6 ideas to retain patients in the office

It is common that as doctors we are not aware of when our routines and procedures turn against us. Remember that the reason why patients stop coming for consultations or new ones simply do not arrive is due to poor customer service, not poor clinical practices. **With these simple tips, we will improve exactly that and help you retain patients:

• Easy access to the service – Appointments should be accessible within 2 days at most and preferably on the same day.
• Includes online appointment systems – Scheduling by software or apps is very sophisticated and your patients will be able to use it 24/7, and almost all of them have the option to remind you of appointments.
• Make your office hours more flexible – Includes consultations in the afternoon or even on Saturdays. This way you will get an advantage over the competition.
• Keep your cell phone on – Even at mealtime, there are patients who need you. I know you deserve your meal time too, but remember that the traditional meal time is also their meal time and probably the only time they can mark you.
• A great first impression – You’ve heard it before, but try to find something about yourself that sets you apart. As an example, one of my colleagues is a Star Wars fan and a pediatrician, his entire office is full of action and is never empty.
• Facilitates bureaucracy – Try to have adequate information, such as what insurance you work with, so you won’t have to send your patient to ask somewhere else and probably be discouraged from making an appointment. Some of these ideas may sound very radical and even inconsiderate to you, but in essence,** getting out of your comfort zone is the best strategy to get ahead of the competition.**