What are you doing right now, proactively to attract new patients into your office? Here are a few simple suggestions and steps that you can take to preserve your current patient base.
- Don’t depend on “referrals” only.
If you’ve been in practice for any length of time, chances are, a good percentage of your new patients come from existing patients and their referrals. No one will argue with the fact that the key to practice growth is asking for and receiving referrals, right?
Well…some food for thought…if you are not reaching out to your community and targeting prospective patients who may not know one of your patients or even much about chiropractic, you’re new patient conversion and retention skills could be suffering.
Chiropractors who lose fewer patients and convert more patients do so because they have astute patient education skills. Typically, you will spend more time educating a patient that is not familiar at all with you or a patient of yours. Remember as well that ongoing patient education is the key to keeping your patients from falling off.
- Create a warm and welcoming office environment.
Make your office a place that people look forward to visiting. You and your team set the “temp” in the office…literally and figuratively. Take a look around your office waiting room. Does it look warm and inviting? Furniture should be updated and comfortable. Color schemes are important for patients and staff as well. Cooler tones are best and will promote a feeling of calmness. Music should be relaxing set at a low volume. Have bottled water, herbal tea and fruit available for patients waiting to be seen. Make sure your team members are cheerful and pleasant.
- Survey your patients after their 3rd visit.
An office “report card” is the most effective way to find out what your patients are thinking. If there is anything at all about you or your office that a patient is not comfortable with, you want to find out as soon as possible. Be open and inviting to all feedback, both positive and negative. Make the changes you need to make based on the responses you receive. Obviously, it’s impossible to please everyone, however, if you notice a “trend” relating to any specific feedback, you need to act on it immediately.
- Try Not to Keep Patients Waiting Too Long.
How do you and your staff feel when a patient is habitually late for their appointment? Well, patients feel the same way when they routinely are kept waiting. Be respectful of your patient’s time. Although a busy office breeds excitement and momentum, keeping a patient waiting for too long is ill -mannered. If you do have to keep patients waiting for any length of time be sure to acknowledge them often and to offer them the option to reschedule the appointment.
- Believe In Yourself!!!
Remember the movie “Field of Dreams”? It’s a favorite of mine. For the few reading that may not be familiar, it’s a story of a man’s belief and purpose. It’s impossible to be truly successful at anything without determination and conviction. As a human being and as a chiropractor the faith and confidence that you have in your self and your profession will determine your accomplishments. Never give up on what you believe. You’ll be tried and tested along the way. Just “hang on tight” to your ideals!!
For questions or advice contact Lisa Roberts @ 800-696-7788 x251
