WaitOnce App Revolutionises Healthcare Access by Filling Cancelled Appointments
Continuity of services is the core mission of WaitOnce, an innovative automated waitlisting and booking platform. This technology ensures that even when a client's appointments require changes, their access to essential healthcare services remains uninterrupted. The platform is designed to address a critical gap in the allied health sector, where waitlists often lead to stalled progress for children and significant stress for their carers.
Addressing a Persistent Issue in Allied Health
Carolyn O'Mahoney, a paediatric physiotherapist with three decades of clinical experience, identified this problem firsthand while managing a busy multidisciplinary practice. She observed a frustrating disconnect between overwhelming demand for services and daily wasted availability due to cancellations. "Clinics were working incredibly hard, families were waiting months, and yet cancellations left gaps in the diary on a daily basis," Carolyn explained. "That disconnect between overwhelming demand and wasted availability frustrated me deeply."
Driven by this insight, Carolyn created WaitOnce to transform how clinics handle scheduling. It is a smart waitlist platform that helps healthcare providers fill cancelled appointments in real time. This not only improves access for clients but also supports practices in maintaining financial sustainability. "Built by a therapist for therapists, it's designed to make scheduling smarter, reduce admin stress, and help people with disability access services faster," she said. "My purpose is simple: support providers to thrive, so more families get the timely support they deserve."
How WaitOnce Enhances Client Experience
The recently launched app offers several key features that streamline the process of finding and booking healthcare services. Instead of relying on word-of-mouth referrals or extensive Google searches, users can now see available providers and their services directly in the app. By sending service requests, clients confirm that a provider has the necessary skillset, preventing wasted time on unsuitable services.
- Users can waitlist against multiple appointments and manage these lists easily, cancelling any that are no longer needed.
- When a cancellation occurs, the app sends an instant notification, allowing users to accept the appointment and book it immediately.
- This system provides 24-hour access to cancellation opportunities, eliminating the need to be available for phone calls during business hours.
"Appointments become available all the time through cancellations and rescheduling," Carolyn noted. "Waitlisting will give you much earlier access and the one-off access will be more often than you think."
Family Dashboard and Practitioner Benefits
One standout feature is the Family Dashboard, which allows parents to book appointments for all their children or other dependents within a single account. All appointments are listed chronologically in an integrated family list, providing clear visibility. If funding balances are assigned, these are also displayed for each family member.
For practitioners, WaitOnce saves significant time and reduces emotional strain. "There is also the reduced emotional toll that happens when a therapist feels they can't provide the level of service necessary, or clients are having to wait, or intervention is interrupted due to appointment scheduling," Carolyn emphasised.
Getting Started with WaitOnce
The good news is that this app is free for clients and easy to set up. To begin, users can scan a QR code or download the app from Google Play or the Apple Store. Registration options include signing up as an individual or as a parent or guardian. Once registered, the advanced search function helps locate services quickly.
- Send a service request to a provider to confirm their suitability.
- If no nearby providers are found, users can register their interest for services in their area at waitonce.com.au/client-enquire/.
This innovative approach promises to make healthcare more accessible and efficient for families across Australia, addressing long-standing challenges in the allied health sector.
