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ECNS Wire

Beijing hospital pilots WeChat appointment, payment services

1
2015-04-29 11:39Ecns.cn Editor: Mo Hong'e

北京试点微信挂号缴费 移动医疗欲颠覆传统看病模式

为解决排长队缴费问题,近日,用微信支付挂号费、药费的方式在北京世纪坛医院试点运行。消息一出,有网友热烈欢迎,也有网友表示不习惯。业内专家在接受中新网健康频道的采访时表示,通过微信预约挂号可创造良好的就诊秩序,但移动医疗想要颠覆传统看病模式还是“任重而道远”。

This combo photo shows the contrast between WeChat appointment and traditional way of appointment. (Photo/Chinanews.com)

This combo photo shows the contrast between WeChat appointment and traditional way of appointment. (Photo/Chinanews.com)

(ECNS) - A program being piloted at Beijing Shijitan Hospital allows patients to make appointments and pay their medical bills through WeChat, a popular mobile social messaging app.

Patients who have their medical service cards linked to their social security cards can enjoy the new services, which were recently initiated by Beijing's hospital authorities.

From June, Beijing municipality will further promote the new appointment and payment methods among public hospitals under its administration. The medical service card will also gradually develop other third-party payment options.

Gu Xuefei, an official with the National Health and Family Planning Commission, says the WeChat services can partially help cut long lines at hospitals, maintain order and raise work efficiency, but only to some extent, as making appointments through WeChat does not mean doctors can handle more patients than before. 

Beijing's hospitals have been experimenting with new appointment management services through websites and mobile phones, and several well-known hospitals have already launched the WeChat appointment service. There are many more apps devoted to health consulting and appointment services.

The Beijing Shijitan Hospital now allocates about 20 percent of its appointments through the WeChat service, while reserving the rest for patients who still prefer traditional methods of contact. It is expected that Beijing's other major hospitals will start the WeChat services beginning in June.

Patients can cancel their appointments before the date and receive a full refund. Those who fail to keep their appointments three or more times will be blacklisted and banned from using the WeChat service for three months.

 

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