As a healthcare provider, building a patient base can be a challenge. One way to increase your patient base is through referrals. Referral coordinators are an essential part of this process, as they connect potential patients with healthcare providers.
Here are a few tips for making it easier for referral coordinators to work with you:
1. Make it easy to refer patients
To make it easy for referral coordinators to send patients your way, ensure your contact information is readily available. This includes your phone number, email address, and website. Ensure all staff members know how to handle referral inquiries and have a system for tracking referrals.
2. Make sure you’re easy to find
Referral coordinators may not include you in their recommended providers list because they need help finding you. Ensure your practice is listed in relevant online and offline directories. This includes directories like ZocDoc and Healthgrades, local phone books, and community directories.
3. Use the correct language
Avoid using medical jargon or technical terms that may confuse those outside the medical field. Instead, use language that is easy to understand and relatable. This can help build trust and make referral coordinators more likely to recommend your practice to potential patients.
4. Send a reminder
Many referral coordinators are busy and may forget to send along a referral. To avoid this, send a friendly reminder email or phone call a week after receiving a referral. This will show that you appreciate their efforts and help keep your practice top of mind.
5. Know your numbers
Please keep track of how many referrals you receive and where they are coming from. This will help you identify improvement areas and ensure you spend your marketing budget wisely.
6. Host an event for referral coordinators
Finally, consider hosting an event for referral coordinators. This could be a lunch and learn or a networking event where they can meet you and your staff members, learn more about your practice, and ask questions. This will help build relationships with referral coordinators and make it more likely that they will recommend your practice.
In conclusion, referral coordinators are essential for building a patient base in the healthcare industry and are able to increase your healthcare practice referrals. Make it easy for them to refer patients to your practice by being easy to find, using the correct language, sending a reminder, tracking your numbers, and hosting events for them. By taking these steps, you can build a strong relationship with referral coordinators and see an increase in patient referrals.
