Cross Promoting Services
One reason that practices lose patients is because many times, patients are not aware of all of the services you offer! For example, a patient may be referred to you for allergy treatment, but later when their PCP sends them for a hearing test, they may pick an entirely new practice simply because they have no idea that you offer more than just allergy.
There is a simple way to make your patients aware of all your services the very first day they walk in your door: a multi-screener at intake. A multi-screener contains questions related to each of the major services for offer. For example, “Do you turn up the TV or radio louder than others need it?” under your audiology section and “Do you experience sneezing, itchy eyes and stuffy nose during certain seasons?” under your allergy section.
At the end of the screener, include instructions to turn it in with the rest of the intake paperwork. Depending on your follow-up process, you can instruct your patient to return the screen to the front desk or to the nurse who takes them to the room.
The most important aspect of this process is to establish communication with the patient. Sure they’ll know you have other services if you list them in a brochure, but establishing a relationship is far more important. Show concern about their whole health, not just what they are in for today.
Ask questions about their conditions and medical history, and then make sure to schedule them a follow-up appointment. This can be done later over the phone, but scheduling while they are still in the office is a sure way to reach them and get them on your books.
If you have other ideas of how to cross-promote your services, share in the comments below.