Building Patient Loyalty — Suggestion #1

Unlike the days when HMO’s ruled the healthcare scene, the majority of today’s “prosumer” patients have plenty of choices when it comes to selecting a physician. And their expectations tend to be high. So how do you not only attract new patients but increase loyalty and build lifelong patients? One idea:

Dazzle.

Healthcare is an experience. Make it an exceptional one. Stand out. Think about what you can do in your practice to not only meet service expectations, but exceed them. What can you do that is different from others in your field? Something that will be memorable and meaningful to a patient. Could be as simple as a follow-up phone call; a well thought-out, sincere and personal explanation of a condition or concern; or a handwritten thank-you note. Sing or whistle a song, share a story, express a genuine interest in a patient’s hobby/career, express your personal interests in your office décor by hanging interesting artwork or photos, work a patient in immediately when they have an urgent issue. It’s often the smallest things that make the biggest impression.