Unlock a Flood of More New Patients: 7 Barriers You Must Remove First
Introduction
So you want to know how to get more patients? The key to generating an unlimited number of new patients lies in identifying and eliminating the barriers that stand in your way. Without removing these barriers, your valuable time, money, and effort to attract more new patients will go to waste. Whether you’re wondering how to get new dental patients or how to get new chiropractic patients, ALL Practice Owners will benefit from learning about these seven barriers. In this article, let’s find out what barriers are preventing you to reach more new patients, and how to overcome them!
Barrier #1: Practice Owner or Staff Lack Practice Promotion Skills
Example 1: The Promotion Manager hat is not worn by anyone, including the practice owner.
Example 2: The staff members are so shy, they fail to give a good impression to new patients.
To effectively attract more new patients, it is essential for the practice owner and staff to possess solid practice promotion skills. Consider hiring a Promotional Manager or assigning specific promotional duties to a current staff member who is willing to take on the responsibility. This will involve understanding marketing techniques, leveraging online platforms, and effectively communicating the value and benefits of the practice to potential patients. Ensure your practice can make a strong first impression and engage with potential patients on a deeper level, and this will lead to increased patient acquisition.
You can also encourage your team to step out of their comfort zones and provide them with the tools and techniques needed to improve their communication and interpersonal skills. By enhancing their ability to engage with potential patients and convey the value of your practice, you can break down this barrier, attract more new patients, and create lasting relationships built on trust and credibility.
Barrier #2: Practice PR Is Poor
Example: Google Business reviews of the practice are more negative than positive with an average rating of 2.5 stars. Google Business makes it worse by promoting other practices' profiles right next to yours.
To overcome this barrier, it's important to monitor and respond to reviews on Google Business promptly. Engage with patients who leave reviews, both positive and negative, to show that your practice values patient feedback and is committed to improving their experience. You can also encourage satisfied patients to leave positive reviews to counterbalance any negative reviews.
An important thing to remember is NOT to reply to a negative review that you think is spam or fake, as you can take action to remove these by reporting them to Google. If you reply to any review you would like removed, Google will take that as you are "accepting" the negative review. If it is a genuine review it is best to reply and attempt to resolve any upset or issue, and continue focusing on quality care and getting more positive reviews.
Barrier #3: The Practice Owner or Staff Can Only Deal With Certain Patients
Example 1: A receptionist cannot stand anyone who speaks with an accent.
Example 2: A hygienist gets short with patients who do not give her the respect she feels she deserves.
Limiting your ability to cater to a diverse patient population can significantly constrain your patient acquisition efforts. It is essential for the practice owner and staff to adopt an inclusive mindset and provide equal care and attention to all patients, regardless of their background or circumstances. By fostering an accepting and respectful environment, you can attract a wide range of patients who feel comfortable and welcomed in your practice.
Barrier #4: The Office Is Not Organized to Handle More New Patients
Example 1: Website appointment requests are often ignored for 2-3 days.
Example 2: The practice owner never thanks patients for referring new patients.
Another common barrier to attracting new patients is that the practice is not organized to handle an influx of new patients. This could mean appointment requests are often ignored for several days, or the practice owner never thanks patients for referring new patients.
A disorganized office can create a poor patient experience and ruin your ability to attract more new patients. It is crucial to streamline your processes and ensure that your office is equipped to handle an influx of new patients. Promptly responding to website appointment requests, implementing efficient scheduling systems, and showing appreciation for patient referrals can go a long way in creating a positive impression.
Barrier #5: The Practice Owner or Staff Have Negative Emotions and Reactions
Example 1: A new patient walks in, feels the tension in the practice, and quietly walks out.
Example 2: A patient hears two staff members criticizing patients and decides to never refer anyone.
The emotions and reactions displayed by the practice owner and staff have a direct impact on the patient experience. It is vital to create a positive and supportive environment within the practice. Encouraging empathy, effective communication, and teamwork can help minimize negative emotions and reactions, and will help to create a welcoming atmosphere for new patients and improve the odds they will want to return.
Barrier #6: The Practice Owner or Staff Are Overworked, Disorganized, or Distracted
Example 1: The doctor rushes through new patient exams if other patients are waiting.
Example 2: An office manager feels overworked, so she skillfully prevents new patients from coming in.
If your practice is understaffed or staff members are overworked, disorganized or distracted, this is a perfect recipe to lose potential patients.
To overcome this barrier, it's important for the practice owner to delegate tasks effectively and manage their time appropriately. Additionally, it's essential to have a reliable and efficient system for managing patient inquiries and scheduling appointments. Implementing tools such as e-mail and text message appointment reminders can help reduce no-shows and late cancellations, freeing up staff time to handle new patient inquiries. Consider hiring additional staff or outsourcing some administrative tasks to reduce the workload of existing staff and ensure that everyone is able to focus on providing high-quality care to new and returning patients.
Barrier #7: The Practice Owner Is Involved in Disagreements or Attacks
Example: The practice owner is being sued for malpractice and loses enthusiasm for seeing new patients.
Conflicts or legal issues involving the practice owner can have a detrimental impact on attracting new patients. It is wise to address and resolve any internal or external conflicts promptly and professionally. In the rare situation that conflicts escalate, it's important to consult with a legal expert.
Additionally, practicing active listening and empathy can help your patients feel heard and valued, even in times of conflict.
Conclusion: Smash Through the Barriers and Attract More New Patients
In the pursuit of unlocking a flood of new patients, it is essential to identify and address the barriers hindering your progress. You can more easily pinpoint the unique barriers of your practice by taking our online Practice Analysis Questionnaire which is designed especially for Practice Owners. By removing these obstacles, you’ll be able to consistently get new patients through your practice doors. To recap, the barriers we've explored include a lack of practice promotion skills, poor PR on Google Business, the inability to cater to diverse patients, an unorganized office, negative emotions and reactions, an overworked or distracted staff, and conflicts involving the practice owner.
By investing in a Practice Management Consultant like ExecTech, your ability to reach more new patients and achieve other goals will skyrocket. Get personal support with your current practice struggles by booking a casual 30 minute phone meeting with one of our consultants.
By addressing these barriers, you'll create a welcoming environment where patients will want to return and recommend your practice to others. So take the time to prioritize removing these barriers; the benefits will be worth it.
Remember, it's never too late to improve your practice!