{"id":5797,"date":"2012-05-29T01:30:18","date_gmt":"2012-05-29T07:30:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.miridiatech.com\/news\/?p=5797"},"modified":"2018-11-26T05:52:21","modified_gmt":"2018-11-26T12:52:21","slug":"why-do-i-lose-patients-as-fast-as-i-get-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.miridiatech.com\/news\/2012\/05\/why-do-i-lose-patients-as-fast-as-i-get-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Target Marketing & Retention"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Think of this in the context of Patient Retention!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Why do I lose patients as fast as I get them? I hear comments like these from a wide range of practitioners. It’s the nature of the health care business. It’s not you or your profession. It\u2019s a bit of irony that the better you are at healing people, the less they come to see you!<\/p>\n

So, if you’re thinking its \u201cJust You,\u201d or \u201cJust Acupuncturists\u201d that lose patients all the time…THINK AGAIN! I\u2019ve worked with MD\u2019s on the brink of closing their practice! Let me tell you\u2026unless you are working with a business plan that is designed to counter the ebb and flow of health care, you are going to struggle financially!<\/p>\n

Let’s put together a plan for you that is designed to repeatedly bring the patients in, get results, and then move the patients into a long-term Wellness program. \u00a0The PLAN fits nicely into the acronym\u00a0T.E.A.M. <\/strong>\u00a0Let’s take a look at what each letter means.<\/p>\n

\"target<\/p>\n

T\u00a0<\/strong>= Target, Technique, Timing<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Target:<\/strong>\u00a0Who do you want as patients? Why do you want these patients? What is the ‘wellness cycle’ of these patients? The results of a recent health care “discretionary spending” survey are listed below.\u00a0\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

After looking at the numbers above, what niche do you want? It seems easy, right? Women 40+ will see you the most often and spend the most money!\u00a0 But hold on\u2026is that your specialty? Is that who you WANT to work with? \u00a0Do those people live close \u00a0to your clinic? Geography and convenience play a major role in long term care.<\/p>\n

Once \u00a0you’ve chosen your niche, there are business plans designed to help you build and maintain a successful practice. So pick the group you love working with.\u00a0 If every aspect of your practice focuses on your target niche, the money will take care of itself.\u00a0 Patients will feel like you ‘get’ them and that you’re a kindred spirit, they will trust you and refer their friends. This is key to creating a ‘wellness care’ business model.<\/p>\n

\"target<\/p>\n

Technique:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>How do you conduct a screening exam? An initial exam? A regular treatment?<\/p>\n

If a patient only comes 2-3 times, there is often a reason why. The most common reason is that they aren\u2019t connecting. WE know you can help them. THEY have to feel like you are their BEST chance to feel better. They have to feel that, to not see you regularly, would be like not seeing a friend. We want them to invest their time and money with YOU, so it is critical that every aspect of your practice pulls them closer to you.<\/p>\n

Timing:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Relationships are all about timing. The patient needs you, you need them. What makes ‘NOW’ the perfect time? What is going on in their life that led them to you? How have you been prepared to see them?<\/p>\n

There is a valid reason why we think this way. Humans take comfort in believing other forces are at work in the universe. Ask your patient the questions I just asked\u2026If they entertain even the slightest similar thought they will immediately and enthusiastically agree! Reinforce this connection each visit!<\/p>\n

E\u00a0<\/strong>= Energy, Enthusiasm, Empathy<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Energy:<\/strong>\u00a0People bursting with energy have a few things in common: they deeply honor and respect themselves, they accept themselves for who they are, they don\u2019t take themselves too seriously, and they see challenges as opportunities to be creative. How can you become a more energetic person?\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n