For physicians, patient referrals are an important part of their business. It's also an affordable way for healthcare providers to market their services. More patient referrals lead to increased patient retention and revenue. Experts believe that getting referrals from your existing patients is the second easiest way to increase patient volume. The first is the primary care physician's opinion or referral who your prospects visit. So if you are getting your new patients through referrals by existing patients, you are truly providing exceptional service to your patients.
Here are a few ways to get more patient referrals.
1. Use Simple Referral Programs
If you utilize a program to get more patient referrals, keep it simple. Avoid creating a program that has multiple tiers and a complex set of rules. Reward your current patients for sending you referrals. Remember, you have the ability to change your referral system to offer more incentives to patients who recommend your services to the inner circle.
2. Automate the Referral Process
When the practice gets busy, verbally asking patients for referrals can get forgotten. Implement an automated email program to ask your patients for referrals. This can ensure your practice stays top of mind and your patients can easily forward your practice's information to friends and family.
3. Build Relationships with Your Current Patients
To attract new patients, you have to engage your current ones. As you build a relationship with your current patients, you establish trust. Your patients will develop a great view of your medical practice. When you reach out to your existing patients, ask them to review your services.
4. Listen to Your Patients
When you ask your patients for feedback, take notes. Ask your patients which things they like and which things you should improve to provide better service. This will give you a clear idea of how you can improve patient satisfaction to get more patient referrals.
5. Educate Your Patients
Many doctors miss out on the opportunity to establish a good referral program because their patients aren't even aware of it. Make sure that your patients know any referrals would be appreciated. Create some promotional emails that explain how beneficial referrals are. You can also send custom messages thanking your patients for their support and sending referrals. Try to be transparent at all times.
6. Network with Referring Physicians
Remember that other physicians and health providers can refer patients your way. Networking with physicians at other clinics and hospitals will make it easier for them to recommend your services to their patients. Putting yourselves in front of referring physicians can keep you and your practice top of mind.
7. Train Your Staff
Having a welcoming staff can be just as important as providing great care. Encourage your staff to take note of your patient's concerns, gather feedback and thank them for visiting. Be sure to address any issues that your patients have. Empowering your staff helps improve the patient experience. Once you build a rapport with your patients, that will increase the chances of referring new clients.
8. Local Events
Holding a local event is a great way to connect with patients and increase referrals. Make sure that you develop a strong online and offline marketing plan for the event. This will help maximize the number of patient visits. Organize local events and health screening camps to educate people about your medical practice and services. Consider offering free services to promote your brand or offer handouts.
9. Patient Testimonials
Use the technology at your disposal to promote your online testimonials. Giving your patients the opportunity to provide reviews and testimonials on your website is beneficial for your brand's online reputation.
10. Use Social Media
Social media is another way that you can connect with your patients and gather new referrals. Your social media account is a symbol of your practice and another way for people to stay informed about your services. People are constantly on the internet looking for recommendations regarding specific health providers, treatment options, and facilities. By implementing an engaging social media plan, your patients can easily share information about your practice and services to friends and family.
There are several different strategies you can use to gain more patient referrals. However, the easiest way to obtain your goal is by caring for your patients and delivering consistent and excellent service. If you are looking out for a cost-effective referral marketing strategy for your healthcare practice, contact us at GMR Web Team to increase your patient acquisition and retention.
Ajay Prasad is the Founder and President of GMR Web Team, a leading healthcare digital marketing agency. He guides small and medium size healthcare practices/businesses in customizing their online marketing strategy, focused on building a loyal base of patients and improving their patient acquisition. Ajay believes in an improved patient experience as the key to successful healthcare business, which can be accomplished with the right marketing plan in place.
