9 ways to improve the patient experience at your practice

As the nation celebrates Patient Experience Week (April 28–May 2), clinics large and small are taking stock of the touch points that shape a patient’s perception of care. In today’s consumer-driven market, that perception can weigh as heavily as clinical outcomes; affecting Google star ratings, value-based payment bonuses and word-of-mouth referrals. A single hurried encounter can dent hard-earned goodwill, while a smooth, respectful visit keeps patients loyal and bills paid on time. Given that modern patients can choose everything from a competing office down the street to on-demand telehealth in their pocket, and then broadcast their delight or frustration online, practice administrators have a powerful incentive to make every interaction, from the first phone call to the farewell at checkout, efficient, empathetic and trustworthy.

The nine tactics below, distilled from reporting in Physicians Practice and real-world success stories, will help you turn routine appointments into memorable experiences and position your office as the go-to choice in a crowded market.