If you're using any lead-generating tools (ex: Virtual Consult, New Patient Scheduler, Ava Chat, or other external sources), this article is for you...

But if you aren't, what are you doing?! 😉

This is the only time that a patient can be added to my desk without coming directly from your practice management system.

When you've put your custom links out there and start getting VC submissions, chats, or patients scheduling online, I gather their info and it's saved in my desk.

When you add these leads to your schedule and they convert to patients, the next time my Bridge updates, I'll pull in that new patient information.

That becomes the only relevant file, where their Tx-Status, appointments, automated messages, etc.. will be connected to your PMs.

If you've ever searched for a name and found more than one for the same person, you know it can be confusing!

(Click photos to enlarge, or right-click (if reading within the messenger) and open in a new tab.)

You can tell leads from patients, by opening their details - leads will have the source that created the lead, instead of a treatment status:

If you stay on top of merging your patients, you won't have to check multiple files each time you go to look for the right patient.

Merging will transfer the message history (including images) to the new file, keeping the personal info that was updated from your practice management system.

To do this, run an advanced search - type their name and select the search filter "Include all new leads" (if you don't, the lead's files will be excluded):

(Click photos to enlarge if viewing in the article. If viewing from the messenger, right-click >> "Open Image in a new tab" to see them full size)

You should see both files - click the Merge Patients button:

This will allow you to select both names then click Merge, which will trigger a pop up asking you to confirm the selection: