Since launching in New Zealand in 2018, MyHealth1st has steadily strengthened its market share, with an estimated 30% of New Zealand’s independent optometrists now using the online platform.
Anstice & Associates Optometrists in Christchurch was one of the first sites to go live and two years down the track, business manager Leza Fox is still singing its praises. Here she shares how MyHealth1st has revolutionised her practice.
When it comes to MyHealth1st, Leza Fox says that, in her opinion, there are “too many benefits” to count. Needless to say, she’s a fan. “Initially, I was interested in MyHealth1st because I wanted to improve our recall process and EasyRecall seemed to work very well. That was what was most important for us. However, we actually started with OnlineAppointments first [and it] became really useful. I knew online booking was always going to be a good thing. But now I really, really appreciate it.”
Online bookings immediately made an impact to the practice’s day to day and is now integral to its success, saving time, reducing call load and making the whole process far easier for both patient and staff. “[Before MyHealth1st], we had lots of people booking appointments and the phone ringing .... and obviously we have patients walking in the door as well. Having online bookings cuts down on that - it helps immensely [with] the overall efficiency.” It’s also been hugely valuable to the patients.
“A lot of people, especially the younger generation… they don’t actually like making phone calls. They just want to go online [and] appreciate the access to the online portal. People realise that you are moving with the times. Plus, people are busy and can’t always book in-office hours. With OnlineAppointments, the bookings come in during the day as well as night.”
While OnlineAppointments has undoubtedly made a big difference to the way Anstice & Associates operates, Fox admits it was the introduction of EasyRecall that was the real game-changer. Not only did it immediately improve practice efficiency, it also significantly reduced costs.
“It’s saved us a lot of money. We used to send out recall letters. Now that I do the recalls online, we’re actually saving two-thirds of what the letters were costing. That has been an amazing change and has also been a lot faster.”
It’s also allowed the team to have more control over when a patient receives their recall reminder, resulting in higher recall conversions. “When people get a text message [or letter], they might not read it if it’s the wrong time for them.” EasyRecall has allowed the team to identify the best times to send the digital reminders to get results. “It’s been working really well. I absolutely love it.
“Overall, MyHealth1st is well worth the investment. It’s a very tiny monthly cost you put out, but you get so much more back. All the timesaving and efficiency… just everything. There are no negatives, there are only positives when it comes to MyHealth1st.”
