Long patient wait times cause frustration for patients, stress for reception desk staff, loss of confidence in the practice—and, ultimately, loss of revenue. Here are 14 things you can do to reduce patient wait times, courtesy of Stewart Gandolf, Chief Executive Officer of Healthcare Success, a team of specialists who partner with healthcare clients to profitably deliver … [Read more...] about 14 good ways to cut your appointment wait times
Marketing
How to fix failing patient engagement initiatives
Patient engagement initiatives are a dime a dozen across healthcare organizations. From patient advisory groups and patient-centered portals to social media outlets and secure messaging, healthcare organizations understand that it’s important to get patients involved in their care. Studies prove that engaged patients result in better outcomes, lower costs, and a higher quality … [Read more...] about How to fix failing patient engagement initiatives
OIG issues fraud alert on pharmaceutical company in-person speaker programs
Before the pandemic put the chill on live conference events, it was fairly common for pharmaceutical companies, device makers and diagnostics companies to offer healthcare professionals fees for in-person speaking appearances. Such practices raise red flags under the federal Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) when those speakers recommend the products of those companies to their … [Read more...] about OIG issues fraud alert on pharmaceutical company in-person speaker programs
Should you notify applicants they didn’t get the job?
Open positions, especially those advertised, often generate many applications. If your practice is located in a major metropolitan area or large town, you may receive a huge pile of applications, electronic or otherwise, in response to a job posting. Fortunately, not all job applicants will have the appropriate qualifications—otherwise, interviewing would become your full-time … [Read more...] about Should you notify applicants they didn’t get the job?
Use weekly meetings with doctors to keep office running smoothly
Meeting every week with the doctors makes a tremendous difference in how smoothly – and also how successfully – an office operates, says the manager of a pediatrics practice in Colorado. For her office, it's an 8 a.m. meeting every Monday, a good time, because it sets the tone for the week. It also keeps everybody on the same page. And it ensures that the doctors know all the … [Read more...] about Use weekly meetings with doctors to keep office running smoothly
Profit-boosting ideas welcome at staff meetings
Staff often have good recommendations, particularly for customer service. So to make sure they stay on the lookout for recommendations, practice manager Jackie Arzooyan of Canton Asthma & Allergy in Canton, MI, sets aside staff meeting time for them. The process is an easy one. When she draws up the agenda for a meeting, Arzooyan includes a question for everybody to think … [Read more...] about Profit-boosting ideas welcome at staff meetings
Don’t put your good customer service on hold
By Mark Williamson, CEO at PHMG bio Good customer service isn't just limited to providing first-class medical care. From the moment a patient first comes into contact with your company, a high level of service should be at the forefront of your responsibilities. Good manners, a friendly attitude, and going above and beyond all help make your patients feel … [Read more...] about Don’t put your good customer service on hold
For good marketing, try an open house
Want a marketing approach that's both effective and inexpensive? Try an open house. It's an open sales opportunity, says Robin Samora of Let's Make You Shine, a Boston marketing firm for medical practices and small businesses. It can achieve a number of good things: Introduce the practice to prospective patients Introduce new physicians Show off the expertise … [Read more...] about For good marketing, try an open house
10 rules for getting good press and new patients along with it
To get new business, your medical practice has to be the first place the patient calls. To make the call, the patient has to know your practice's name. To know your practice's name, the patient has to see it over and over in the media. Media coverage is good free marketing, says Pam Lontos, president of Pam Lontos Consulting in Orlando. But to be of any value, it has to be … [Read more...] about 10 rules for getting good press and new patients along with it
The healthcare consumer: Using patient online reviews to boost your practice’s business
Patients are making increasing use of physician rating and review sites to comment on their medical experiences the way diners do with restaurants. And as with restaurants, this can be a tremendous boost or drag on your practice's business. Here's how to make effective use of these sites. Top review sites First, become familiar with the top healthcare review sites, which in … [Read more...] about The healthcare consumer: Using patient online reviews to boost your practice’s business