The Top 5 Mistakes Practices Make When Welcoming New Patients

We’ve all heard it a million times, ‘patient consumerism,’ patients are a lot like consumers. They shop for healthcare like they shop for a great pair of shoes. There are choices and lots of them. Sometimes it comes down to the bargain price, to convenience, to the brand. But no matter the reason, the healthcare landscape is competitive and patients are in high demand.  

Practices need to make a great first impression with new patients.

The five most common mistakes practices make when welcoming a new patient:

1. Signage. The scotch-taped laser copies on the walls communicating co-pays, lab results, office policies, new hours. You get the point.
    
2. Patient Sign-In Sheets. 8.5x11 sheets of paper with patient signatures, not designed with HIPAA in mind.
    
3. Photocopied Registration Forms. Third generation laser copies -- crooked, resembling something of the 1970’s typewriter ink. Not to mention spacing to write in 6 pt. type!
    
4. No Practice Marketing. Missed opportunity to promote the practice, providers, value-added services, extended hours, etc.
    
5. Not asking for patient feedback. An online review, patient survey, a thank you -- something to show you care about their overall experience.

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