> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.elationhealth.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Patient Intake & Check-In Options

> This article explains how to combine Elation's scheduling, forms, and check-in tools to create an efficient patient intake workflow—and when to consider third-party solutions for a full kiosk experience.

## Overview

### What are patient intake and check-in options?

Patient intake and check-in options refer to the tools and workflows your practice uses to capture patient information and mark their arrival for an appointment. These workflows typically include:

* Collecting demographics, insurance, and clinical history before or at the visit.
* Gathering consent signatures and screening questionnaires.
* Updating appointment status when the patient arrives.
* Collecting copays or other payments.

<Note>
  Elation does not currently provide a dedicated kiosk user interface. However, you can use Elation's built-in features to create streamlined intake and check-in workflows that meet most practice needs.
</Note>

### Why are intake and check-in workflows valuable?

Efficient intake and check-in workflows help your practice:

* Reduce front-desk workload by collecting information before the patient arrives.
* Improve data accuracy by letting patients enter their own details.
* Streamline patient flow so visits start on time.
* Ensure payment is collected at the point of service.

## Workflow Instructions

You can combine several Elation features to build an intake and check-in workflow tailored to your practice.

### Completing intake with Patient Forms

The **Patient Forms** feature lets you create and customize electronic intake forms that patients can complete at any point in their care journey. Common use cases include:

* First encounter intake - Demographics, insurance information, and clinical history
* Consent forms - Signatures for various services or treatments
* Pre-visit screening - Health questionnaires and history updates before appointments

Patients can fill out forms on their own device or on a clinic-owned tablet in your waiting area. Once a form is completed, Elation automatically tracks it and stores a copy in the patient's chart.

<Tip>
  Most practices send forms ahead of a scheduled visit to ensure everything is ready when the patient arrives.
</Tip>

For detailed instructions, see the [Patient Forms Introduction](/articles/Getting-Started-with-Patient-Forms).

### Sending intake forms when patients book appointments via the Booking Site

The Patient Booking Site is a personalized web page where patients can book from any internet-enabled device, at any time, and appointments appear on your Elation Calendar in real time.

You can link **Patient Forms** to appointment types so that patients automatically receive intake forms when they book.

For detailed instructions, see the [Patient Booking Site Guide](/articles/Patient-Booking-Site).

### Staff-driven check-in with the Calendar

When a patient arrives, staff can update the **Appointment Status** in the Calendar to Checked In. This opens the patient's demographics for verification and triggers actions such as a Medication History Download for walk-in patients.

* Additional statuses—In Room, In Room - Vitals Taken, and With Doctor—let you track the patient's location throughout their visit.

For detailed instructions, see the [Calendar Guide – Checking patients in for their appointment](/articles/Calendar-Guide-Checking-patients-in-for-their-appointment).

### Collecting copays with Patient Payments

Elation **Patient Payments** provides a secure, digital way to collect payments from patients. You can collect payment:

* Before the visit - Popular for practices that charge a set price up front
* During check-in - Popular for insurance-taking practices collecting copays
* After the visit - Popular for direct pay or cash-based practices

You can send a payment request via email or text, charge payment information on file, or enter a card at the point of service.

For detailed instructions, see the [Patient Payments Guide](/articles/using-elation-to-securely-collect-patient-payments).

## Third-Party Intake Partners

If your practice needs a fuller intake experience, consider a third-party intake partner. We recommend reaching out to these partners directly if you'd like to learn more about the options they offer.

### IntakeQ

IntakeQ is an intake forms platform that synchronizes completed forms with Elation and can create or update patient charts using collected demographic information. When a patient submits an intake package via IntakeQ, the forms are automatically uploaded as PDFs to the patient's chart in Elation.

For more information, see the [Elation-IntakeQ Integration Guide](/articles/Elation-IntakeQ-Integration-Guide).

### Updox

Updox is a communications platform that integrates with Elation. It offers features such as electronic fax, secure text/SMS, automated appointment reminders, and patient mass communication. Updox can use Elation's appointment and demographics data to power its patient engagement features.

For more information, see the [Elation-Updox Integration Guide](/articles/Elation-Updox-Integration-Guide).

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

### Can I use Elation as a kiosk?

Elation does not currently provide a dedicated kiosk user interface. However, you can simulate the process by doing the following:

* Using Patient Forms on a clinic-owned tablet for intake (demographics, questionnaires, consents).
* Manually updating check-in status in the Calendar.
* Collecting copays with Patient Payments.

For a more robust intake experience with patient self-identification, consider a third-party intake partner such as Updox or IntakeQ.

### Can patients complete forms on a tablet in my waiting room?

Yes. Patients can complete **Patient Forms** on any internet-enabled device, including a clinic-owned tablet. Simply open the form link on the tablet and hand it to the patient.

### How do I send forms automatically when a patient books an appointment?

Link your **Patient Forms** to appointment types in your **Calendar & Booking** settings. When a patient books that appointment type, they will automatically receive the linked forms.

## Related Articles

* [Patient Booking Site Guide](/articles/Patient-Booking-Site)
* [Patient Forms Introduction](/articles/Getting-Started-with-Patient-Forms)
* [Calendar Guide – Checking patients in for their appointment](/articles/Calendar-Guide-Checking-patients-in-for-their-appointment)
* [Patient Payments Guide – Securely collect payments digitally from patients](/articles/using-elation-to-securely-collect-patient-payments)
* [Elation-Updox Integration Guide](/articles/Elation-Updox-Integration-Guide)
* [Elation-IntakeQ Integration Guide](/articles/Elation-IntakeQ-Integration-Guide)