Dana Vallandigham: Improve Your Patient’s Experience
Entrepreneur and chiropractic professional Dana Vallandigham is certainly no stranger to delivering great customer and patient service. The lead of her own physical therapy and rehabilitation services center, or Advanced Physicians, Dana Vallandigham has developed a comfortable and welcoming environment for all of her patients, and has an in-depth understanding of why a positive patient experience is so crucial to a practice’s success and longevity. Below, Dana Vallandigham offers tips to medical professionals who are seeking to enhance the quality of the patient experience, a necessity in order to cultivate stronger patient loyalty, better and more positive online reviews, and a happier and healthier patient base. Introductions Though this may seem obvious, introductions are often overlooked by members of the healthcare community. Both you and your staff, says Dana Vallandigham, should always make an effort to greet and introduce yourself to new patients, and to establish an air of congeniality and familiarity right from the start. Information Make sure, says Dana Vallandigham, to arm your patients with all the information they need to know about your staff, your services, your treatments, your contact info, etc. Keeping your patients informed is not only a great way to keep your treatments on your patients’ minds, but to also direct them towards other treatment possibilities or additional services they may not have had an interest in before. Be sure to go through the information with every patient, and to properly explain to them the benefits of each as they pertain to their particular condition. Be Communicative Though saying hello and goodbye are important, says Dana Vallandigham, it is also a good idea to openly communicate both treatment options and your concerns to every patient. Keep your patients updated on their progress, their condition and the treatments they may need in the future. Also be sure to always be straightforward and honest with patients about anything they can do or try at home to better supplement their professional treatments. Treat Everyone Exceptionally Every patient is special, says Dana Vallandigham, and should be treated accordingly. Show every patient the same level of kindness and respect as you would show your own family, and be sure to impart this positive approach to your staff. Many patients are in pain and/or discomfort, says Dana Vallandigham, and are coming to you in search of help. Treat everyone that comes into your office with the care, dignity and respect they deserve.