Horizon launches new self-booking tool for X-Ray appointments in Saint John area

SAINT JOHN – A new service will provide patients in the Saint John area with a new, easy, and modern way to book their own X-ray appointments.

Horizon Health Network (Horizon) is excited to announce patients with an X-ray note (referral) from their care provider will be able to book their own appointments online.

“Horizon recognizes patients and families are looking for modern ways to book their health care appointments, and this tool is a first step in providing this type of service,” said Margaret Melanson, Horizon’s interim president and CEO. “The new self-booking tool for X-rays was developed thanks to patient and staff feedback.”

The service is being piloted in the Saint John area where, beginning Monday, Dec. 11, patients with an X-ray note can visit horizonnb.ca/radiography to book their own X-ray appointment.

“This innovative initiative aims to empower our patients and their loved ones, improve accessibility to care, and improve how appointments are booked at Horizon,” said Daryl Steeves, Horizon’s Interim Vice President Professional Services.

In order to book an appointment, patients will need to confirm they have an X-ray note, or that it has been faxed to the hospital’s X-ray department before proceeding. Health care providers may also use this tool to book their patients’ appointments on their behalf.

Appointments will be available Monday through Friday to coincide with the hours of operation of the facility selected when booking online. Patients can still call in to book an appointment if they do not have access to an online device. To cancel or reschedule an appointment, patients can click the link in their confirmation email or contact the Medical Imaging (MI) department at the hospital where they have booked their appointment.

This tool will help reduce the number of missed appointments. Reducing missed appointments will mean a decrease in wait lists and improved access to services for patients, creating a better patient experience. This service will be launched in other Horizon areas in early 2024.

Horizon has a plan to improve health care in New Brunswick. Our plan is focused on retention and recruitment efforts and improving the overall patient experience by addressing patient flow and access to services. Further details about Horizon’s four priority areas are available at HorizonNB.ca.   This initiative also supports the Government of New Brunswick’s provincial health plan, Stabilizing Health Care: An Urgent Call to Action.

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