Referral Generator: Work Smarter At Patient Education  Start
Page: 21 By Chris E. Vance, DPM  Increased Flexibility Leads To
Increased Referrals We have found that not only do our patients
appreciate being cared for more thoroughly, but our referral
doctors appreciate our ability to accommodate their patients in
a timely fashion. Usually we are able to schedule their referral
the same day they call, if requested. Referring doctors are no
longer impressed by a two-week wait to accommodate patients. We
are now receiving new referrals from 16 doctors who previously
referred to other orthopedists or podiatrists in the area. The
reason given for this change in their referral pattern was our
ability to get their patients into the office when requested,
and our reputation for better patient education. We have also
seen an increase in patient referrals from patients. A greater
percentage of patients who have made appointments keep them.
Prior to utilizing two medical assistants, we had a 12 percent
no-show rate. With