TEANECK, N.J., April 11, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Holy Name Medical Center - the first hospital in New Jersey to launch a website and provide the region's first symptom checker - introduces a new service that helps patients more seamlessly access physicians via online scheduling. Users now able to schedule appointments online with participating medical providers across 14 specialties including Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Neurology, Orthopedics, Oncology, Breast Surgery, Palliative Care, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Pulmonary, Sports Medicine and Urology. Additional physicians, specialties, and appointment availability will be added in the coming months. This service is powered by digital health marketplace Zocdoc.
To use this free service, patients visit HolyNameMD.com. Patients can see doctors' schedules in real time, along with qualifications, verified patient reviews, photos, and additional tools for selecting providers who best fit their needs. Patients can then choose an open timeslot and schedule their own appointment with a few clicks. This service removes friction from the traditional patient experience by eliminating time-consuming phone calls, helping patients book with Holy Name Medical Center doctors 24/7 (even when the office is closed), and even sending email and text reminders about upcoming appointments to help reduce no-shows.
"We are always looking for ways to improve the patient experience and provide our community with easier access to Holy Name doctors," said Michael Maron, President and CEO, Holy Name Medical Center. "The new capability is a great addition to our advanced website technology and makes scheduling an appointment with a physician or provider extremely convenient, especially since this service is available 24/7."
Metro NY/NJ residents wait 18 days on average for medical appointments, according to a study by healthcare search and consulting firm Merritt Hawkins & Associates. However, the typical Zocdoc appointment takes place in just 24 hours. This is made possible by Zocdoc's online marketplace that shows doctors' real-time availability – including last-minute cancellations and no-shows – to patients who are seeking care. This so-called "hidden supply of healthcare" accounts for up to 25 percent of a doctor's day.
Holy Name Medical Center is proud to unite modern patients and doctors with this cutting-edge technology, and to deliver the great healthcare experience patients expect and deserve.
ABOUT HOLY NAME MEDICAL CENTER
Holy Name Medical Center is a fully accredited, not-for-profit healthcare facility based in Teaneck, New Jersey. Founded and sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace in 1925, the comprehensive 361-bed medical center offers leading-edge medical practice and technology administered in an environment rooted in a tradition of compassion and respect for every patient. Holy Name provides high quality health care across a continuum that encompasses education, prevention, early intervention, comprehensive treatment options, rehabilitation and wellness maintenance. To learn more, visit HolyName.org.
ABOUT ZOCDOC
Zocdoc is the tech company at the beginning of a better healthcare experience. Each month, millions of patients use Zocdoc to find in-network neighborhood doctors, instantly book appointments online, see what other real patients have to say, get reminders for upcoming appointments and preventive checkups, fill out their paperwork online, and more. With a mission to give power to the patient, Zocdoc's online marketplace delivers the accessible and simple experience patients expect and deserve. Zocdoc is free for patients and available across the United States via Zocdoc.com or the Zocdoc app for iPhone and Android.