Step 3 - Expand Your Lines of Communication
Using the Marketing Checklist – Print or make an editable computer copy
Use the copy to collect notes
One of the major shortcomings many Patients express is their inability to communicate effectively with the doctor’s office. People’s lives seem to be getting more and more complex. To Do lists appear to get out of control (and seem to multiply when nobody is watching.)
From the Patient’s point of view, developing what would be considered an effective communications system is of great importance. Communications is the first and last impression that a Patient or Potential Patient remembers of their experience.
Information Dissemination Systems – Voice and Written Communication
How many Methods of Communication do you use?
Do Patients, staff or vendors have issues with getting through?
How rapidly is your Practice’s response time?
Telephone – Fax
Do you have Voice Mail?
Does a Live person usually respond to the phone?
Do you have a Printed Directory of Staff and Departments for Patients?
How effective is your Voice mail at rapidly handling Patients?
Can you set up mail boxes to explain aspects of your Practice?
Do you have effective methods to deal with emergency and after hour’s calls?
Do you have a Fax? Is it always ready to receive?
If you don’t have a fax but have a computer, a good, no-cost option is eFax
Internet Access
Internet access in you Practice has become easier and more affordable.
Home dial-up connections can be used in your office as well for no additional cost.
DSL and Cable solutions have become more prevalent and cost effective.
The benefits of having Internet access in your office are constantly increasing.
Email
Do you have email?
If you have a website, are your email addresses tied your domain name?
Does it download directly into your computers or is it Web mail that is accessible from any Internet connection?
Is there a mailbox for each Provider and Department?
Is there a printed Directory of emails addresses for Patients?
Is there adequate Virus protection?
Is there adequate anti-Spam protection?
Is there a Catch-all account to capture and misspelled email addresses?
Web-Site
Do you have a website?
Is your Domain Name easy to communicate and remember?
Does your site display at least the 24 basic categories of information?
How many of the additional categories of information and features does it have?
Is all the Content and Patient materials duplicated in Print format at the Practice?
Conversely, is all of your print information available on your website?
Is the Content, Patient materials and Forms available for print?
If you don’t have a Website, or are not satisfied with the one you have, continue on…
Step 4 - Multiply the Effectiveness of your Marketing with Internet Presence.
Email to a Friend 
