Practice tip of the week: Improving your patients' experience

With all the useful information available on Physicians Practice, it is easy to become overwhelmed.

With this in mind, the tip of the week is a chance to reflect on some of the wisdom found all across the site. This April 2025 article on improving the patient experience gives this tip:

5. Communicate delays in real time

Even the best schedule implodes. When it does, candor salvages satisfaction. Train staff to apologize, explain and offer options: “Dr. Lee is running 12 minutes behind. You’re welcome to wait, reschedule or switch to a video visit.” Post average waits on a lobby screen or push updates via text message so patients aren’t left guessing. Encourage providers to acknowledge delays when they enter the exam room (“Thanks for waiting—an emergency procedure took longer than expected”). Patients value respect for their time; a brief heads-up often outweighs the inconvenience.

Click here to read the rest of the article and be sure to check back next week for another Tip of the Week!