Is it time to mix it up? Look at things a different way? Here are a few suggestions to think about…
- Where is your focus? Is it on the right things? Are you open to change? What do you want to see change in your practice in the near future? What do you need to work on?
- Take more time with your patients. Work on your presentations. Be personable – connect with them.
- Adjust your schedule. Are your days and hours of operation best for your patients? Do they need adjusting?
- How is your attitude? “Positive” and “pleasant”behaviors are not always the easiest option but the power they hold should not be overlooked by you or your team.
- Do your financial policies help your patients? consider treatment plans with no interest and / or third party financing. It may cost a little in the beginning, but volume could increase and you would have fewer collection issues.
- Ask patients about their concerns and needs. Listen and offer solutions. Is there anything you or your team members need to adjust or change?
- Are you technologically up to date? Is there new technology you can invest in that would increase your revenue? Consult with your IT or equipment specialists to get input on what could be helpful to your practice.
- When was the last time you really looked at your office? Walk into your office and look around. What areas could use changing? Is it inviting? Even removing a little clutter and quick paint touch ups can do a lot to change the way your office is viewed by patients and staff.
- Are your front-line representatives properly trained? Train those who answer your phonesand those at the front desk on how to ask and answer questions, set appointments, and how to be the best representative they can be for your practice. Some doctors lose patients on the very first phone call.
- Have you considered what its like to be a patient at your office? Have your team role play being the patient. Let them call in and make an appointment so each can experience the same process that the patients do. Then sit down as a group and evaluate the experiences they had.
- Do you have an open-door policy with staff? Encourage recommendations from your staff members on what can be done to make it better for the patients. Reward good ideas.
- Are you prepared for staff call-ins? Cross train your staff so anyone can fill in when another is busy, sick or on vacation.
