Continuing our discussion of how to promote your satellite office, let’s talk about some creative strategies you can employ that require little investment.
Many satellites fail because of their limited hours. Referring doctors often wonder about the commitment to the satellite when it’s hard to schedule patients. Each week, have a staffer send an e-mail [...]
When we engage in the marketing audit process with practices, we often find that they once had a satellite office in an outlying area that failed. Doctors become frustrated with driving to the satellite office to consult with just 2 or 3 patients and usually abandon the satellite office within the first year.
The reason why [...]
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 [...]
Once again I feel compelled to speak about the issue of complaint handling at medical practices. In our capacity as field marketers for specialty practices, it’s our role to survey referral sources on the quality of our clients’ clinical and administrative services. As such, we are often the first line of fire when hearing complaints [...]
Pre-certs are here to stay and the requirements are certain to increase. In some states, almost every managed care payor requires a pre-cert prior to expensive testing. The time it takes a medical office to procure a pre-cert is significant; most take 30-60 minutes and cost the practice roughly $35 to $50. Complicated surgeries require [...]
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% [...]
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 [...]
Here’s a quick tip to endear you to your referral sources: Invest in high quality note cards embossed with your practice logo for fast and sincere thank you notes to new referral sources. Pen a note of sincere appreciation from you and your staff. This personal touch will speak volumes about you and your practice. [...]
Doctors – here’s a quick tip that’s likely to increase your referrals. Invite your referral sources to your practice to view your procedures, surgery, newest capability, or equipment. Referral sources love to be a part of the solution. Many have not had the opportunity to view the procedures you are performing for them and this [...]
Are physician-to-physician meetings effective in driving referrals? We hear from many physicians that they have personally met with their referral sources in an effort to improve communication, build relationships, and drive referrals. When we ask them, “how many times have you met with them?” They usually reply: “once or twice.” We then ask: “How many [...]
