Introduction
The dynamic pricing feature aims to fill under-saturated consultation days more effectively by offering discounted prices, while maintaining the list price for more popular days.
This automated solution helps increase institutional utilization and fine-tune pricing strategies without the need for manual intervention.
By using this feature, the system uses algorithms to determine the optimal end-user price, which is automatically rounded for easier accounting.
Main Content
1. Feature Activation and Access
Dynamic pricing is not a default setting in the system. For the feature to become available, it must be specifically enabled by support staff in the system-side settings for the given institution.
Once activated, the feature is available through the following path:
Navigate to the Examinations menu.
Select the Edit Examinations option.
Settings are available both when recording a new examination and when editing an existing one.
For bulk modifications, use the Bulk Examination Edit menu point.
2. Operational Logic and Data Sources
The system determines prices based on an algorithm, without human intervention, depending on supply and demand:
Timeframe: Dynamic pricing is valid exclusively for the next 30 days.
Update: The system calculates and updates prices for the next day once daily at midnight.
Analyzed Data: For the calculation, the system considers booking patterns from the past 6 months (typical occupancy), the maximum capacity of the consultation, and the number of currently booked time slots.
Rounding: Discounted prices are always rounded to a "whole" number by the system to assist with cash desk management.
3. Defining Discount Tiers
The discount is activated if current occupancy falls short of the expected level. Rules can be recorded in the Dynamic Pricing section using the "Add discount" button:
Deviation percentage: Specify the negative deviation from the expected occupancy that triggers the discount (e.g., -15%).
Discount rate: The percentage value to be deducted from the list price.
Any number of discount tiers (maximum 5 recommended) can be defined for an exam.
4. System Integration and Display
Patient Side: The patient sees only one price per day: either the list price or the discounted price calculated by the algorithm. Above the calendar, the system also displays a "lowest price" notice.
Combinability: It can be applied in parallel with percentage discounts tied to online payment (discounts are cumulative). However, it cannot be combined with "Last Minute" type settings.
Tips
Tip: It is recommended to set a maximum of 5 discount tiers to ensure that reception accounting and cash handling remain transparent.
Tip: Since the discounted price is rounded to whole number, it is worth specifying percentages that align with the institution's rounding strategy.
Summary
Central (system-side) activation is required before using the feature.
The algorithm updates prices for the next 30 days daily at midnight based on 6-month statistics.
Discounts are only applied if current occupancy is lower than expected.
The system automatically rounds to a whole number.
FAQ
Why can't I see the Dynamic Pricing section when editing an exam?
Why can't I see the Dynamic Pricing section when editing an exam?
The feature is not enabled by default. System operators must first authorize it for the institution.
When will cancellation and price drop notifications be available?
When will cancellation and price drop notifications be available?
These features are currently under development. In the future, patients are planned to receive notifications if a time slot becomes available or if the price of an exam decreases due to dynamic pricing.