day option . It is important to offer same day treatment now because we do not know what tomorrow will bring . A family member may become hospitalized . The patient may experience COVID symptoms prior to their next appointment . The patient might be laid off . There are so many variables now that if they are in your chair today , then today is the best time to get treatment started .
Same day treatment communication . It is important that you spend time with your team determining the best way to decide during the appointment if same day treatment is possible . It is also important that your team communicates same day treatment availability accurately and eloquently . We never want a patient to feel pressured into getting their treatment done , and we also do not want to seem desperate . So , communication is key here .
Patient bucket of potential . During the famine times , it is important that each team member on your team is equipped and confident in returning to your existing patient base and looking for opportunities . If your practice has historically had too many patients and not enough openings , then you are luckily in a great spot to dig for treasure in your patient bucket . Call and text them for preventative appointments . Pursue them for the treatment or case that they never scheduled . Following up with patients is not a new concept , but the importance of doing this now is exceedingly important . Every practice has experienced times of famine during this pandemic . We need to always act like a famine is just around the corner , and we are therefore in constant preparation for the famine .
New patient follow-up . Call , text , and email those patients who reached out to you but never scheduled an appointment or canceled their appointment . This is a great source of potential for your practice .
Overdue patient follow-up . Call , text , and email those patients who missed their hygiene appointment this year . Due to the nature of the pandemic , many people will be on this list . Sure , they could very well be nervous about coming in , but that doesn ’ t mean that we shouldn ’ t call them . For offices in a current “ feast ” period of time without appointments available , call or text them anyway . You never know when you might have a schedule opening that needs a past due patient .
Referral requests . Take a good long look at your patient base and find those patients who love you and are an advocate for your practice . Call them . Express your appreciation for them . Tell them that you are working diligently to fill your last few openings this month and would love to have some of their friends and family in the practice . Ask them to help you by referring their friends to you . Even if this yields you only a few extra patients for your practice , those patients bring a wealth of new possibility into your business .
The great news about a feast or famine mentality is that it is a survivor ’ s mentality . It means that we are teaching ourselves to do whatever it takes to survive and thrive in this new normal . We can choose to wallow in the days of old mindset or we can realize that we have an opportunity here to make the very best out of an unfortunate and life altering pandemic . I have seen doctors and teams dig their heels in and take this challenge by the horns . It is absolutely possible to come out stronger on the other side of this crisis . So , I leave you with these words – may the feast be with you !
Bethany Petty is a practice management consultant that breaks the mold . In an effort to remove herself from the abrasive consultant persona , Bethany spent time receiving Masters degrees in Adult Education and in Health Communication , which enables her to present information in a way that dentists and team members understand and appreciate . Her unique approach customizes her suggestions and training to fit the personality and goals of the practice . Rather than approaching each practice with the same “ Fix-It Guide ,” she evaluates the practice , talks with team members , and listens to the dentist before making any suggestions . Bethany has a legacy of dental professionals in her family , and she has had the privilege of helping her father to build , manage , and maintain a successful family practice . With the heart to serve dentists , she has made a difference in practices all over the DFW Metroplex . For more information , visit www . hellobethany . com . For continued COVID-19 practice support , subscribe to Bethany ’ s online platform practicehappy . co .
www . northtexasdentistry . com | NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY 29