VitusVet, a mobile app that connects veterinary practices to their clients, now allows pet owners to schedule appointments.
The direct-booking feature frees up hospital receptionists “to focus on more important tasks,” said company co-founder Mark Olcott, DVM, MBA.
The schedule function works in tandem with a practice’s computer system.
“A pet parent pulls out their VitusVet app at any time of the day, even when the practice is closed, selects their pet’s doctor, selects the date and time that he or she is available and with just one click, an appointment is created and confirmed,” Dr. Olcott said. “There’s no back and forth on the phone, no friction period.”
The feature is in addition to VitusVet’s other functions, which include marketing tools, access to a pet’s medical records, and drug ordering.
The branded app’s appointment option can drive business, said co-founder Kalpesh Raval, MBA.
“What we told the handful of practices that piloted this function with us over the past few months was: ‘Your phones will ring less, your staff will smile more and your clients will do more business with you,’” Raval said.
“That’s exactly what’s happened,” he said. “An easier appointment process leads to more appointments.”