Growing your patient base depends largely on how well you’re able to earn referrals. And because healthcare is highly competitive, it is crucial for physicians to use relationships with local organizations in order to grow their patient referrals. By engaging with these organizations, physicians can not only increase their practice revenue but also enhance their reputation as top specialists in their area. There are a number of effective strategies that physicians can employ to build a highly engaged physician referral network.
Run a Practice Audit
Before diving into the process of building relationships with local organizations, it is essential to gain a thorough understanding of your current referral status. By running a practice audit, you can identify which physicians and practices are currently referring patients to you, as well as the specific procedures being referred. This information will help you prioritize your efforts and pinpoint areas where you can focus on building new relationships. The National Institutes of Health has a complete guide explaining how you can best audit your practice.
To conduct a practice audit, you can leverage your Electronic Medical Record (EMR) or Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. Analyzing referral patterns and trends will provide valuable insights and enable you to establish benchmarks and set realistic goals for growing your referrals.
Visit with referring and potential referring physicians
Once you have analyzed your current referral trends, it's time to connect with local referring providers and practices. Meeting face-to-face with these physicians not only allows you to introduce yourself but also provides an opportunity to discuss your specialty, your practice, and your unique approach to treatment.
Schedule appointments or attend networking events where you can interact with referring physicians. During these meetings, focus on building trust and establishing a no, like, and trust relationship. By demonstrating your expertise and commitment to patient care, you will position yourself as a top specialist that referring physicians can confidently refer their patients to.
Collaborate with Local Organizations
Engaging with local organizations can significantly contribute to your physician referral network. These organizations may include hospitals, clinics, community centers, and even local chambers of commerce. By collaborating with them, you can tap into their network of healthcare professionals and potential patients.
Consider participating in community health fairs, giving educational seminars or webinars, or volunteering your services to local organizations. These activities not only allow you to showcase your expertise but also provide an opportunity to connect with other healthcare professionals in your community. Building relationships with professionals outside of your immediate specialty can lead to cross-referrals and a broader network of referring physicians.
Creating a highly engaged physician referral network is not simple. It takes strategy, and it requires physicians to be proactive in establishing and nurturing relationships with local organizations. By running a practice audit, visiting with referring physicians, and collaborating with local organizations, physicians can effectively grow their referrals and enhance their practice revenue. Remember, building strong relationships takes time, effort, and consistent communication.
