How to Schedule More Effectively with Refera

Optimizing Referral Scheduling for Better Patient Outcomes and Increased Revenue

Managing patient referrals can be a frustrating and time-consuming process, especially when using traditional paper referral slips. Many dental practices assume that once they hand a patient a referral, their job is done. However, the reality is that 50% of referred patients never schedule their appointments. This results in lost revenue for both the GP and the specialist and, most importantly, untreated patients.

The Problem with Traditional Referrals

Paper referrals often lead to delays, miscommunication, and lost patients. Here’s why:

• Patients forget about their referral or misplace the slip.
• Many patients hesitate to schedule due to uncertainty or fear.
• Specialists have little control over scheduling, often prioritizing whoever calls first rather than their most valuable referrers.

How Refera Streamlines Scheduling

Refera eliminates these issues by digitizing the entire referral process. Here’s how:

• Instant Referral Transmission – The specialist receives the referral information immediately, allowing them to follow up directly with the patient.
• Automated Patient Reminders – Patients receive a text with referral details, including reminders, significantly increasing the likelihood of scheduling.
• Smart Scheduling for Specialists – Specialists can now prioritize high-value referrals, ensuring their most loyal referring offices receive top-tier service.

The Results Speak for Themselves

By shifting to an electronic referral system like Refera, specialists see 80% of referred patients schedule their consults, a drastic improvement from the traditional 50% conversion rate. Faster scheduling leads to better treatment outcomes, improved patient experiences, and stronger relationships between GPs and specialists.

Are you ready to take control of your referrals? Try Refera today and experience a smarter way to schedule.