Putting the CARE back in Healthcare - with Marketing!

Putting the CARE back in Healthcare - with Marketing!

Health care has gone through some crazy changes over the course of the last few years – and definitely over the last ten to twenty years.  Gone are the days of looking up your primary care physician or specialist in a provider book you received when you signed up for your health insurance plan.

In today’s world it is all about finding a provider online.  Most providers hear this, and probably think “I don’t have time for this” or “I don’t know the first thing about websites or social media for that matter”.

Providers spend enough time on the business tasks it takes to run a business while trying to keep up with all the legislative changes that continue to be required of them.  In the midst of all these responsibilities, they are still trying to provide quality care to their patients which includes educating them on their health, conditions and risk factors.

All providers really want is to continue to CARE for their patients – here are three simple ways to show your patients you do CARE.

            Information.  With meaningful use upon us, one of the ways you can stay connected to your patients is to provide them with educational material.  This information can be provided via your website or blog.  If you give your patients a place to go when then are researching conditions, you will be helping them stay connected to you and your practice rather than having them surf around looking for answers.  This way you can provide this information directly to them while helping them stay healthy.

            Education.  Show your patients you care my hosting a monthly or quarterly educational presentation.  Some topics are very common when it comes to staying healthy. Pick a topic and recruit other providers you have relationships with to help you present an educational and fun presentation to your patients. 

            Newsletters.  Patients may not be coming in to see you for every ache or pain, but when something minor does happen, they are definitely researching their ailments online.  By providing them with a monthly newsletter, and discussing common diagnosis, your patients will be reminded that you care about them and their health by staying in touch with them and you can remind them of preventative procedures they should be considering.  Remember, these can be electronic or printed newsletters!

The time you have with your patients is important, and making the most of your time with them when they are in your office is critical.  By providing these valuable educational tools to show them you care, you are not only providing your patients with a higher level of information, you will be showing them you are committed to their health and well-being while being their partner for continued wellness.