Research by the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) report reveals that independent Practices witnessed a staggering 60 percent decrease in patient volume, in the face of the global pandemic. Most often, patients are postponing or even canceling non-urgent procedures altogether to prevent doctor visits.

Patients have now started to slowly re-engage with their care providers as the economies have relaxed and the stay-at-home orders and stringent safety measures are being followed at the Hospitals and Practices. However, it is still a million-dollar question if patient volumes will rise to the pre-pandemic state

The fact remains that Physicians need to take some proactive measures to give that confidence to patients and facilitate them with additional patient engagement solutions to make care more seamless and efficient again.

Intensive research has been done on consumer behaviors over the pandemic period and the results indicate that Providers who prioritize Patient Experience (PX) are most likely to re-engage patients and achieve sustainable results in the long run. This blog is a deep dive into five top strategies that will help Hospitals and Practices improve their patient volumes in the long and short term.

1. Proactive Patient Outreach

A service industry like healthcare demands that customers feel valued and treated with special care, while delivering personalized and customized solutions. To reassure their patients, it is essential that the Hospitals and Practices reach out to the patients to communicate that all the safety measures have been taken and it is safe for them to visit their doctor at the premises. This can be prioritized by beginning with the upcoming appointments followed by follow-ups on overdue care and vaccine doses. While at it, ensure that you place specific focus on the measures that have already been taken and succeeded. This information can be personally communicated through voice calls and text messages, while also publishing the same on the brand websites and social media pages to garner attention and reach out to them through multiple touchpoints.

2. Ample Training for the Administrative Staff

Front office staff plays a significant role in maintaining patient loyalty more than ever. They aren’t just responsible for scheduling but they are immaterial in getting people back in. Considering the importance of the role, it is essential that these front-office staffs are trained to communicate more empathetically during these uncertain times

3. Speed Up the Appointment Process

With more care providers reopening their services, the last thing that patients want to do is to wait for weeks or months before their appointment. Patients want instant solutions in this fastpaced world, and reports suggest that 30% of healthcare consumers would switch providers due to delayed appointments. Some of the simplest solutions for accommodating more patients would be extending office hours or offering care services during the weekends to meet rising consumer expectations.

4. Offer Digital Healthcare Solutions

Telemedicine solutions and virtual care services have now become the new norm. To achieve success, care providers need to adapt to new and innovative technologies with the evolving times. Broaden the horizons by adopting telehealth solutions and Remote Patient Monitoring Solutions for patients who are not comfortable visiting the doctor’s office

5. Offer Behavioral Healthcare Services

Patients and consumers as a whole are going through a massive phase of a mental health crisis. Patients are more likely to experience depression and anxiety in the face of the global pandemic. It is essential that care providers offer an additional support as part of a referral management program to provide behavioral health support to demonstrate their care.

Also Read:

Improving Patient Satisfaction Scores during and Post COVID-19: Patient Engagement Solutions and Strategies

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Harnessing Digital to Accelerate Patient Collection Communications

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The TripleAim Approach: Healthcare Insights that Boost Clinical, Operational and Financial Efficiencies

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Creating Positive Patient Financial Experiences in the World of Value-based Care

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How to Gain Physician Trust in Telemedicine Solutions and Digital Healthcare

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To learn more about accelerating patient volume by integrating digital patient engagement solutions, talk to our team.