Catherine Jimerson, online preregistration user (seated) and Meg Nicklas, director of WCA Hospital patient access services, (standing) cut the ribbon, officially announcing the new WCA Hospital online preregistration service.

(WCA Hospital: Jamestown, New York) -- WCA Hospital recently introduced a new online service that offers patients an additional option for preregistering for scheduled tests or procedures. Accessed through www.wcahospital.org, the new service provides patients with convenient, real-time access to a simplified preregistration form 24 hours a day, seven days a week from the comfort of their home.

Patients must complete the online preregistration form at least three days (72 hours) before their scheduled visit to the hospital, allowing adequate time to process their paperwork.

“We’re taking it online,” says Meg Nicklas, WCA Hospital director of patient access services. “This new technology enhances WCA’s ability to offer fast, easy service and adds an entirely new dimension to the way we care for our patients.”

Once a patient fills out the information online, the form is automatically forwarded to preregistration representatives at WCA, processed immediately, and is ready for the patient to pick up the moment they enter the hospital.

“Everything we carry out centers around our patients,” says Betsy T. Wright, WCA Hospital president/CEO. “Above and beyond our mission of providing excellent care, we remain dedicated to providing an exceptional patient experience and service convenience for everyone we serve.”

Preregistering results in a much faster and more direct path to the patient’s appointment. “Providing multiple options for preregistering increases the convenience to the patient,” says Nicklas, who redesigned the preregistration process as part of a Six Sigma process improvement initiative at WCA aimed at reducing patient wait times in registration areas.  “Our customers want fast, convenient service and online preregistration provides both.

The Six Sigma statistical quality methodology was introduced at WCA Hospital through a collaboration and partnership with Cummins Inc. “Six Sigma is a proven disciplined approach for improving measurable results for any organization,” says Carla Howie, community involvement and communications leader at Cummins Inc., and member of the WCA Hospital board of directors. “We were happy to share our knowledge and training of this valuable program with WCA staff as Six Sigma will eliminate variance in the process, drive down costs, and improve efficiency.”

Nicklas adds that walk-in patient wait times have been reduced as well. “Ultimately, we are creating a patient experience that reflects a significant difference in the way we serve our patients.”

For more information, visit www.wcahospital.org./press07_prereg.php