A healthcare provider’s primary concern should be their patients. Commitment to safe and effective patient care means regularly adjusting your practice’s policies, implementing new equipment and technology, and adapting new approaches when necessary. Many physicians have room for improvement in patient care quality but aren’t aware there are simple, quick techniques that can significantly upgrade their practice. Learning what you can do as a physician is the first step to better care.
1. Improved Communication
It’s rare for healthcare providers to communicate thoroughly with patients. They may provide great communication during the appointment, but check-ins and follow-ups may be lacking. Other providers may have great follow-up habits or phone reception but lack effective communication during the appointment. Providers should keep in touch with their patients before, during, and after an appointment. Schedule a quick call to a patient after the appointment to see if there are any concerns with treatment plans or symptoms. Implement multiple methods of contact, such as text messaging, patient portal messages, or email. Encourage patients to ask questions or provide feedback at any point in time. Ensure you’re accessible by phone; patients become discouraged when led through too many automated phone tree systems. Automated phone systems are fine, but patients shouldn’t be kept on hold for too long.
2. Accessible Appointment Scheduling
As previously mentioned, going through an hour of automated phone systems and hold time just to schedule a simple appointment can be frustrating. Try to minimize phone hold times by hiring enough staff to cover phones. Allow patients to leave messages or wait for a callback instead of spending hours on hold during busy times. Implement multiple ways to schedule appointments, such as online, in person, and via phone. Some patients avoid healthcare due to phone call apprehension. Make appointment scheduling easier and more accessible!
3. Convenient and Thorough Medical Records
It shouldn’t be difficult or tedious for a patient to access their medical records. Their medical history is more than just a list of symptoms and treatments. Some medical records can serve as vital evidence in criminal or legal cases, like when a car or truck accident lawyer proves medical costs in court. Other records can be beneficial to other healthcare providers in a patient’s care team. Healthcare providers should make the access or transfer of medical records quick, simple, and convenient for patients or their care teams. Patients should be able to approach the process using any method they choose (such as in the office or online). They should be able to transfer medical records easily to any party of their choosing, like a loved one, healthcare specialist, or legal counsel. Patients shouldn’t have to jump through too many hoops to access their records.
4. Reduce Wait Times
You expect patients to respect your time as a physician, but you should also respect your patients’ time; happy patients are the key to practice success. Delays are common, but ensure patients are cared for as they wait. Aim for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes of wait time per visit. You may need to stop overscheduling to reduce waiting room time. Provide amenities, like coffee or reading options, during wait times to maximize comfort.
5. Accept Feedback
Your policies and practice habits shouldn’t be set in stone. Patient feedback can help you learn and grow as a physician. Encourage patient engagement and feedback through reviews, ratings, patient portal messages, surveys, and tip lines. Not all feedback will be useful, but patients will be allowed to express their concerns and voices. Healthcare is a team process, and the patient is the most important player.
6. Team Coordination
It can be frustrating for patients to have to explain their medical history and care plan to each provider they see. Specialists and primary care physicians should be regularly in touch and agreement regarding a patient’s care. Ensure your patient’s records are automatically sent to any other providers they are seeing. Keep tabs on your patient’s care plan and diagnoses from other providers. Ask for clarification or updates only as a confirmation. Ensure other providers’ records are sent to you as well. Digital records are great for this. A patient will feel more respected and understood when you are prepared for their appointment by researching other providers, diagnoses, and treatments they have already received.
7. Empowering Patients
You shouldn’t strive for the bare minimum of patient care. Even primary care providers should have an active role in a patient’s care plan. Make sure your patients have everything they need to succeed. Educate them on any concerns, symptoms, or medications you prescribe in ways they understand. Encourage questions, opinions, and feedback; address each in a timely manner. Be transparent with your medical choices and opinions. Give them the education and tools they need to succeed!
