When a new manager took over the office of a Miami gastroenterology practice, the office had just lost two physicians and needed to increase referrals for the three physicians who remained. So she took on the job of marketing. Her approach was direct and simple, but the results were so good that now, less than two years later, the schedule stays full. First, she put together … [Read more...] about New referrals come from a visit, a folder, and chocolate cookies
Marketing
Strong practice leaders understand the competition
By Nick Hernandez bio Practice managers must be keenly aware of what competing practices are doing as well as practices outside of their catchment area. Practice management requires a firm focus on the competition; identifying its strengths and vulnerabilities is crucial. Since managing a successful practice requires decision and action based on situational … [Read more...] about Strong practice leaders understand the competition
Involving staff in marketing generates good ideas and sense of teamwork
An office manager looking for ways to encourage a team atmosphere decided to ask staff to help market the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) practice where they all work. The goal was to help staff see that everyone plays a key role in the four-physician, 22-staff practice. The office manager began by holding a meeting focused on the important role everyone plays in marketing the … [Read more...] about Involving staff in marketing generates good ideas and sense of teamwork
Should your physicians blog?
Blogging, when successful, results in a certain notoriety, which, in the case of a physician blogger, calls attention to his or her medical practice. Such notoriety can help market the practice and result in new patients. But there are other reasons doctors blog—and, in fact, marketing the practice isn't one of the primary reasons physicians take to the keyboard. Dr. John … [Read more...] about Should your physicians blog?
Telephone, email, v-mail, meeting new colleagues: how to look like a pro
In the professional world, proper communication counts big. Any manager or physician who wants to rise above the competition has to know communication etiquette, says Canadian etiquette consultant Jay Remer of St. Andrews, New Brunswick. People expect every doctor to know medicine. How they choose a doctor depends on whether they connect with the individual. And what makes the … [Read more...] about Telephone, email, v-mail, meeting new colleagues: how to look like a pro
Patient referrals: an untapped source of new revenue
Medical practices sometimes mistakenly believe that patient referrals don't matter. However, like customer referrals, patient referrals are an important—and often untapped—source of new business. There are multiple ways to make sure your practice is encouraging referrals. Here are several areas where you should focus. Family members and their friends Perhaps the most … [Read more...] about Patient referrals: an untapped source of new revenue
‘Dressing for success’ at the office counts far more than you think
Whether the manager is speaking to a group, to the doctors, or to a new patient, looks count, says image consultant Sandy Dumont of The Image Architect in Norfolk, VA. And Dumont backs up her assertion with research – limited research, but research nonetheless. She recently sat in a courtroom "for hours predicting which attorneys would win based on how they looked." And each … [Read more...] about ‘Dressing for success’ at the office counts far more than you think
The four elements of successful operational planning
By Nick Hernandez bio Physicians are well aware of the need for planning. Indeed, they devise clinical plans on a daily basis as they formulate the best way in which to care for a patient. However, when is the last time you spent time working on operational planning for your practice? Many physicians or practice administrators reading this will be thinking, "Who has the time … [Read more...] about The four elements of successful operational planning
How one irritated patient can start a social media firefight
By Lynne Curry bio Here's the scenario: One of your physicians considers himself "a law unto himself." When an employee or patient protests how he treats them, he wastes no time telling the employee or patient why they are wrong or where to find the exit door. You've tried for years to get this physician to take it easier on people. No such luck. You've begged … [Read more...] about How one irritated patient can start a social media firefight
Is your medical practice’s social media policy adequate?
By Nick Hernandez bio By now every physician should be aware of the benefits that can be bestowed upon their practice as a result of social media. Indeed, many practices are engaging in one or more social media platforms on a regular basis. Moreover, staff members are most definitely active in social media, and probably use it while at work. Physicians and … [Read more...] about Is your medical practice’s social media policy adequate?