A new and improved method for patients to check in for outpatient care has come to UNM Hospital.
As of February 5, patients no longer check in for their appointments at their respective clinics. Instead, they will use what is called a centralized check-in (CCI).
This is a big and exciting change for our campus. The centralized check-in will further our mission of providing accessible, high-quality, safety-focused, and comprehensive care for the people of New Mexico.
With the centralized check-in, patients check in at one of two locations and pay co-pays before heading to their appointments. Kiosks are available at the main lobby of the Bill and Barbara Richardson Pavilion (BBRP) or inside the Orthopedic Clinic on the first floor near the entrance on Lomas.
Not only does this process help ensure clinics are handling check-in the same way, but it helps create a better experience for all patients.
“This is a big and exciting change for our campus,” said Aaron Williams, Senior Executive Director of Ambulatory Operations at UNM Hospital.
“The CCI will further our mission of providing accessible, high-quality, safety-focused, and comprehensive care for the people of New Mexico.
Centralized check-in systems are already present in many health care organizations and hospitals across the country. UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center – A Campus of UNM Hospital (SRMC) - is one location that has used a CCI for several months now with great success.
Bringing CCI to UNMH not only helps outpatient clinics check-in patients the same way, but it also makes the experience consistent and easier for patients.
While CCI will be beneficial for everyone, Williams doesn’t expect patients and team members to adjust right away.
“It will take some time for all of us to get accustomed to the CCI,” Williams said. “But we are committed to improving and optimizing processes as we create best practices for our patients.”
Since mid-January, all appointment reminder calls have notified patients of the new centralized check-in process. Outpatient clinics have also distributed flyers to inform patients of this change.
Temporary signage is available at both the BBRP and Lomas entrances, pointing patients to the new check-in kiosks.
Patients can also find additional resources and information on the UNM Hospital social media channels.
Although adjusting to the centralized check-in may take some time, UNM Hospital is optimistic this new system will improve the experience of patients when they come to campus for their outpatient care.