CLINICAL

  DIVERSIFY YOUR PORTFOLIO

DO UNTO OTHERS. . .

SHOW APPRECIATION AND, THEREFORE, DIVERSIFY YOUR PATIENT BASE

THE “GOLDEN RULE” is to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This is not only a concept to be followed in personal endeavors, but also in professional/business settings.

When we, as O.D.s, do for others — our patients — we reap the rewards of patient loyalty and referrals, enabling us to build diverse practices. In addition, we should show appreciation for our employees, as they help us to serve our patients.

Here are two simple things you can do to show you’re thankful for your patients and staff.

1 SAY, “THANK YOU”

Personally thank patients for choosing you as their eyecare provider, and your staff for their efforts. With regard to patients, thanking them sends the message that we are both here for them and that we wouldn’t be here without them. The simple act of sending a thank-you note to a new patient or calling to check in on a patient who has a problem, such as dry eye disease, goes a long way to endearing that patient to you and encouraging a long-term relationship.

In terms of staff, showing appreciation does not always need to fall under the guise of a financial reward. Don’t get me wrong; I realize that any employee appreciates a financial “thank you” as much as you or I would. But sometimes, the simple act of saying, “thank you” can mean just as much as money because you’ve taken the time out of your own busy day to personally recognize their efforts. When working with staff, always ask yourself, “Am I treating them the way I would want to be treated if I were an employee?” This mindset allows you to ensure your staff remains happy working for you. Remember: People want to work in environments that make them feel comfortable and appreciated.

2 HAVE STAFF SHOW PATIENT APPRECIATION

Keep in mind that often times, the lasting impression left with patients is from either the first or last person they encountered, not the doctor who sees them in between. Therefore, it is not enough for us, as doctors, to show we are thankful for our patients. Staff must thank patients for their patronage as well. To encourage this, you may want to remind your staff that it is ultimately patients who pay their paycheck.

THE OUTCOME

Interestingly, once we show appreciation toward our patients, they often reciprocate. This makes for a diverse patient population, a more pleasant working environment for us and our staffs and a place patients look forward to visiting. And all it takes is a little bit of effort and kindness. Ultimately, by doing unto others, we make ourselves happier as well! OM

JEFFRY D. GERSON O.D., F.A.A.O. practices at Grin Eyecare in Olathe, Kan., a full-scope combined O.D./M.D. practice. Email him at jgerson@hotmail.com, or visit tinyurl.com/OMcomment to comment on this article.