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.
