Bedside Manner - How to Gain Your Patients' Respect, Love & Loyalty by Fleisher Robert

Author:Fleisher, Robert [Fleisher, Robert]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Uphill Publishing
Published: 2010-07-10T16:00:00+00:00

NO SKILL REQUIRED PERSONALIZED SERVICE

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“Doctor, I’d rather have a baby than this root canal.”

“That’s fine with me, just make up your mind so I know which way to tilt the chair.”

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N ot everyone can have a stellar personality that encompasses all the facets of great bedside manner. Even without highly advanced social skills there are four things you can do to give a perception of good bedside manner. They are relatively easy to implement, they make patients feel important, and show that you care about them as people.

1. Follow-up Phone Calls

Calling every patient the night after their procedure is one of the most highly regarded expressions of bedside manner, as well as being an effective practice booster. This small act exemplifies concern and compassion for the patient’s wellbeing. Of course, this isn’t necessary after a simple examination, but after any significant procedure, a follow-up call from the doctor to ask how the patient is doing goes a long way to cement a lasting relationship. Something as simple as the removal of a mole, to the more invasive outpatient surgeries, offer great opportunities to see how the patient is feeling. Patients appreciate the concern and care expressed and late-night emergency calls are often eliminated since postoperative issues can be discussed at this time.

When you refer a patient to a specialist, you should call the patient after they have had their visit. By asking how things went and what they thought of the specialist, you show that you care. The conversation doesn’t have to be lengthy; you can get the job done in just a few minutes. Your patients will begin to think of you as a friend and appreciate that you’re accessible. Most doctors are busy enough and they don’t want to take the time to go that extra mile, but if you find the time to make that special call, you will stand out among your peers. It doesn’t involve learning any new skills and there is no personality requirement to be thoughtful. If you can’t find it in your personality, temperament, or schedule to make the calls, at least have someone from your office make the calls for you – but nothing compares to the personal touch. Find the time.

2. Refreshments

Offering tea or coffee with some light refreshments in the waiting room displays an overall feeling of kindness and generosity, while not requiring much on your part. Patients interpret a comfortable office ambiance that makes them feel good as a positive connection to the doctor.

3. Correspondence

Personal letters at holiday time and on each patient’s birthday are great ways to show you care. If computer generated letters and cards are used, make sure they look like personalized correspondence. Hand-address each envelope and use a postage stamp instead of meter postage.

When holiday letters are sent to a family, make sure only one letter is sent to each family and not each individual in the household. Sending five letters to the same address looks careless. Make sure you scribe a new letter each year so patients don’t get the same one, year after year.

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