How Technology can help at Back-to-School time

Back-to-school season is the perfect time for healthcare providers to reconnect with families. From vision and hearing screenings to sports physicals, wellness visits, nutrition consultations or mental health check-ins, these appointments directly impact academic success and overall well-being.

Yet, in the summer rush, many parents overlook these visits. With the right digital tools, providers can close that gap making it easy for families to book, prepare, and follow through.

Outreach & Engagement ideas to consider:

• Targeted Email and Text Campaigns: Use colorful, parent-friendly reminders that highlight the benefits of timely checkups. Take a look at this Primary Eyecare example.
• Educational Content: Share bite-sized health tips, videos, or interactive quizzes to explain why visits matter. Talk about subjects like the importance of physical activity, hydration, sleep, limiting screen time etc. Encourage parents to engage with your practice.
• Online Booking Links & Mobile Apps: Embed “Request Appointment” buttons into your email or texts for instant action.
• Automated Reminders & Follow-Ups: Send pre-visit instructions or online forms, post-visit care notes.
• Two-Way Messaging: Let parents confirm, reschedule, or ask quick questions without calling.
• Community Participation: Participate in community events and share your support on your social media. This will help you build trust and encourage parents to engage and follow your practice.

By establishing your practice as a part of the community, using technology to send timely, clear, and interactive messages and by removing barriers to booking, practices can improve health outcomes, boost appointment volumes, grow their practice, and strengthen trust within their communities.