FAQ
For Providers:
What is “Within the Hour”?
Within the Hour is a platform that helps healthcare providers quickly and easily create and manage lists. You can fill last-minute appointment openings efficiently by notifying patients in the area who have expressed interest. There are three main functions which require patients and providers to download the app;
- geotagged cancellation lists
- push notifications to nearby people who have favourited a service
- geotagged sequential waitlists (allowing people to depart the premises and be brought back onsite in time for care)
WTH is designed to help you maximize the use of your available time. It can all be done via the provider portal and app without requiring EHR system integration.
How do I sign up as a healthcare provider?
To sign up create a provider account. After you sign up, you can set up your provider profile, create cancellation and waitlists, and manage patient notifications.
What are the membership options?
Patients using the app to join lists and find services do not pay.
- Free: 1 cancellation list (20 people maximum), (0$ per slot filled), 1 free local sequential waitlist weekly, 1 push notification per service per month.
- Basic: $49/year, 2 cancellation lists (1000 patients maximum), 2 local waitlists per week, 2 push notifications per service per week. $5 perslot filled (first 10 slots free), no data analytics, no rewards to attendees (upgradeable)
- Premium: $99/year, 10 cancellation lists (unlimited patients) $10 per slot filled (first 20 slots filled free). Premium members receive advanced features like analytics and the ability to incentivize patient visits (e.g., offering gift cards) for filled slots.
How can I create and manage cancellation lists?
You can create multiple lists for different services through the provider dashboard. You can also set preferences, such as a specific time, range or patient type, and manage the notifications for each waitlist.
What is a sequential list?
A sequential list allows patients to join a waitlist in the order they sign up, instead of a first-come, first-served approach for cancellation spots. This feature ensures that patients are notified based on their position in the queue. This feature is handy for those patients who might come onsite to a clinic and wish to leave and come back when they might be seen.
How do I notify patients about last-minute openings?
Anytime slots are available you can send a notification to patients within a specific range of your clinic. Patients on the list within range will receive a push notification and can accept or decline the appointment directly from the app. You will only be charged if they accept an appointment.
Can I target notifications to specific areas?
Yes, you can send notifications to patients within a set radius of your clinic, so only those who are within a reasonable distance will be alerted about the availability.
What is the favoriting a service feature?
Patients can “favorite” a service or category to receive notifications about last-minute openings in that specific category. This feature is useful for patients interested in finding the fastest spot for a service. The closest/ soonest X-ray, vaccination, therapy, shelter bed or dental appointment. They may be a new patient to the provider but able to fill the opening.
Can I integrate Within the Hour with my existing EHR system?
No. WTH can best serve your needs by being strongly and securely independent. By eliminating integration with third party software such as EMRs we are able to improve cybersecurity, maintaining the core relationship between providers and patients. This tactic insures no third party access to your data and reduces risks of data breaches. It also insures that the limited information needed for lists and notifications is kept within the circle of care. Redundancy is rarely built into health software but WTH allows care to continue when other systems may be compromised or unresponsive. The universality and simplicity of WTH allows it to be utilized by caregivers within a spectrum of health and wellness services. From optometry and massage therapy to neurosurgery, WTH is meant to maximize care and minimize waste.
Is Within the Hour HIPAA-compliant?
Yes, for healthcare services, Within the Hour is fully HIPAA-compliant, ensuring that all patient data is handled securely and confidentially according to the highest privacy standards. It is monitored by Vanta for compliance and security.
How do I handle no-shows or cancellations?
If no patients accept the available slot, you can re-send notifications, adjust the radius, or consider incentivizing patients to encourage more responses. You have full control over your list management.
For Patients:
What is Within the Hour?
Within the Hour is an app that helps you find last-minute healthcare and wellness appointment openings near you. When a provider has an available slot, you’ll get a notification, and you can quickly book an appointment if it suits your schedule. Think of it as an easy to use cancellation list service or way of finding quick and close appointments. It can also be a way of keeping your place in a queue without remaining onsite.
How does the app work?
After signing up, you can join a list by scanning a QR code, entering the WTH# or finding it on the app. It may be important to share your location so that your provider knows that you are nearby. You can also favourite a service like X-rays, dental care or physiotherapy. If you are within range you can receive notifications of availabilities for services you favourite. This can be useful if you need the soonest/closest spot regardless of provider.
What is the benefit of favoriting a service?
By favoriting a service or provider, you’ll be alerted when they have last- minute openings. This ensures that you never miss an opportunity to book an appointment quickly when one becomes available. If you are in a new location this might save having to phone and find opportunities yourself.
Can I join a sequential waitlist?
Yes, you can join a sequential waitlist for specific services. The app ensures you’ll be notified when your turn is approaching so that you don’t have to stay on the premises.
How do I favorite a service?
You can favorite a service or provider from your app dashboard. Once you’ve done this, you will receive notifications about last-minute openings in that service category.
How do I accept or decline an appointment?
When a last-minute opening is available, you’ll receive a notification on your Lock Screen with the option to accept or decline the appointment which can be done quickly from the app.
Do I need to pay to use “Within the Hour”?
The app is free to download and use for patients. Your provider may choose to pay to use the app.
How secure is my data?
Your privacy is of paramount importance. Within The Hour complies with HIPAA regulations for healthcare services and ensures that your personal information remains secure and confidential. It is monitored continuously by Vanta for compliance and security and strives to minimize health data collected or available.