3 Easy Ways to Nurture Periodontist Referral Sources
A good referral source can be the best form of advertising (and the cheapest, too!). Periodontist referrals are the lifeblood of your practice, and they’re too important to leave to chance.
Here’s how you can nurture the connections you make with referring partners and grow your practice:
#1 - Treat Every Referral with Care
When a dentist refers their patient to you, they’re putting their reputation on the line. In their eyes, you’re effectively an extension of their practice, so make sure you treat their patients with the highest level of care and professionalism. The last thing you want is for patients to tell the referring doctor about their bad experience at your practice, which could quickly dry up the referral well.
#2 - Thank Them for Referrals
Thank you’s can be powerful tools in the referral business. It shows that you not only acknowledge that someone sent you business, but also that you appreciate it. Send them a card in the mail or, if they send multiple referrals to you within a short timeframe, you might consider visiting their practice for a lunch and learn or sending a bigger ticket item to the provider.
Another key impression maker that will create high value, is timely correspondence. If the referring practice receives a letter thanking them for their referral with the details of the proposed plan within one to two business days of the patient being seen, it leaves a lasting impression. The message you send by giving them immediate attention says everything about the value you have for them and their continuing to send their most comprehensive cases your way.
As a result, your referral sources might not remember what you did for them, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel, so make it work in your favor.
#3 - Prioritize the Relationship
Once you make connections with referring doctors, you can’t just drop off their radar and expect to continue earning their word of mouth. Like any good relationship, your referral sources need to be nurtured so that you stay top of mind and keep the connections alive. Make it a priority to reconnect with referral sources, even if it’s only to say thanks or a quick call to ask them about the patient experience reassuring them that you highly value their opinion.
How PANDA Helps Strengthen Professional Relationships
One of the best things you can do to set yourself apart from other practices competing for the same referrals is to simply show why you’re the best choice. Following through on your promises and providing timely follow up to providers can go a long way in helping you maintain communications. After all, your referral partners’ reputations are also at stake, and you want to show them they made the right call.
PANDA Perio is designed to help you make a strong impression by simplifying charting and correspondence so you can provide timely information to providers. Schedule a free demo to see how it works and how PANDA can be an invaluable partner in helping you strengthen your referral network.
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