A new poll shows that patient experience is on the rise across the board, but there is still progress to be made, especially with underrepresented populations and younger patients. Investing in the patient experience at your dental practice is one way to attract and retain more patients, which helps your bottom line and your future growth. From the moment a patient schedules their appointment to the follow-up after their visit, every touchpoint matters. How can you create a better patient experience at your dental practice?
Streamline the Appointment Scheduling Process
Simplifying the appointment scheduling process is one of the easiest ways to create a seamless patient experience. Many patients prefer the convenience of booking online, so offering a user-friendly online portal can save your staff time and make patients happier. If you have the ability to do so, make sure that you offer a variety of appointment times, including early morning or evening slots. Simple touches, like a follow-up email confirming the details of the appointment and your location, show patients that you care about their experience.
Minimize Wait Times
Long wait times are one of the biggest sources of frustration for patients, so it’s crucial to optimize your scheduling to minimize delays. In fact, a recent study found that shorter wait times are associated with higher patient satisfaction scores. Start by using scheduling software to manage appointment flow and prevent overbooking. Regularly review your schedule to identify patterns that may cause bottlenecks and adjust accordingly. If delays are unavoidable, communicate with waiting patients promptly.
Training your staff to manage transitions between appointments efficiently is another key factor in keeping schedules on track. Consider staggering appointment types so that shorter procedures don’t interfere with longer ones. Efficient time management not only enhances the patient experience but also keeps your staff less stressed.
Create a Comfortable Waiting Area
The waiting area is the first physical impression your office makes on patients, so it should be inviting and relaxing. Comfortable seating is a must, as it keeps patients relaxed if they need to wait an extended period of time for their appointment. Calming decor, such as neutral colors and plants, can help reduce anxiety. Providing small amenities like free Wi-Fi and magazines can also make the wait more enjoyable.
For practices that cater to children or families, a small play area for children is a great way to keep them occupied as they wait. Patients who feel at ease while waiting are more likely to view their overall experience positively, even if minor delays occur. A well-maintained and clean waiting area also shows that you care about providing a safe and sanitary environment at your dental practice.
Don’t Forget to Follow Up
The patient experience doesn’t end when they leave your office. Follow-up is a critical part of maintaining a good relationship with your patients. A simple call or email to provide aftercare instructions, give them a link to schedule their next appointment, or thank them for their visit can make patients feel valued. For more involved procedures, following up to ensure they are healing well and to address any questions shows your commitment to their care.
Additionally, offering opportunities for feedback through surveys or review requests can help you identify areas for improvement and show patients that you care about their feedback. Personalized messages for birthdays, dental health reminders, or upcoming appointment notices can also help maintain ongoing communication, and they can also be automated with the right software.
Improve Your Patient Experience with APEX Reimbursement Specialists
Whether you’re looking for a way to make revenue cycle management at your dental practice easier or hoping to improve your overall patient experience, APEX Reimbursement Specialists is here to help. Contact our team today by calling (410) 710-6005. We look forward to working with you to make your practice a more profitable place.