The 2024 Healthcare Marketing Outlook: Physician vs Patient Referrals
Physician Referrals
Physician referrals are what most of us think of when we talk about referrals in healthcare. According to a 2021 survey, 52% of patients report that a referral from their medical provider is the most important factor when choosing their physician. Since over half of your patients are likely being referred to you by another medical professional, how can you reach and influence them? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
INTRODUCE YOURSELF. You may be an established practitioner that has been serving your community for many years. But new providers in your area may not know you…yet. It’s essential to introduce yourself to new providers. Targeted email campaigns are an excellent tool for reaching providers who may currently be missing your networking efforts.
Patient Referrals
Patient referrals may not be top of mind, but according to Press Ganey’s 2021 Consumer Experience Trends in Healthcare report, “patients rely on digital resources more than twice as much as provider referrals when choosing a healthcare provider today.” It’s essential to connect directly with your potential patients, and here are a few ways to do it.
BRAND, BRAND, BRAND. Building a brand patients recognize and trust is vital to driving patient referrals, and your digital presence and reputation in the community both have an impact. Storytelling is an effective brand-building tool and can be optimized with current patient testimonials, which offer a powerful way to connect with and engage your future patients.
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