Below are the fundamental steps required for the scientific method of basic medical research. Virtually anyone who has studied science or medicine is familiar with this process and yet very few recognize its application when marketing their medical practice.
– Ask a Question
- Do Background Research
- Construct a Hypothesis
- Test Your Hypothesis by [...]
Looking for a relatively passive way to drive referrals?
In past articles, we’ve talked about the value of patient-to-patient referrals. While physician-to-physician referrals are clearly the most viable and reliable, don’t discount the value of patient-to-patient referrals.
In a recent MGMA survey, respondents reported that 86% ask their doctor when seeking health-related information or help. But 68% [...]
Some months ago, we were asked to advertise in a charity booklet with a target audience of 400 people who would be attending the charity ball. Most of the ball attendees were potential clients for our firm. The quarter-page ad allowed us to publish our black and white logo along with a two-line message of [...]
The September 2009 issue of MGMA Connexion includes a report on “where Americans look for information or assistance when dealing with health or medical issues.”
The results were as follows:
• 86% ask a doctor or other health professional
• 68% ask a friend or family member
• 57% use the internet
• 54% use books or other printed material
• 33% contact [...]
These days, it’s hard to imagine a workplace trying to force their staff to wear uniforms, but doctors’ offices can be the exception. While clinical staff may be used to wearing lab coats or scrubs (which can be branded with your practice logo or hospital affiliation), the front office staff is often left out of [...]
A couple weeks ago, we posted a tip about using a “mystery shopper” to objectively evaluate your practice. Here’s some more information about why you should consider this and what they can evaluate for you.
There’s a common theory in business that says for every one client complaint you hear about, there are actually 14 other [...]
Back in April, my health insurance changed and I had to select a new primary care doctor. Where to start? I skimmed through my provider’s online director of PCPs, overwhelmed at the prospect of choosing a random physician with no information other than a name and a location.
So how did I choose? I found a [...]
We’ve run into more than a few physicians who don’t see the value of marketing their practice, who think it’s going to make them see less credible in the eyes of their colleagues, etc. To that we say: think about marketing simply as a way to educate the community about yourself, your specialty, and your [...]
Here’s a follow-up to something I mentioned in an article a few weeks ago. I pointed out that “branded” promotional items can help you endear your practice to your referral sources. Sure, these items are things that drug companies used to deliver to your office by the case load, but they don’t need to be [...]
Are you looking to spice up your direct mail campaigns? Try symptom-specific mailings. We know from experience that these are highly effective when marketing to the general public. Work with your marketing team to develop mailers that are specific to the symptoms of the ailments you treat. Make them education and make sure there is [...]
