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In just a matter of seconds
patient has been "taught" (heard) It's all right to call at
last minute to change an appointment, cancellations happen all
time, when they do cancel they can get "right back in."
The patient has no value associated with
practice or
appointment time. In fact, we "signaled" (and they heard) it's OK!
A more positive verbal response would be: "Let's go ahead and schedule you an appointment. Should there be a change in our schedule on that date, I will be glad to call you. May I have a number that you can be reached during
day?"
This time in just a matter of seconds you have trained
new patient and existing patient to think (they heard): You have a tight schedule (busy practice), "Cancellations" are not even mentioned (not an option) and there could be a wait before being re-appointed if they have to change---(best keep
appointment!)
Value is now being associated with
practice and appointment time.
This problem didn't happen overnight and won't be "fixed" overnight. But making it a priority to use positive verbal skills in training your patients to value their appointment and practice time will make a noticeable difference.
After all, how you are perceived by your patients is everything, and it's all in their Perception.... What your patients are (Really) hearing!

Livvie Matthews, Business Office and Patient Relationship Specialist helps you FOCUS on narrowing the gap between your practice -- your business. Visit http://www.LivvieMatthews.com Business Office News mailto:subscribe@livviematthews.com