Get more patient referrals

If you don’t have a patient referral program in your office, it’s time to create one.

On Friday afternoon, Kim McQueen of Patterson Dental told a room full of office managers exactly how to do that.

The program can be as easy or as complex as you’d like to make it, she said, and it’s an easy way to market your practice. It creates excitement in your patient base, and helps you attract patients who are more likely to be long-term patients because they were referred by a family or a friend.

It’s important to remember your existing patients, she said, and it’s a good idea to create a tiered rewards program for patients who refer. Attendees shared stories of what they’re using as rewards, ranging from patient appreciation days, to gift cards, to a credit toward a service to gift basket raffles. McQueen also stressed the importance of the four Rs when it comes to a referral program-Request, Remind, Reward and Reap.

McQueen’s session was one of the many AADOM attendees had the chance to participate in Friday afternoon, including industry updated courses. Care Credit, United Dental Alliance, Carestream Dental and Quality Systems Inc. were among the company’s presenting updates.

The day ended in the main room, with attendees sharing Ah ha moments from the day. They then headed off to the Wildhorse Saloon for some Nashville style fun. The conference continued Saturday morning with more opportunities for learning and networking.