Every medical practice’s dream is to retain all of its existing patients. After all, patient retention costs significantly less than attracting new patients. Not to mention, losing a single patient could cost up to $200k, according to this study.
Unfortunately, patient retention isn’t as easy in reality. Patients change healthcare providers for various reasons, from unfriendly interactions and long waiting times to high medical bills and lack of comprehensive service.
Therefore, you need to implement patient retention strategies for your Atlanta medical practice that improve patient satisfaction. Read on to discover the strategies top medical practices in Atlanta are using to retain patients.
7 Strategies to Retain Patients in Your Medical Practice
Ready to retain patients beyond a one-time consultation? Implement these patient retention strategies, and they’ll choose your Midtown or Buckhead medical practice for all their future medical needs.
1. Make a good impression
A good impression is everything. And, not just the first impression, but every time your staff interacts with patients. So, create a comfortable and welcoming environment that makes a good impression.
Also, ensure that your medical staff are professional but friendly. This includes the RNs, technicians, front desk, and schedulers. If possible, hire a director of impressions to ensure that all staff make a good impression on everyone who visits your medical practice.
2. Communicate better
Communication contributes to patient satisfaction. Thus, train medical staff to communicate clearly and be empathetic to patients. This builds trust, as patients feel heard, supported, and respected.
Furthermore, communicate outside in-person visits. Show you care by following up with patients in between appointments. You may also provide personalized health tips to patients via newsletters and SMS campaigns.
3. Reduce waiting time
Long waiting time is frustrating. Patients would change to medical practices where they can get an appointment and see a doctor quickly. So, explore different ways to reduce your waiting time.
You can use scheduling apps to avoid overbooking; send appointment reminders to prevent late arrivals that disrupt the schedule; and use digital solutions to perform administrative tasks faster.
4. Collect patient’s feedback
Collect data on patient’s experience and satisfaction levels. This will enable you to identify areas of improvement and additional patients’ needs. For instance, patients may mention the need for informational materials they can study at home.
You can use post-care surveys to collect feedback on patient satisfaction after an appointment or procedure. Analyzing patients’ reviews and ratings of your healthcare service can also help find and resolve issues patients may have experienced.
5. Provide transparent billing
Patients don’t want to feel like they’re being overcharged or that there are hidden costs. They also don’t want to receive unexpected or surprise medical bills.
So, be open and upfront about patients’ medical billings. Help them understand the cost of the care they will receive. And provide flexible payment plans to assist patients who are unable to pay in full at once.
6. Leverage digital technology
Patients today appreciate the ease of technology. So, use tech to improve your operational process and provide more convenient medical services.
Set up an online self-scheduling app to make booking appointments easier. The front desk office and medical assistant can manage patient records electronically. And, RNs and technicians can provide telehealth services to out-patients.
7. Offer loyalty incentives
Sounds odd for a medical practice, but incentives can help with patient retention. Offer free medical checkups and complimentary services to returning patients. Discounts on medical procedures and perks like priority scheduling are also great incentives for long-time patients.
In Conclusion…
Retaining existing patients is more cost-effective than attracting new patients. And with the effective patient retention strategies outlined above, you can keep patients satisfied and maintain a long-term relationship.
Whether your medical practice is in Buckhead or Midtown Atlanta, you can reach out to us at RG Staffing to recruit top talents who will provide quality services that will improve patient retention.
