Meeting every week with the doctors makes a tremendous difference in how smoothly – and also how successfully – an office operates, says the manager of a pediatrics practice in Colorado. For her office, it's an 8 a.m. meeting every Monday, a good time, because it sets the tone for the week. It also keeps everybody on the same page. And it ensures that the doctors know all the … [Read more...] about Use weekly meetings with doctors to keep office running smoothly
Marketing
Profit-boosting ideas welcome at staff meetings
Staff often have good recommendations, particularly for customer service. So to make sure they stay on the lookout for recommendations, practice manager Jackie Arzooyan of Canton Asthma & Allergy in Canton, MI, sets aside staff meeting time for them. The process is an easy one. When she draws up the agenda for a meeting, Arzooyan includes a question for everybody to think … [Read more...] about Profit-boosting ideas welcome at staff meetings
Don’t put your good customer service on hold
By Mark Williamson, CEO at PHMG bio Good customer service isn't just limited to providing first-class medical care. From the moment a patient first comes into contact with your company, a high level of service should be at the forefront of your responsibilities. Good manners, a friendly attitude, and going above and beyond all help make your patients feel … [Read more...] about Don’t put your good customer service on hold
For good marketing, try an open house
Want a marketing approach that's both effective and inexpensive? Try an open house. It's an open sales opportunity, says Robin Samora of Let's Make You Shine, a Boston marketing firm for medical practices and small businesses. It can achieve a number of good things: Introduce the practice to prospective patients Introduce new physicians Show off the expertise … [Read more...] about For good marketing, try an open house
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
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
Should your physicians blog?
Blogging, when successful, results in a certain notoriety, which, in the case of a physician blogger, calls attention to his or her medical practice. Such notoriety can help market the practice and result in new patients. But there are other reasons doctors blog—and, in fact, marketing the practice isn't one of the primary reasons physicians take to the keyboard. Dr. John … [Read more...] about Should your physicians blog?