LifeBridge Health Expands Use of Smartphone App Allowing Patients Easier Access to Schedule Their Own Appointments
Baltimore, MD - Patients at more than 30 LifeBridge Health practices can now use their smartphones to schedule appointments with their doctors through the Everseat app, an easy-to-use program that notifies patients when an appointment is available and allows them to book appointments on their mobile devices. LifeBridge Health will be expanding the use of this scheduling app to more doctors' offices and practices across its physician network.
The app offers a convenient option for patients, many of whom are already accustomed to using their smartphones to make restaurant reservations, arrange transportation and book other appointments. One of the earliest adopters of the scheduling technology was the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute at LifeBridge Health, where physician practices have been using the app for more than six months.
"In addition to patients telling us that they appreciate the ease and accessibility of the app, using it also helps our office staff. For example, rather than calling dozens of people to see if they are available when another patient cancels, we send a notification to app users who respond if they are interested in that particular appointment. This system also helps patients who tell us that they would be willing to come in for any available appointment," says Adrian Goldszmidt, M.D., neurologist and chief of neurology at the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute.
LifeBridge Health and Baltimore-based technology company Everseat have also launched a multi-year development partnership with the goal to create potential new technology to facilitate coordinated patient care among LifeBridge Health providers, including primary care doctors and specialists. Representatives from LifeBridge Health information technology (IT) and physicians' services have recently started meeting with Everseat developers to discuss possible applications.
"We have already seen how the Everseat technology enhances communication between patients and their physicians. Now, we are excited to see how this new partnership can build on our existing technology to find new benefits for patients, as well as benefits for a health system and its physicians," says Jeff Peres, CEO and cofounder of Everseat.
Preliminary work includes focus groups with LifeBridge Health doctors who are providing first-hand knowledge and input into how the potential technology might benefit their practices and their patients.
"At LifeBridge Health, we truly believe in putting our patients first, including looking for innovative ways to improve their experience and interactions with us. It may seem simple, but by expanding the use of the smartphone scheduling app to more of our practices, our patients have faster and easier access to appointments, giving them greater flexibility and control of their own health care," says Neil Meltzer, president and CEO of LifeBridge Health.
This month, Everseat will also be available as a web application as well so patients can access the app from any Internet connected-device.
About LifeBridge Health:
LifeBridge Health is one of the largest, most comprehensive providers of health services in Maryland. LifeBridge Health includes Sinai Hospital, Northwest