HCF simplifies dental bookings with new partnership

HCF simplifies dental bookings with new partnership | Insurance Business Australia

Life & Health

HCF simplifies dental bookings with new partnership

Collaboration addresses shifting consumer behaviour among Australian dental patients

Life & Health

By
Roxanne Libatique

HCF has partnered with digital health company HealthShare to launch BookNow, a dental appointment booking tool designed to streamline the scheduling process for both providers and patients.

Available from October, BookNow integrates HCF’s “Find a Provider” platform with HealthShare’s services, allowing HCF members and other Australians easier access to dental appointments.

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Evolving patient preferences in dental care

The introduction of BookNow responds to shifting consumer behaviour among Australian dental patients, with growing demand for more convenient booking methods.

HealthShare data revealed that about one-third of dental bookings are now made outside of regular office hours, and 35% of these bookings come from new patients. This trend reflects a broader shift towards online healthcare services, driven by the need for greater flexibility in scheduling.

Building on prior partnerships

This new collaboration between HCF and HealthShare builds on their existing relationship, which includes HCF’s “Find a Provider” tool that helps members locate healthcare providers while managing out-of-pocket costs.

The BookNow tool will allow patients to book appointments 24/7 through HealthShare’s website, HCF’s app, and the “Find a Provider” service. Additionally, features like automated reminders and simple rescheduling aim to reduce no-shows and improve the efficiency of dental practices.

Rami Weiss, co-founder of HealthShare, emphasised that BookNow is more than just a booking platform.

“By integrating HCF and HealthShare’s platforms, practices will be able to increase bookings, reduce administrative overheads, and ultimately grow their business,” he said.

He added that patients also gain the convenience of 24/7 access to book with HCF-preferred providers, which could lower out-of-pocket costs.

Julie Andrews, HCF’s chief officer of member services, said that BookNow is expected to help members prioritise their dental health.

“We know that regular dental care is essential for maintaining overall health, and BookNow helps our members take charge of their oral health by simplifying the appointment process,” she said.

Impact of financial pressures on dental care

The launch of BookNow comes as cost-of-living pressures impact Australians’ access to dental care.

Many are delaying or skipping essential dental visits due to financial concerns. Surveys indicate that 43% of women and 35% of men have postponed dental appointments for financial reasons.

Furthermore, nearly half of Australians do not have a regular dentist, with many citing out-of-pocket costs as a deterrent. Dental practices are also facing higher operational costs, with 83% expecting an increase in expenses this year. This has led to a greater emphasis on improving systems to handle patient demand more efficiently.

Andrews highlighted that streamlining the appointment process may encourage more Australians to maintain regular check-ups, potentially preventing more serious health issues.

“In a time of increasing cost-of-living pressures, we hope this tool will encourage patients to prioritise their oral health, which plays a vital role in preventing more serious health issues,” she said.

The partnership was announced as private health insurers significantly increase benefits paid to their members.

Nearly $6.3 billion was also paid for ancillary services, including dental and physiotherapy treatments.

In addition, private health insurance membership has grown significantly. During the June 2024 quarter, hospital treatment cover increased by approximately 64,000 people, while ancillary cover saw a rise of over 120,000. The largest increase was seen among Australians aged 30 to 34, underscoring the appeal of private health insurance among younger adults.

Matthew Koce, CEO of the Members Health Fund Alliance, noted that private insurance allows Australians to access care more quickly, which helps alleviate pressure on the public health system