It’s no secret that patient satisfaction is a major factor in the success of any medical practice. Patients who are happy with their care are more likely to return for future appointments, recommend your practice to friends and family, and give positive reviews online. So, how can you ensure that your patients are satisfied with their experience at your office?
Here are some easy tips to improve patient satisfaction.
Have a Friendly and Welcoming Staff
Your front desk staff and medical assistants are often the first points of contact for patients, so it’s particularly important that they are friendly and welcoming. Greet patients by name, offer them a seat in the waiting room, and let them know you’re happy to see them. Assist them with any questions or concerns, and make sure they feel comfortable and at ease.
If you are running a pediatrician’s office, be sure to have toys and activities available to keep children occupied. A welcoming and accommodating waiting room for children and adults will go a long way in improving patient satisfaction.
Keep Wait Times to a Minimum
No one likes to wait, so do your best to keep wait times to a minimum. Patients should not have to wait more than a few minutes to be seen by a medical assistant or nurse, and should not wait more than 15-20 minutes to see the doctor.
If you know you will be running behind schedule, be sure to let patients know and apologize for the inconvenience.
You should be more lenient with first-time patients or those who have never been to your office before, as they may not be familiar with your usual procedures. If you have elderly or disabled patients, make sure you have a staff member or volunteer who can help them get around the office.
Be Attentive and Engaged
When you are with a patient, give them your full attention. Turn off your cell phone, eliminate distractions, and maintain appropriate eye contact. Providing them with answers to their questions and listening to their concerns is also important.
If you are treating a child, be sure to involve their parents in the conversation. Explain what you are doing and why, and ask if they have any questions. Your friendly and attentive bedside manner will go a long way in helping them open up and consequently improve patient satisfaction.
Be Thorough and Efficient
Be sure to thoroughly examine your patients, and order any necessary tests. But don’t spend too much time on each patient – remember, you have other patients to see as well.
Communicate Effectively
It’s important that you take the time to listen to your patients and address their concerns. Make sure they understand what you’re saying, and explain things in layman’s terms if necessary. Be patient and respectful, even if the patient is angry or upset.
If you need to refer the patient to another specialist, make sure you explain why and provide all the necessary information.
Make Prescriptions Easy to Understand
Be sure to clearly print the patient’s name, the name of the medication, the dosage, and how often it should be taken. If your patient is reluctant to take a certain medication, try to explain the benefits and address any concerns they may have. If they favor a certain pharma company, you can recommend it. That will foster a relationship of trust and improve your client’s satisfaction with you.
Keep Your Office Clean and Organized
Your office should be clean and organized, both for the sake of appearance and patient safety. Make sure all areas are well-lit and free of clutter.
Your exam rooms should be clean and stocked with supplies, and all medical equipment should be in good working order.
Follow Up with Patients
After a patient leaves your office, follow up with them to see how they’re doing. If they had a procedure done, check in to see how they’re healing. If they were prescribed medication, ensure they’re taking it as directed and not having any adverse reactions.
Following up shows that you care about your patients and their well-being and can help you catch any problems early on.
Be Empathetic
Remember that your patients entrust you with their health and well-being, so it’s important to be empathetic and understanding. Show them that you care about them as people, not just patients.
Following these tips can easily improve your patients’ satisfaction with their experience at your office. Creating a positive environment and practicing excellent customer service will go a long way in keeping your patients happy and coming back for more.
