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Strategies to Fill Your Patient Schedule

September 9, 2024

Strategies to Fill Your Patient Schedule

Creating awareness of your new optometry practice and filling your patient schedule is a challenge for a start-up practice. New business owners will need to implement a multifaceted approach that involves both new patient marketing and patient retention strategies. Below are some effective strategies your Williams Group Start-Up team will help you execute.

Effective Appointment Scheduling

Ensure your scheduling system is efficient and patient-friendly. Offer online scheduling options and reminders to reduce no-shows. Williams Group can help you implement a host of scheduling strategy to get your optometry practice in the black.

Patient Engagement and Communication

Maintain regular communication with patients through newsletters, emails, and social media posts to foster practice awareness. Educate patients about the importance of preventive care through vision and eye health evaluations, ocular disease management, and your specialty services. Williams Group provides quarterly social media posts and patient education to keep you on track.

Quality Care and Patient Satisfaction

Provide excellent patient care with a focus on customer service and patient experiences. The initial experience with your front desk staff, including telephone technique and an understanding of insurance plans, should not be overlooked. Accurate prescriptions, quality lens materials and an incomparable frame selection, are also key to outstanding perception of value and exceptional visual performance. Satisfied patients are more likely to return for more services and refer others to your practice. The experienced team at Williams Group will guide you and your team in providing an exceptional experience for every patient.

Continuing Education and Specialization

Stay updated with the latest medical advancements and consider specialization in a niche area to attract patients seeking specialized care. Stay true to your authentic calling and how you serve best.

Insurance Participation

Ensure your practice accepts a wide range of insurance plans to accommodate different patient needs. Williams Group can help you determine the best mix of medical and vision insurance plans for your target market.

Online Presence and Reputation Management

A professional website that is easy to navigate and provides accurate information about your services is just the start. Manage your online reviews and respond promptly to feedback. Your experienced start-up consulting team will help you formulate a comprehensive marketing plan with strategies to maximize your impact.

Marketing and Advertising

Use targeted online and offline marketing strategies to reach potential patients. This can include social media advertising, Google Ads, and local print and radio advertising, and asking for referrals.

Community Engagement and Networking

Participate in community events or health fairs to raise awareness about your practice. Sponsor local events or sports teams to increase visibility. Build relationships with other healthcare providers who can refer patients to your practice.

Patient Feedback and Adaptation

Regularly collect feedback from patients and use it to improve your services and patient experience.

By employing a combination of these strategies, you can help ensure that your new start-up practice schedule remains consistently full of patients who value and trust your services.

Learn more about start-up practice consulting or schedule a call to discuss starting your optometry practice with Tammi Sufficool, MBA. 

Tammi Sufficool, MBA

President Practice Start-Ups / New Business Advisor

Email Tammi

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