Four Tips for Medical Offices Looking to Create the Best Patient Experience Possible

It’s no secret that every medical office should strive to make their patients feel comfortable, right?

However, the pieces of prioritizing the patient experience, from making a good first impression to encouraging those first-timers to come back through your door, can quickly get lost in the weeds of your day-to-day operations.

Despite the fact that many offices are overwhelmed with their tasks “behind” the scenes, it certainly pays to put your patients’ well-being first.

Regardless of which medical field you’re working in, the following four tips are totally fair game for creating a more patient-centric experience that’ll drum up business and encourage positive feedback about your practice.

Take Care of Your “Paperwork” First

Arguably the best way to provide stellar service to your patients is through streamlining the more tedious tasks behind your practice.

For example, software to keep your business in line with regulations is a must-have in a healthcare field that’s constantly changing. Similarly, the ability to collect and aggregate customer fields and information through a CRM can save major time when onboarding patients.

A Personable Staff is a Must-Have

Whether it’s your own assistant or someone working the front desk, everyone on your team should be expected to create a positive working environment. Given the epidemic of white coat syndrome and the fact that doctors offices make people uneasy, an office with a positive, “family” vibe is essential.

While interviewing and looking at your staff, consider the qualities of a good medical employee including strong communication skills, emotional stability, and empathy.

Provide Multiple Points of Contact

The easier it is for patients to get in touch with you, the better.

Consider that patients come from all walks of life: some might not be the savviest when it comes to web-based scheduling while others might only desire digital communication. In addition to an active phone line, encourage scheduling options via social, your social media accounts and email as well.

Don’t underestimate the power of tools such as Facebook for connecting with customers, too. An awesome avenue for handling customer concerns and breaking the ice with potential patients, there’s a reason why social media has revolutionized healthcare.

This ease of access not only means that you’re not freezing out potential customers, but also that your practice is a sort of “good listener.”

Keep Your Patients in the Loop

Medical offices obviously thrive on repeat business; however, you have to take special care when encouraging patients to return. After all, not everyone is exactly jazzed up about their follow-ups, even if you offer a positive experience.

A combination of personalized and automated reminders (think: phone, email, and SMS) are a good starting point, as is continued communication through a newsletter or social media. Again, reminding your patients that you’re looking out for them will always score you brownie points. It’s a win-win as you retain business while also making a good impression.

Treating your patients will not only mean providing medical service with a smile but also emphasizing support at every turn. By sticking to these tips, you can not only create a happier environment at your practice but also encourage more returning patients over time.