How do I run a clinic queue without a receptionist?

A solo clinic seeing 25-30 patients/day used to require a full-time receptionist. With the right tooling, that role becomes part-time-on-call.

The self-service stack

1. QR code at the door: prints to "scan to check in".
2. Mobile-first check-in form: name, phone, age, gender, chief complaint. Pre-fills if the patient has visited before.
3. Auto-token allocation: token number assigned in arrival order; dispute risk drops to near-zero.
4. Queue dashboard for the doctor: visible on a tablet, shows the next 3 patients with their complaints.
5. Call-next button: doctor taps to call the next patient; SMS/WhatsApp pings them.

What you still need a human for

• Walk-in disputes (patient claims they were here first).
• Cash payment handling.
• Elderly patients without smartphones.
• Emergency triage.

For most solo clinics, this drops receptionist hours from 8/day to 3/day, or replaces full-time hire with a part-timer at peak hours only.

Implementation

1. Print the QR code from the dashboard.
2. Place at door + waiting area.
3. Add fallback: an iPad at reception for patients without smartphones.
4. Keep one staff number visible for help requests.

Vaidya OS includes QR check-in and queue management at ₹999/month.