Old School vs. New School Doctors đź’Ľđź’‰
In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, the choice between an 'old school' and a 'new school' doctor reflects the diverse approaches available. With my 'old school' doctor, there's a sense of familiarity and comfort—calling their office means connecting with a real person, a personal touch that resonates with the traditional approach to patient care. On the flip side, my 'new school' doctor embraces modernity with a range of communication options. Whether it's a call, email, text, or a virtual meeting, the flexibility aligns with the dynamic nature of contemporary healthcare. Each approach has its charm; it's about finding what suits your preferences in the journey of wellness.
What works best for your practice and patient demographic? It goes without saying that many patients want the sense of familiarity with a strong dash of convenience. Convenience can come in the form of a more automated approach, but automation doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice offering best in class care to your patient base. We must always keep in mind that we too are patients serving patients. So, ask yourself how would you want your doctors’ office to serve your care needs? How can we rise to the occasion no matter the preference of our patients? We do so by following a few different steps:
“We Are Patients Serving Patients”
You may have noticed that I frequently use the phrase "We Are Patients Serving Patients." This motto embodies my approach to helping practices deliver best in class patient care. In every action I take, I am mindful that I am not just a healthcare consultant but also a recipient of care. This awareness reinforces the importance of adhering to the golden rule—treating others the way I would want to be treated. However, I take it a step further by suggesting that the golden rule is not enough. Instead, we should treat people the way they want to be treated. You can do so by conducting an inventory of your patient base, documenting their needs and preferences, and tailoring your approach accordingly.
Understand That Both Ways Can Be The Right Way
Automation doesn't necessarily translate to poor patient service. In fact, it often results in increased efficiency, flexibility, availability, and adherence. If you operate a smaller practice with numerous team members and relatively low patient volume, you might have the time to personally contact patients about their appointments or send postcard recalls. However, as your practice grows, maintaining this manual approach can become challenging. Fortunately, you can personalize automation by customizing your strategy based on your patient demographics. Tools like Brevium, SolutionReach, and NextPatient can help you achieve these goals without compromising patient care.
It Takes Time
While we wish everything could be simple, it often isn't. Understanding the needs of your patients and your practice is a process that takes time. Before overhauling your entire model, identify the needs of the community you serve. Learn what works best for your community and tailor your practice accordingly. Recognize that gaining experience may involve trial and error, but ultimately, it will lead to a satisfying resolution.
💙🏥 #HealthcareChoices #OldSchoolVsNewSchool #PatientCare
PhysAssist Consulting
At PhysAssist Consulting, we acknowledge the complexities of private practice in healthcare. Our mission is to be the guiding light for practitioners, offering insights and solutions that pave the way for success. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
PhysAssist Consulting
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