More than 50 percent of respondents confirmed that Mondays are the
worst days for missed appointments
(Mobile, AL – April 4, 2011) TeleVox Software, Inc., a leading provider of Engagement Communications technology solutions, today released a research report summarizing trends of how dentists are currently using online tools to engage with patients. The results are based on findings from a recent survey of 9,000 dentists and orthodontists throughout the country.
Patient appointment reminders
The report shows that 75 percent of practices are using voice mail, email, or text messaging to remind patients of their appointments. However, according to Scott Zimmerman, president of TeleVox, the survey findings indicate there are significant opportunities for practices to market their services via digital technology. More than 80 percent of practices are not currently marketing new products and services, and while 95 percent of practices have websites, only half have Facebook fan pages.
Portal-based practice management tools provide access to patient data and a means to send email and SMS texts. TeleVox’s Engagement Communications portal also features quality HTML emails that link to the practices' websites, outbound email communications that integrate with Facebook and Twitter pages, and promotional tools that help drive traffic to web pages to promote new products and services or provide expert advice on dental care.
Patient behavior patterns
The report reveals some interesting patient behavior, including:
- more than 50 percent of respondents confirmed that Mondays are the worst days for missed appointments;
- more than three quarters of missed appointments are by men; and
- nearly half of missed appointments are from patients in the 14 to 25 age group.
“This research indicates that advances in communications technology are giving practices the means to engage and activate patients in new ways,” Zimmerman said. “These tools also are helping solve the challenges of getting patients to attend appointments on time, which can lead to increased patient loyalty and business growth opportunities. We are pleased to make this research available to the dental industry.”
To review or download the complete research report, click http://www.televox.com/downloads/dental_survey.pdf
About TeleVox
TeleVox Software, Inc., a subsidiary of West Corporation, is a leading provider of customer and patient engagement communications (EC) services to health care and commercial markets. The TeleVox product and service portfolio includes personalized automated messaging and notifications, interactive website design, and hosting, secure online communications portals, and customer engagement consultancy. TeleVox products and services help B2B and B2C companies create optimal communications and engagement paths with their customers to increase customer satisfaction and retention, resulting in marked improvements in revenue as well as substantially decreased operating costs. TeleVox product and service brands include HouseCalls, LabCalls, T.LINK EC, Vox On-Hold, and WebPlus. Supported by 24 x 7 customer care, TeleVox products and services are used by nearly 17,000 healthcare and commercial enterprises throughout North America. The company is headquartered in Mobile, Alabama.
About West Corporation
West Corporation is a leading provider of technology-driven voice and data solutions. West offers its clients a broad range of communications and network infrastructure solutions that help them manage or support critical communications. West’s customer contact solutions and conferencing services are designed to improve its clients’ cost structure and provide reliable, high-quality services. West also provides mission-critical services, such as public safety and emergency communications.
Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, West serves Fortune 1000 companies and other clients in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, banking, retail, financial, technology and healthcare. West has sales and operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Latin America. For more information on West Corporation, please call 1-800-841-9000 or visit www.west.com.
