The next step to implementing the Calling Feature of Atlas Software is the proper conf guration of the System Settings. This includes ‘turning on’ Calling, setting up Families for proper calling and appointing the Control Computer.
First, we will open the System Information window and turn on Calling.
Setup > Initial Setup > System Settings
Once inside the System Settings window, navigate to the Assign/Sign-In/Sound tab.
• Computer calls Patient to Table: this is the Master Switch to turn on or off the Calling Module.
Click the box to put a check and enable Calling.
• CHA acknowledges Assign: this option will require the Front Desk to approve (by mouse click)
each Patient assignment before it will actually call.
• Check for Patient to Assign Every: option configured in seconds – sets the timed cycle for the software to check the list of available Patients to call to tables. Atlas recommends 10 seconds, which is a good balance between speed and network strain. A lower setting will increase the strain on the database and possibly the network.
• Display Sign-In Messages For: sets the time interval (in seconds) to display Pitstop Messages on the Sign In screen for Patients. Other Patients can Sign In when messages are displayed, however it will then immediately remove the previous message.
• Delay from Sign-In to Assign: sets the time interval (in seconds) from when a Patient Signs In at the Front Desk to when that Patient is Assigned to an available room. This option is designed to
allow Patients to move from the Sign In area to the Waiting Area. An example would be a delay to allow Patients time to remove and hang coats before being called.
• Delay from Post Adjustment to Assign: sets the time interval (in seconds) from when a Provider Posts and Adjustment at the table to when the next Patient is called to that table. This option allows time for Patients in at the table to gather belongings, leave the adjusting area, etc before the next Patient arrives in that area.
When this option is set, the VTC will display for the selected time before clearing to the Sign In.
• Signout Clears the Room: this option is used in conjunction with a feeder-room system where the Patient card/fob must be swiped again to clear the room and allow calling.
• Use Feeder Rooms: this option turns on the system for use in a feeder room setup.
• Show Next Appointment on Sign-In: this option can be set exclusive of the Calling Feature to display a Patients next Appointment when they Sign-In at the Front Desk.
• Assign Patient to Any Table: this option is used in multiple Provider offices to allow Patients to be called (assigned) to any available Providers table. By default (option unchecked), Patients will only be assigned to their Default Provider tables.
• Always Call Parent when Calling Family: linked Families can be assigned to the same table. This option will use the Parent name when directing the Family to a table. By default, the first Family member to sign-in at the Front will be the Patient called – directing the entire Family to the table. This option will be enforced even if the Parent does not Sign-In. We would recommend recording the ‘Parent’ name as a Family name when using this option.
Ex: instead of recording ‘Mary’ as the Parent, record ‘Smith Family’
After setting these options, it may be necessary to restart the Main Application and the Assign Module.