Medical practices of every type and size are rapidly being transformed by the digital revolution. Your patients are ratcheting up health-related online activities to unprecedented levels, says Ron Harman King, founder of Vanguard Communications. "Patients now routinely do medical research, seek medical guidance and search for medical services online. The surge in digital … [Read more...] about Four digital trends that can transform your medical practice
Marketing
What are the chief business concerns of independent doctors?
Competing for patients against hospitals and health systems, which have substantial marketing budgets, topped the list of problems independent doctors face, according to a new survey out from the Association of Independent Doctors, a national nonprofit trade association. The pay gap between employed and independent doctors ranked a close second. "A variety of market forces … [Read more...] about What are the chief business concerns of independent doctors?
10 rules for getting good press and new patients along with it
To get new business, your medical practice has to be the first place the patient calls. To make the call, the patient has to know your practice's name. To know your practice's name, the patient has to see it over and over in the media. Media coverage is good free marketing, says Pam Lontos, president of Pam Lontos Consulting in Orlando. But to be of any value, it has to be … [Read more...] about 10 rules for getting good press and new patients along with it
The healthcare consumer: Using patient online reviews to boost your practice’s business
Patients are making increasing use of physician rating and review sites to comment on their medical experiences the way diners do with restaurants. And as with restaurants, this can be a tremendous boost or drag on your practice's business. Here's how to make effective use of these sites. Top review sites First, become familiar with the top healthcare review sites, which in … [Read more...] about The healthcare consumer: Using patient online reviews to boost your practice’s business
New referrals come from a visit, a folder, and chocolate cookies
When a new manager took over the office of a Miami gastroenterology practice, the office had just lost two physicians and needed to increase referrals for the three physicians who remained. So she took on the job of marketing. Her approach was direct and simple, but the results were so good that now, less than two years later, the schedule stays full. First, she put together … [Read more...] about New referrals come from a visit, a folder, and chocolate cookies
Physician entrepreneurs drive innovation and change
By Nick Hernandez bio Physician leaders must be innovators to navigate their practices into and through the era of healthcare reform. True physician entrepreneurs take charge of change and continuously scan the outside environment for new and fresh ideas. They search for opportunities for ways to do what has never been done before, and many times engage consultants … [Read more...] about Physician entrepreneurs drive innovation and change
U.S. news and Binary Foundation team up to add patient experience ratings to online doctor profiles
U.S. News & World Report recently announced a new collaboration with Binary Fountain, a provider of patient feedback management solutions with one of the largest data repositories of online patient reviews and surveys in the healthcare industry. Through this relationship, U.S. News now publishes patient experience ratings from Binary Fountain on many of its doctor profile … [Read more...] about U.S. news and Binary Foundation team up to add patient experience ratings to online doctor profiles
Strong practice leaders understand the competition
By Nick Hernandez bio Practice managers must be keenly aware of what competing practices are doing as well as practices outside of their catchment area. Practice management requires a firm focus on the competition; identifying its strengths and vulnerabilities is crucial. Since managing a successful practice requires decision and action based on situational … [Read more...] about Strong practice leaders understand the competition
Involving staff in marketing generates good ideas and sense of teamwork
An office manager looking for ways to encourage a team atmosphere decided to ask staff to help market the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) practice where they all work. The goal was to help staff see that everyone plays a key role in the four-physician, 22-staff practice. The office manager began by holding a meeting focused on the important role everyone plays in marketing the … [Read more...] about Involving staff in marketing generates good ideas and sense of teamwork
In the News: Alliance helps member physicians collect patient reviews and manage online reputation
Physicians belonging to Collier County Medical Society (CCMS) in Florida now have help boosting their online reputation and gaining insight into their practices from patient reviews about their experiences, thanks to a new strategic alliance with Testimonial Tree. For a discounted price, member physicians will have access to Testimonial Tree's reputation management services, … [Read more...] about In the News: Alliance helps member physicians collect patient reviews and manage online reputation