Maintaining a steady flow of patients is crucial for the success of any chiropractic clinic. By implementing effective strategies, clinics can minimize patient frustration, increase digital touchpoints, and ultimately, foster patient loyalty. Here are some tips to keep your schedule fuller and your patients coming back for more.

1. Minimize Patient Frustration

97% percent of patients are frustrated by wait times in a clinic.  A survey conducted by Software Advice revealed that 97% of patients experience frustration due to wait times.

Additionally, the study indicates a rising trend in average wait times in wellness offices. These findings underscore the importance of effectively managing patient wait times for enhancing overall practice success, particularly in terms of patient satisfaction.

• Online Scheduling: Implement an online booking system that allows patients to schedule appointments anytime, anywhere. For example, a patient visits the clinic’s website and selects their desired appointment slot without needing to call the clinic.
• Pre-Visit Forms: Provide patients with pre-visit forms on the clinic’s website. This allows patients to fill out necessary paperwork before arriving, reducing wait times and administrative burden. For instance, a new patient fills out their medical history and insurance information online prior to their first appointment.
• Staff Training: Train front desk staff to effectively communicate with patients regarding wait times. Staff should acknowledge patients upon arrival, update them on any delays, and assure them that their time is valued. For example, if there’s a delay, staff inform patients promptly and offer refreshments or reading materials while they wait.

2. Increase Digital Touchpoints

Based on a survey, 76% of patients seek digital healthcare management, with 35% of younger consumers ready to switch for superior digital options.

A digital front door helps you drive patient acquisition and experience and improve satisfaction. The digital front door refers to all the digital touchpoints where patients interact with your chiropractic clinic. It involves a combination of various digital tools, platforms, and technologies, including:  

• Patient Portal: Encourage patients to utilize a secure patient portal for communication and appointment management. Through the portal, patients can complete their intake forms, pay for their visits, view upcoming appointments, and access health records.
• Digital Patient Intake: Digital patient intake streamlines the intake process, allowing patients to complete forms and provide information online before their appointment. This saves time during check-in, reduces paperwork, minimizes errors, and enhances overall efficiency for both patients and providers.
• Virtual Appointments: Offer virtual appointments for consultations, follow-ups, or minor concerns. Patients can connect with their chiropractor via video conferencing, reducing the need for in-person visits and accommodating busy schedules. For example, a patient receives personalized exercises and stretches during a virtual session to manage their condition.
• Digital Payment Options: Simplify the payment process by offering digital payment options that are sent directly to patients’ devices. Patients can securely pay for services or co-pays online, eliminating the need for cash or checks. For instance, a patient receives a secure payment link via text message and completes their payment using a credit card or mobile wallet.
• Online and mobile communication channels:This includes email and text reminders, 2-way text messaging, follow-up messages, mobile app for check-in, where patients can reach out with questions or complete their check-in processes seamlessly.

To improve your digital presence, unify your online platforms like your website, appointment software, patient intake, communication channels, and patient portal. Patients expect a seamless experience across all channels, so treat them as one interconnected system, not separate entities.

3. Help Patients Fall in Love 

Generic, one-size-fits-all digital experiences frustrate today’s patients. They expect their providers to know them and tailor interactions accordingly, just like any other digital experience with retail chains, restaurants, and shopping apps. 

• All-in-One Software: Invest in all-in-one chiropractic software that centralizes patient records, scheduling, billing, and communication. This ensures seamless coordination and enhances the overall patient experience. For example, a chiropractic clinic uses software that integrates appointment scheduling, SOAP notes, and billing for efficient practice management.
• Addressing Feedback: Actively monitor and address patient feedback, both positive and negative. Respond promptly to negative reviews or concerns, offering solutions and demonstrating a commitment to patient satisfaction. For instance, a clinic manager contacts a dissatisfied patient to apologize for their experience and offers a complimentary session to rectify the situation.
• Warm Communication: Ensure all patient communications are warm, personalized, and responsive. Whether via phone, email, or messaging, prioritize timely responses and empathetic interactions to foster patient trust and loyalty. For example, a patient receives a personalized follow-up email after their appointment, thanking them for their visit and providing additional resources or recommendations for ongoing care.

Enhance patient satisfaction with zHealth chiropractic software’s digital touchpoint. zHealth offers online appointment option to your patients so they can book appointments from anywhere, anytime. Patients get 3 appointment reminders over email and text. They can complete intake process from the comfort of their home. With patient self-check-in kiosks, they can arrive at the clinic and check in quickly for the visit.

You can share patient notes, education resources over email. zHealth Patient Plus helps you send recall reminders to dropped-off patients and keeps them engaged with birthday texts. You can get patient feedback over text messages and get reviews posted automatically on your online listings.

Patients can pay online from their mobile device right after the visit with Text to Pay option. They can chat with providers from their phone.

With zHealth’s all-in-one software, you can strengthen patient relationships for an enhanced overall experience and get more return visits.

Conclusion

By prioritizing patient satisfaction and leveraging zHealth’s digital solutions, chiropractic clinics can maintain a fuller schedule and foster lasting relationships with their patients. Implementing these strategies will not only enhance patient retention but also contribute to the long-term success of the clinic.