Enhancing Patient Experience with Automation at Shiokawa Chiropractic
In an effort to streamline operations while improving service quality, Shiokawa Chiropractic Clinic in Ginza has taken a significant step by introducing the automated payment machine 'Temasac.' This innovation has resulted in substantial improvements in payment processing times and overall patient satisfaction. With approximately 150 patients attending each day, the clinic faced challenges with payment wait times, which often ranged from 7 to 10 minutes. However, after the implementation of Temasac, this time has now been reduced to less than 1 minute.
Addressing Operational Challenges
As one of Tokyo's well-established chiropractic clinics, Shiokawa faced a growing patient load which manifested in longer wait times for payments. This was particularly concerning, considering the average treatment time of 20 minutes per patient. The challenges included:
- - Time-consuming cash and card transactions
- - Congestion from accounting wait times
- - Increased burden due to cash management and reconciliation
- - Frequent human errors such as change miscalculations
- - Issues with accommodating cashless payments
With these factors, the clinic recognized the need for a more efficient payment processing system to better meet patient demand and enhance overall service quality.
Selecting the Right Solution
The decision to adopt the Temasac payment machine was based on several critical factors:
- - Ease of use for staff
- - Comprehensive support post-installation
- - A balanced approach to costs and functionality
After comparing multiple options, Shiokawa opted to install two units of Temasac, particularly valuing the machine’s user-friendly design, a variety of payment options, and cost-effectiveness.
Results Post-Implementation
Since the introduction of the Temasac automated payment system, significant changes have been noted:
- - Reduction in payment processing time from 7-10 minutes to under 1 minute
- - Daily cash register reconciliation times reduced from 11-20 minutes to under 5 minutes
- - Frequency of discrepancies decreased from four times or more monthly to 2-3 times
- - Relief in the mental burden experienced by staff
Staff members are now able to focus on patient care without the constant worry of cash handling errors, which has also improved the quality of their interpersonal interactions with patients. Manager Matsushi Shiokawa noted, “With the automation of the cash handling process, the team can concentrate on providing better service.”
Patient Feedback: Efficiency is Key
Patients have expressed their satisfaction with the new payment system, voicing their enjoyment of reduced wait times. Comments such as, "It's great to have my payment done so quickly," and "I appreciate being able to leave without waiting," show the positive reception from clinic visitors, especially those who are visiting during work hours or between appointments.
The Director's Insights
Director Matsushi Shiokawa emphasized that the best outcomes from this implementation are the elimination of cash management worries and a smoother operational flow. “Without handling cash directly, my staff experiences less pressure, positive experiences in the office translate into better service,” he explained.
A Message to Other Facilities
Shiokawa Chiropractic extends an invitation to other medical facilities contemplating the adoption of automated payment systems. Director Shiokawa noted, “Initially there were concerns about usability for both staff and patients, but the response has been positive. For clinics facing similar traffic concerns, we highly encourage considering this investment for improved efficiency and patient satisfaction.”
About Shiokawa Chiropractic
Founded over 50 years ago, Shiokawa Chiropractic began its journey in Venezuela and has upheld a commitment to comprehensive care. Rather than only treating symptoms, the clinic focuses on identifying the root causes of patient issues utilizing precise evaluations and extensive clinical data. Their innovative examination systems diligently assess various physical parameters ensuring thorough care delivery.
About Kawanishi Barkmed
The automated payment system ‘Temasac’ is developed and provided by Kawanishi Barkmed, a company dedicated to enhancing healthcare operations through innovative technology. They continue to create solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of medical practices, offering effective support and training to ensure a seamless transition to cashless operations.
For more information on how the automated payment systems can improve your clinic's operational efficiency, please visit the
Kawanishi Barkmed official site.