{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"So you want to get rid of your front desk? Start here.","description":"Getting rid of your front desk sounds great in theory\u2014but what does it actually look like on Monday morning?   In a recent episode of The Optometry Success Podcast, \u201cWhy do you still have a front desk?\u201d, we challenged one of those assumptions in optometry that often goes unquestioned simply because \u201cthat\u2019s the way we\u2019ve always done it.\u201d That conversation generated a listener question asking us to go one step further: How do you actually make this work?   So that\u2019s exactly what we\u2019re doing in this episode.   Chad walks through the self-check-in system he built and currently uses in his practices, including the physical kiosk setup, the simple technology behind it, the questions patients are asked when they arrive, and how that information gets communicated to the appropriate team members in real time.   We also talk about why eliminating the traditional front desk doesn\u2019t mean eliminating the patient experience\u2014or even eliminating a team member. In fact, the better way to approach this may be to start running the new system while your existing front desk is still in place. Let patients learn the process. Let your team learn the workflow. Find the problems. Make adjustments. Then see whether the traditional front desk is still necessary.   This is a perfect example of Jim Collins\u2019 concept of firing bullets before cannonballs. You don\u2019t need a major remodel or an expensive technology investment to test the idea. A relatively inexpensive kiosk, an iPad, and a simple form can give you enough information to determine whether the concept works in your practice.   And if it does, the upside extends beyond payroll. You may create a more efficient check-in experience, reduce your dependence on a difficult-to-staff position, and even reclaim valuable square footage for more productive uses.   NBS (Next Best Step): Don\u2019t start by getting rid of your front desk. Start by making it unnecessary. Build a simple self-check-in process alongside your existing workflow, train patients and staff to use it, and see whether the system can gradually replace a task you\u2019ve historically needed someone to perform.   Examples of a kiosk stand   Have a question for us to address in a future episode? Submit it here!   Resources: Learn more about Partners in Profit Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20\/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice   Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https:\/\/shorturl.at\/Fq1Ro  Subscribe on Spotify: https:\/\/shorturl.at\/jCtsk  ","author_name":"The Optometry Success Podcast","author_url":"https:\/\/sites.libsyn.com\/604445","html":"