Check Patients into the Queue

Staff can use Queues to manage patient flow throughout their visit from check-in to check-out. This article explains how to check patients into queues, complete documentation, medicate patients, make order changes, and check patients out when the visit is complete.

Required Permissions: Any user can check patients into the Queue. Super Admins, Records Admins, and any role authorized under Settings > Queues > Edit Queue > Roles can perform actions in the Queue.

Check Patients In

Staff can manually check in patients or allow them to check in using a kiosk.

Manual Check-In 

1. Use the search bar to enter the patient’s MR Number, First Name, Last Name, or Patient ID.
2. Select the patient record and click Check In.
3. Choose a queue from the drop-down list if you don’t want to use the default queue.

Kiosk Check-in

1. Patients can check themselves into queues using the Kiosk. They will be automatically added to a queue under the In Progress status.
2. By default, patients appear in the Default Queue.
3. If the patient has a scheduled appointment linked to a specific queue, the system will route them there automatically. Click here to learn more about Queue settings.

Patient Cards

Patient Cards display relevant patient information at the time of manual check-in.

1. Use the Search field to add a patient to the queue. Patients can be searched by:  
   • Name  
   • Patient ID
   • MR Number
2. Flags are displayed at the top of the Patient Card for quick visibility.  
3. The main area displays relevant details from the patient’s facesheet and orders.  
4. Access the Payments screen to view balances, add charges, apply credits, collect signatures, or print statements
5. Clicking on the Check In button allows you to check the patient into the default queue. You can use the drop-down menu to check the patient into a queue other than the default. 
   
6. Outstanding Balance Alert: If staff members try to check in a patient who has an amount due, the Outstanding Balance Alert will appear, reminding them to collect the payment. Click on the Continue button to skip collecting a payment and provide services to the patient (based on your facility protocols).
   
7. Once the patient is checked in, they will appear in the In Queue table. Click here for information on the table fields.
8. When the patient is ready to be seen, the user can click the Start button to begin processing the patient. Queue behavior is determined by Queue Type. MAT facilities have three types of queues:
   • Dosing Queue: Automatically opens the MAT order window to dispense doses, collect bottles, and make changes to the order. 
   •  Drug Screening Queue: Opens the Lab Requisitions window to submit samples for testing. 
   • Standard Queue: Opens the patient chart tabs to complete documentation. 

Dosing Queue

Let's review how to process a patient in the Dosing Queue. This is typically the default queue for MAT facilities. However, the patient could start in a different queue depending on facility workflow. 

1. Click the Start button.
2. The MAT Order screen appears in a pop-up window. 
   • Click the Show More + to view the signature information, the ordering doctor, the staff member who entered the order, and the reviewing licensed practitioner.
3. If the patient is authorized for takeout, you can view the Current Take Out Bottles number and you can document the number of Returned Take Out Bottles.
4. Click Dispense to start the dispensing process.
5. Collect the patient’s signature and print labels as needed.
   

   • Note: You can change the medication bottle directly from the dosing screen in the Current Medication section.

6. Use Send To to move the patient to the next Queue or click Complete & Checkout if the visit is finished.
7. From the MAT Orders window, you can also complete the following Order actions, as needed:
   1. Deny medications 
   2. Print labels
   3. Change the order 
   4. Create an exception order 
   5. Discontinue an order 

Standard Queue

When you click Start for a patient in a Standard Queue, the system automatically opens the assigned Patient Processes tab configured in Queue Settings.

1. Click the Start button.
2. Because we assigned the Case Management tab to the queue, the Case Management tab of the patient's chart appears in the pop-up window. 
3. Add documentation, collect patient signatures, or complete any other actions needed for the visit.
4. When finished, use Send To to move the patient to the next Queue or click Complete & Checkout to end the visit.