Team Approach:

Encouraging a collaborative team approach fosters a sense of unity among healthcare staff. During shortages, teamwork becomes even more critical. Implementing effective communication channels and fostering a supportive work culture enables staff members to collaborate seamlessly, ensuring that patient care is not compromised.

In conclusion, navigating staff shortages in healthcare requires a multifaceted approach that combines strategic planning, technology integration, and a patient-centric focus. By implementing these strategies, healthcare organizations can maintain the highest standards of patient care, even in challenging staffing situations.

2024 Healthcare Trends 

As we step into 2024, the healthcare landscape is undergoing substantial transformations driven by technological advancements and the evolving needs of patients. Innovations in communication technology are playing a vital role in reshaping patient experience and overall healthcare delivery in the coming year. Let’s explore the key trends that you will see in 2024.  

Patient-Centric Care 

The healthcare industry is shifting towards a more patient-centric model, emphasizing proactive and preventive care. Advanced technologies are enhancing patient engagement by minimizing wait times, providing accurate AI-transcriptions of patient messages, and facilitating seamless communication with staff and providers for both urgent and non-urgent needs. Proactive communication strategies foster stronger patient-provider relationships. 

Artificial Intelligence 

Revolutionizing healthcare, artificial intelligence (AI) streamlines processes, improves accuracy, and enhances operational efficiency. Cutting-edge call management systems utilize AI to transcribe patient messages, giving healthcare providers the option to either listen or read messages, with a focus on prioritizing urgent matters. This not only alleviates the burden on healthcare staff but also ensures prompt addressing of critical issues. AI is being activated in a wide range of areas to help prevent provider burnout and improve patient experience. 

Data-Driven Decision Making 

Healthcare providers are increasingly leveraging data analytics for informed decision-making. Integration of analytics tools, without specifying the provider, allows administrators to gain valuable insights into call volumes, patient inquiries, and overall communication patterns. This data-driven approach enables continuous improvement in service delivery and optimal resource allocation. 

Looking ahead to 2024, it is evident that technology will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping how healthcare practices handle patient communication. Cutting-edge call management systems emerge as key players, aligning with industry trends such as patient engagement, AI transcriptions, and data-driven decision-making. By embracing these advancements, healthcare practices are well-equipped to navigate the dynamic changes in the industry, delivering more efficient and patient-centric care in the years ahead. 

Winter is Coming: Successfully Manage Call Demand with Clarus

Cold and flu season is an annual battle that healthcare practices around the world must face head-on. As temperatures drop and sniffles become more common, the demand for medical care skyrockets. This surge in patient calls and visits presents numerous challenges for healthcare practices, from overwhelmed office staff to patient frustration. Fortunately, innovative solutions like Clarus can play a vital role in supporting both staff and patients during this time.

The cold and flu season brings a wave of patients seeking treatment, advice, and reassurance. Healthcare practices are overflowing with appointment requests, prescription refills and inquiries about symptoms. This sudden surge of calls can overwhelm front office staff, causing delays in patient care and diminishing overall satisfaction. Additionally, ensuring accurate and timely information to patients is crucial during this period to prevent the spread of illnesses.

How Clarus Can Help

Clarus is a valuable solution during the cold and flu season. Here’s how it can address the challenges healthcare practices face during this time:

1. Efficient Call Handling: Clarus offers intelligent call routing and management features ensuring that incoming calls are directed to the right person promptly. This reduces hold times and alleviates staff stress.
2. Appointment Scheduling: Our platform integrates seamlessly allowing office staff to schedule appointments for patients reducing phone traffic.
3. After-Hours Support: Cold and flu symptoms can occur at any time including outside of regular office hours. Clarus can provide after-hours support to address patient concerns and schedule appointments for the next business day.
4. Efficient Documentation: Clarus can help streamline the documentation process by recording patient information and symptoms accurately, which can be later integrated into your EHR to maintain a comprehensive patient history.
5. Analytics and Reporting: Clarus can provide valuable data and insights on call volume, patient inquires, and appointment trends during cold and flu season. This data can be used for future planning and resource allocation.

The challenges that healthcare practices face during cold and flu season are undeniable. However, with the right tools and strategies in place, such as Clarus, practices can enhance their efficiency, provide better patient care, and support their staff. By embracing innovative solutions like Clarus, healthcare practices can weather the storm of cold and flu season with confidence ensuring that patients receive the care and information they need.

In the world of healthcare, efficient communication can be the deciding factor between a thriving practice and one struggling to keep up. This is where Clarus Call Management steps in, offering a transformative solution that has streamlined the way healthcare providers take patient calls. As we dive into the world of Clarus, let’s explore the services we provide, the challenges we address, and the reasons why Clarus has become the fastest growing technology platform for healthcare practices nationwide.

More than just a call management system, Clarus offers a comprehensive software platform designed to streamline and optimize the complexity of patient communication within healthcare settings. It is a daytime and after-hours solution that tackles the unique challenges faced by medical practices, hospitals, and healthcare providers.

Clarus Call Management offers a suite of services that revolutionize the way healthcare organizations operate:

1. Smart Call Routing: We ensure that incoming calls are directed to the right staff or department, reducing patient wait times and enhancing the patient experience.
2. Appointment Scheduling: Our platform simplifies the scheduling process, allowing patients to book appointments with ease while helping practices manage their calendars efficiently.
3. Real-time Analytics: With Clarus, you gain insight into call performance and patient communication patterns, enabling data-driven decisions.
4. Secure Messaging: We prioritize patient data security, offering secure messaging tools that facilitate confidential communication while ensuring compliance with HIPAA.

Clarus Call Management serves a diverse range of healthcare providers and staff including medical practices, health systems, clinics, and hospitals. Our focus group is to targeting Independent, Health Systems and MSO’s. Before discovering Clarus, these healthcare providers faced a multitude of challenges, including rising costs, unsatisfied patients, and administrative burdens. Multiple systems, high expenses and outdated processes were common issues these organizations were facing.

Our platform unifies and simplifies the complex web of patient communication, reduces administrative workloads, and enhances the patient experience. With Clarus, healthcare providers can focus on what truly matters, delivering high quality care, all while improving operational efficiency.

As providers and office staff continue to use this solution, the future of healthcare communication looks brighter than ever. Patients receive the care they deserve, and healthcare staff can focus on what truly matters – their patients well-being. With Clarus Call Management, the healthcare industry is taking a step forward in delivering efficient, patient-centered care.

Implementing Technology to Make Healthcare Jobs Better in 2023

As we wrap up the year reflecting on the last twelve months and looking to 2023, the healthcare industry has once again experienced new challenges and is continuing to adapt. In 2022, medical practices were tested to keep up with the growing demands of their patient populations with decreased access to staff.

The shortage of healthcare employees has been covered widely since the COVID19 pandemic. In 2023, we know this problem isn’t going away, but we also know there are ways for practices to become more attractive to prospective employees and optimize processes to eliminate need for new hires.

Technology provides medical practices with streamlined processes and optimized workflows. By choosing technology-based solutions, you eliminate manual tasks for your team and help their jobs run smoothly. Removing unnecessary steps in recurring responsibilities, your team can focus on what is most important and job satisfaction increases. Think of this as an investment to give workers time back.

Some areas we hear about frequently where technology can make a difference include data entry and overwhelmingly high volumes of patient calls. Possible integrations between systems to remove double data entry can help staff save time. Or removing the need to answer calls about billing, medical records, or prescription refills by automatically routing those calls to the right department without your front desk staff having to answer can save staff up to 3 hours per day – like Clarus’ Daytime solution.

Outsourcing is not an unfamiliar practice, but the ability to do so to a technology platform is more cost effective and offers more opportunities for improvement than the traditional contractor or third-party vendor relationship. Technology continues to improve and expand, and it can help your practice do the same.