NYC Bureau of Public Health Clinics
- Implementing a patient-friendly self-scheduling system
- Maintaining maximal data privacy
Challenge
New York City’s Bureau of Public Health Clinics (BPHC), including its network of sexual health clinics, serves thousands of patients across the city. These clinics faced a pressing need to modernize patient access with online appointment scheduling – while maintaining strict data privacy protections, particularly for services that are sensitive or stigmatized.
Solution
People.Health developed a secure, mobile-first self-scheduling system that allows patients to text a keyword to the clinic’s number and receive a private scheduling link. The experience is fully HIPAA-compliant, requires no login, and supports discreet access to appointments—ensuring privacy while improving convenience for patients. The system was designed with accessibility in mind, functioning across all mobile devices and available in multiple languages to reflect the city’s diversity.
Results
The new system helped transition walk-in patients to a more organized, appointment-based model without sacrificing accessibility or patient trust. Clinics reported reduced wait times, smoother patient flow, and improved reach into historically underserved communities—all while upholding the highest standards of privacy and discretion.
