A loyal patient base will keep your practice chugging along, but to build your brand, reputation, and bottom line, you need a steady influx of new patients. However, the passive patient referral networks and systems of the old days are no longer enough. The shift to digital and the changes ushered in by COVID mean that medical practices need to be proactive about new patient outreach. Here are some simple ways to bolster your patient rosters.

Is your medical practice reliant on routines and processes that exist just because that’s how it’s always been done? If your paperwork is piling up, staff are struggling to stay on top of admin, and you find yourself wasting time on routine tasks, it’s time to throw out those old processes and embrace the efficiencies afforded by technology.

Every healthcare practice today strives to deliver improved patient outcomes in a patient-centered environment. But paper-based processes together with decentralized EHR and patient relationship management systems make it impossible for providers to achieve a truly 360-degree view of every patient – and that patient’s journey.

When providers invest in powerful, centralized solutions, they’re able to see at a glance, a full picture of a patient’s medical history, personal background, and communication preferences – allowing providers to provide seamless care that meets the patient where they are.

The impact of COVID-19 has been significant – and the healthcare industry hasn’t gone unscathed. Shutdowns reduced patient loads, new protective measures, and the shift to telehealth have all affected bottom lines. But disruption doesn’t have to mean disaster. Studies show that employee engagement is key to building organizational resilience and maintaining a sure footing in the market even as the effects of COVID-19 continue to unfold.

As healthcare moves toward a patient-centered care model, eliciting patient feedback is increasingly vital. Seeking out and listening to patients’ experiences, needs, and perspectives – and subsequently making changes that respond to these – helps providers deliver on their promises of quality care while also creating a culture of open communication and continuous improvement. Eliciting patient feedback in public spaces such as online can also help bolster a practice’s reputation, encouraging new and repeat patients.

An efficient medical practice is good for your bottom line – and for the patient experience. By rethinking your processes, you can streamline administrative tasks, improve how people move around the clinic, and maximize your time with patients.

Online comments are a critical part of reputation building for healthcare practices. Some 88% of patients consider online reviews when choosing a doctor, so having a solid body of positive online feedback is vital. This is especially true as people rely more on local search and online databases when searching for care. Here’s why online reviews matter and how you can use them to your practice’s advantage.