- Although there is strong competition within the field of health, the main rival is always yourself.
- When a patient visits you for the first time there are many reasons why they could have chosen you, but when they return it is because they really liked your service.
- To create long-term relationships make sure you follow the tips below.
One of the aspirations that all health professionals should have is to become their patients’ family doctor. It is not only about the monetary aspect but about Generate long-term relationships that allow establishing a more personal relationship. It is also the beginning to make a practice successful.
When an optimal service is offered that meets and even exceeds expectations, it is the beginning of a long relationship. Otherwise, it will be the last time a person decides to go with you. If there are so many options available in the field of health care, You must make an extra effort to place yourself in the taste of those who visit your office.
Although it may seem that the biggest challenge is to attract new patients, in reality it is just the beginning of the series of adversities that you must face. The true objective of all doctors is to become the first choice of all people who require medical attention. When someone visits you for the first time there are many reasons why they could have chosen you, but when they return it is because they really liked your service.
Although creating long-term relationships may seem simple, it is actually a complex task that requires a lot of effort and discipline. Beyond thinking that your competition is outside, always think that the biggest competitor you are going to face is yourself.
Similarly, remember that doctors also become patients when they are sick. What you should do is identify the aspects that you dislike when someone attends you so that you do not repeat them within your office.
Answer all patient questions
Today’s patients are increasingly demanding and the fact that they can consult any information related to health on the internet allows them to come to your workplace with many questions. Sometimes their doubts do have a logical foundation and in others they are questions that lack logic and you must deny.
For this reason, beyond performing a review and offering a diagnosis to patients, never allow them to leave the office with doubts. Throughout the consultation, ask if everything was clear and if there are any questions you should answer them immediately. Not only is it for your health, but it also speaks about your character and the interest you show in those who visit you.
Empathy based service
also remember offer a humane treatment that projects warmth. Basic aspects such as offering a greeting at the beginning of the consultation and establishing eye contact are small details that are highly valued. At the end you should always mention that in the event of any inconvenience they can contact you. With this you will create a bond that shows that you are really interested in the person in front of you.
With the above, you can also Use social media to your advantage. Do not forget that it is a means of communication from which you can squeeze many benefits. It can help you stay in touch with your patients outside the office, send appointment reminders and even write when it’s their birthday. With this, they will never feel forgotten and it will help you foster a lasting relationship.
Promotions and discounts
Another strategy that you can implement, especially when difficult times such as the current pandemic arise, is to launch loyalty programs. For example, it offers a special price for accumulating a certain number of visits in a certain period of time.
In addition to the previous point, you can also start reward programs for patients who have been with you the longest. If they have been constant in their medical check-ups for years, you can offer a discount or a promotion if they take a family member with you. By doing so, you will not only build trust, but it will help you to win new patients.
Satisfaction surveys
To create long-term relationships, never forget that the main judges are always the patients. If you want to identify what you are doing wrong or what you can improve, you can rely on satisfaction surveys. For those who have already attended on previous occasions, ask about their opinion of your service. From their comments you will have an overview of your failures or what you can improve. But the important thing is not only to recognize your weaknesses but to correct them.
You should always keep in mind that one of your first objectives is to solve the discomfort that afflicts patients, although it is not the only one. It is also essential that you offer a service that leaves them satisfied so that they decide to return with you in the future. In this way you will guarantee that it will be the beginning of a long-term relationship and thus your office will benefit.
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