You will need 5 straight A’s to pass the test of a successful private practitioner – and there is study material available to prepare you for this test – It’s all down to understanding consumerism.

Here are the 5 Attributes of a successful private practitioner

Available

One of the reasons new practitioners are able to gain patients early on as they set out in private practice is that they have an open slots in their appointment diary for patients desperate to see a specialist.  Theis needs to be appreciated by you and your front office staff – and needs to be well communicated to your team – when starting out or already established – an available spot in your diary is often the difference of winning or loosing patients and referrals.  Avoid being too rigid in your booking protocols as the one patient you help in a difficult situation will be a better ambassador than any marketing campaign you spend thousands on.

Accessible

Patients and referring doctors are paying you for your service – they want to speak to you, while we can all belabour the point of being too busy – the accessibility to your patients and colleagues means the difference of a great reptation or an ordinary one – and it always make s for more harmonious interactions throughout the relationship.  The number of HPCSA complaints that start with I tried to reach the doctor but he was never available to speak to me or never called me back are too numerus to count…

Affable

There is no room in private practice for abrupt, acerbic and aggressive behaviour – patients, staff and colleagues alike will vote with their feet and your business will suffer – there are very few practitioners who start private practice as legacies – there is also very little appreciate for skill with bedside manner these days and most people will judge you on how they witness you treating others, be it staff, colleagues or patients.

Manners are free and kindness costs nothing – and remember every patient coming to your surgery has a heightened level of anxiety – their being made to feel welcome and at ease by you enable your optimal care of them and their condition. 

Affordable

One of the most complex decisions practitioners face is what price to charge. The typical thinking by most people starting out is to set the price at the highest rate with the intention of generating the most income possible. While not altogether incorrect, this assumption is flawed in that it does not take basic economic principles into account. The principles of demand and supply need to be properly understood before any price in a business can be effectively set. When setting your price, first ask yourself how many people need your service. Now, you may believe there is an unlimited demand for your unique offering. But is it really that unique? How many others in the area you practice offer the same service? Regardless of your opinion of their quality or standard, they may well have been there for longer than you and be better known to the market. This is the principle of supply! If there are hundreds of service providers the demand for your newly established service needs to be uniquely different to be in demand. And to clarify, being highly priced is not a differentiator that works when you are starting out. Price vs value The next step is to understand the difference between price and value. New practitioners often confuse the price and perceived value of your service. Your value is not determined by the price you charge but rather the price you are paid. Asking how much people are be able to pay and how quickly that can be banked is the key to value. Setting the price high and charging patients that price does not mean that is the price you will be paid and, ultimately, bank. Too many have learnt the lesson of invoicing great numbers but carrying a massive overdraft with the bank because of lack of payment. Rather, set the price at the level that those who need the service will be prepared to come to your practice and pay for your service. 

Attractive

There is nothing more off putting than walking into a practice where people are more pre occupied with their tasks than your arrival. The desks are littered with papers and the phones are ringing off the hook.

If your business’s current market perception were measured, how would your brand stand up? Would consumers easily recognise it; would they have interacted positively with your staff and speak favourably via word-of-mouth about your services; would they be able to easily recall what they may have seen or heard about your business?

Consider for a moment what people want on entering your practice….

Really think about what it’s like for them, the appointment was made, they’ve been thinking about this, they’ve probably battled traffic to get to you, they are stress out and a little nervous

First and foremost everyone wants a pleasant experience – most people don’t want more hassle in their life, they want outstanding service that is efficient, effective and affordable.

What’s not negotiable is A POSITIVE RESULT

If you’re concerned about your practice performance and growth, feel free to reach out to our experienced team of professionals who are ready to assist you.