Why You Need Online Lab Scheduling For Gen Z & Millennials

We live in a digital age where we expect all our needs and experiences—shopping, booking travel, entertainment, and more—to be seamless and available 24/7. Now, that expectation also includes healthcare, and online lab scheduling tools play an essential role.

You see, younger generations grew up with the internet at their disposal, radically impacting their worldview. Millennials (now aged 26 to 41) and Gen Z (10 to 25) are demanding a change to the face of healthcare as financial constraints and a growing dependence on technology increase.

What Drives This Demographic to Use Online Lab Scheduling Tools?

Young generations are digital natives, and they want digital solutions. When managing their healthcare, they will first use an app or online web portal to review health records, manage costs, and schedule online appointments before resorting to traditional methods.

They want medical care faster and more efficiently. However, expense is also a rising concern. Nearly half of Gen Zs (46%) and millennials (47%) live paycheck-to-paycheck and worry they won’t be able to cover their expenses, according to The Deloitte Global 2022 Gen Z & Millennial Survey. In fact, financial concerns prevent many from seeking healthcare treatments.

The rise of social media, an “always-on” remote workforce, the recent pandemic, high student loan debt, and increased cost of living all contribute to stress and financial instability. As such, those aged 18 to 41 may have less time for healthcare and less disposable income to deal with surprise bills. Convenience and transparency are huge factors in whether these generations will get care.

Technology Must Be a Focus

Millennials are rejecting the traditional method of accessing medical care, refusing to sit on hold or only be able to access their provider during set business hours. They demand smarter technologies, and many industries are scrambling to fulfill this need across the board.

The hotel industry is a classic example of using smart scheduling technologies that improve the customer experience, similar to online lab scheduling software in healthcare. By enabling guests to schedule and check in remotely any time of day or night through their computer and mobile devices, hotel owners can better predict and manage their staffing needs and save considerably on labor costs. This technology also allows them to provide a more personalized guest experience and meet the customers’ desires even on their first visit.

There is a growing demand for these systems by millennial and Gen Z consumers. Fortune Business Insights reports that the appointment scheduling software market is predicted to grow from $470.7 million to $1,550.8 million at a CAGR of 16.1% (2024-2032). The report outlines the crucial role the Internet plays as a facilitator between younger consumers and healthcare providers.

Convenience for Patients—and Providers

Yes, younger patients want to complete online lab scheduling 24/7. But this improved convenience is not just for the patients but for staff as well. Making it easier for patients to schedule their own appointments reduces time spent on calls, decreases staff workloads with automated appointment reminders, and reduces time spent chasing down insurance information. This all comes as staffing costs are skyrocketing due to inflation and labor shortages.

According to the 2023 Healthcare Trends Report from Reputation, ratings/reviews, patient experience, and high ratings are the most critical factors when selecting a new healthcare provider.” Online booking helps patients find labs, test centers, and doctors based on all of these convenience factors. For example, on LabFinder, patients search from lab and radiology centers near them, filter them by coverage, and so on. Addressing all of these factors will increase visibility, patient acquisition, and loyalty.

Transparency is Key

As Gen Z and millennials navigate the complex and often costly healthcare system, it’s important to understand that this demographic is less likely to miss appointments if they know exactly what to expect, including pricing for medical procedures. Being upfront about insurance providers accepted, and the out-of-pocket costs of health screenings can increase appointment volume and decrease no-shows—a feature that can be managed through online lab scheduling services.

Good Reviews Matter

This transparency is good for your brand, which, in turn, could improve your online reputation. Millennials and Gen Z consumers are internet savvy and prefer to do their own research before making a decision. The 2022 Healthcare Trends Report revealed that 72% of consumers read online ratings and reviews when they consider booking with a new healthcare provider. Among millennials, 55% preferred a provider because of their online reviews. To reach these young consumers, it’s imperative to have a strong, transparent online presence, making information that patients want to see easily accessible.

An Online Lab Scheduling Platform Made for Labs and Radiology

How can health providers meet the needs of these generations without having to increase the administrative time or hire staff with technical expertise? LabFinder offers white-label scheduling tools for labs and radiology centers, helping you maximize your scheduling availability.

Our consumer-friendly platform helps your patients find labs and instantly book tests 24/7 from any device. Patients and doctors can easily find you online with improved search rankings, optimizing your digital presence, and keeping your schedule full. LabFinder improves your brand touch points as you bring in new doctors and keep patients coming back through outreach and educational messaging.

Join a growing platform with more than 325K patients that offers a one-stop solution to help labs and radiology centers adapt to the new healthcare landscape.

Learn more about LabFinder