Los Angeles, CA – (April 15, 2020) Health IT innovator MedInformatix announced today the launch of Wait in Car, a new mobile-friendly application that allows patients to wait in the safety of their automobiles for assigned medical appointments. The idea for the app came from their Columbus-based implementation and support team, as the team searched for practical ways to help customers continue to provide important services to their communities. The new app is intended to streamline the patient check-in and registration process during a time when many medical facilities are looking to better manage the flow of patients into their waiting rooms and provide a safe environment for healthcare workers and patients during the coronavirus pandemic.

"The onslaught of COVID-19 has created a healthcare environment unlike any we have ever seen," said Pat McGonigle, CEO at MedInformatix. "This app is intended to relieve some of the strain, both operationally and from a medical safety perspective, for practice personnel and patients alike. Kudos to our technology teams for quickly mobilizing to offer this innovative service to MedInformatix customers."

The Wait in Car app seamlessly integrates with healthcare facilities operating on the MedInformatix electronic health records and radiology information systems technology platforms.
On the day of their scheduled appointment, patients receive a mobile text message asking them to use a link to alert the facility of their arrival and to complete check-in requirements while they wait in their car; including COVID-19 screening questions pertaining to recent travel activity, coronavirus symptoms, or if they have come into contact with any confirmed or quarantined COVID-19 individuals. Inside the facility, medical personnel can review and track patient information in real-time as it is fed into the MedIformatix system. Once the patient successfully completes the screening questions and is ready to be received, the staff sends a follow-up text inviting the patient into the facility for their appointment.

Tim Ninke, who led the project, says the new app alleviates crowded waiting rooms and public clusters of patients found in many areas of the country. "It is our hope the new app contributes to a safer and more productive practice-patient experience at this critical time. This really is what Wait in Car is all about."

Prior to launching, MedInformatix spent several days testing Wait in Car to ensure the app performed as intended. One test site, University Radiology, the largest provider of subspecialty radiology and teleradiology services in the State of New Jersey, noticed a positive impact for both patients and providers. Alberto Goldszal, Chief Operating Officer at University Radiology, says offering the app provides another layer of protection to healthcare workers and serves as an effective way to treat patients safely during a time of crisis. New Jersey has been among the country's COVID-19 hotspots early in the outbreak.

"The response to Wait in Car has been positive," says Goldszal. "Anytime we can implement new technologies to improve the way we deliver healthcare, it's a good thing."

With testing complete, the Wait in Car app is available for immediate deployment and is being offered as a complimentary add-on to MedInformatix customers during the COVID-19 outbreak.

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