Today, Ascension, the nation’s largest Catholic and nonprofit health system, publicly unveiled its new, national online scheduling advertising campaign aimed at increasing access to compassionate, personalized care. The comprehensive campaign, which is part of Ascension’s national consumer marketing strategy, educates the public on the ease and convenience of scheduling care online.
Online scheduling allows for last-minute appointments, decreases appointment cancellations and offers same-day scheduling, which research shows patients prefer. It also streamlines the appointment-making process, allowing patients to go online using their computer or mobile device and schedule appointments for themselves and their family anytime, anywhere.
“Consumers are already online looking for care options near them. Providing an easy way to immediately schedule appointments strengthens consumer relationships and differentiates our brand,” said Nick Ragone, Ascension’s senior vice president and chief marketing and communications officer. “Our advertising campaign clearly communicates our commitment to meeting consumers’ expectations for accessing and receiving care.”
The advertising campaign includes television, radio, billboards and direct mail, in addition to comprehensive online engagement and public relations campaigns.
“Most of us use technology daily to simplify our lives, and the process of getting the care we need, when and where we need it, should be no different. Online scheduling allows consumers to view available appointments at their preferred location and select a time that fits their busy schedules,” said Joseph Cacchione, MD, president of Ascension Medical Group. “As we work to improve access to compassionate, personalized care, we must also ensure we are letting consumers know about the new and innovative ways in which we are making the healthcare delivery process easier for them.”
Ascension launched online scheduling for its 22 markets. To date, more than 1,200 providers offering primary care, urgent care and emergency department care are aligned with online scheduling capabilities. Plans to expand online scheduling options to specialty care and diagnostic and imaging services are underway.
