When you go to the doctor, do you think about the kind of customer service you're giving to your medical provider? As patients, we often expect our doctors to provide us with excellent care, but it's equally important that we give excellent customer service. You can enhance your medical and billing experience by ensuring your doctor and their staff feel appreciated by taking ownership of supplying excellent customer service.
Here are five practical ways that patients can give their medical doctors excellent customer service while strengthening the healthcare provider-patient relationship.
1. Be Prepared for your Appointments: One of the best ways to give your medical doctor excellent customer service is to be prepared for your appointments. This means arriving on time, bringing your insurance card, ID, a list of your symptoms, medications, and questions you have for your doctor. If you are unsure what information you need, call the medical office, and ask for help. By doing this, you're making the most of your time with your doctor and helping them provide you with the best possible clinical and financial care.
2. Be Honest with your Doctor: Another way to give excellent customer service to your medical provider is to communicate honestly with them about your health or billing issues. Be transparent, telling them exactly how you feel. This means sharing any symptoms you've been experiencing, even if they're embarrassing or uncomfortable. It also means telling your doctor if you've missed any medications or have been struggling with your treatment plan. Sharing concerns with the financial team about your bill can help alleviate post appointment stress. By being honest in your interactions with the medical office, you're giving them the information they need to provide you with an accurate diagnosis, effective medical treatment and financial peace of mind. Remember, effective communication is a two-way process and oftentimes ends misunderstandings or assumptions.
3. Be Respectful of Your Doctor's Time: Doctors have busy schedules just like us, and it's important to be respectful of their time. This means being on time for your appointments and not taking up more time than necessary. Consider leaving your house earlier than usual to guarantee you arrive at your appointment on time. If you are running late, make sure you call the medical office to inform them. This helps them to keep things running on time for other patients. If you can't make an appointment, make sure to cancel well in advance, so they have enough time to fill that slot with another patient. While your doctor would also like to provide you with advance cancellation notice, it may not be possible when an emergency arises shortly before or during your appointment. Be understanding and don’t take it out on the front office scheduling team. By respecting your doctor's time, you're showing them that you value their expertise and understand the demands of their job.
4. Follow Your Treatment Plan: Another essential way to give excellent customer service to your medical doctor is by following your treatment plan. This means taking your medication as prescribed, attending follow-up appointments, and making any necessary lifestyle changes recommended by your doctor. Following the doctor's instructions will improve your chances of a quick recovery and allow your doctor to check your progress. If you don't understand the treatment plan instructions or subsequent billing invoices, ask for clarification so there is no confusion or miscommunication.
5. Supply Feedback: Lastly, supplying feedback for your medical doctor and their staff is an excellent way to give them excellent customer service. This means telling them if you've had a positive experience and offering constructive feedback if you have any concerns. By offering kind, but honest feedback, you’ll help your doctor’s practice continue improvement in delivering quality holistic care. In addition to acknowledging a pleasant experience in person consider posting a positive review online. This small gesture will not only make your doctor feel appreciated but also motivate them to continue supplying excellent medical care to other patients in the community. At the end of the day, you know how you feel when recognized – well, your doctor is human too.
In conclusion, giving excellent customer service to your medical doctor is an essential part of building a stronger doctor-patient relationship. You're not only benefiting your health, but you're also becoming a better patient who is more valued and trusted by your healthcare provider. You are taking the initiative to create a positive interaction between yourself and your medical provider’s office. Remember, your medical doctor is your partner in your health, and by working together, you can achieve the best possible outcomes.
.
Need help with resolving a medical or dental bill issue? Contact your area's local patient advocate or reach out to MBCR today!