Why Healthcare Marketing Matters To Patients And Providers

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By Edward J. Starks


Medicine reduces suffering and saves lives. In an ideal world, doctors and hospitals would not have to become bogged down by the details of promoting and selling themselves, but the fact remains that medical care is a business, and patients are the customers. Healthcare marketing ensures that those customers will be able to better analyze the options being offered, and make better-informed choices.

Even though more people can now afford medical coverage, many still find choosing the best personal care a confusing process. Not only do the available options differ, but there are also relentless media advertising messages continually clouding the issue, encouraging viewers to tune out. To be truly effective, a promotion must identify and emphasize unique strong points.

Sharpening those tools requires unsparing analysis. It is no longer possible for a medical group to consider itself so unique or irreplaceable that no customer strategy is required. In the past, an attitude of being above the financial fray has translated to shrinking practices, decreased revenue, and fewer patients for some specialties. Skilled care is important, but patients also consider other practical details.

In an era when remote robot surgery and designer medications are no longer science fiction, it is still patients who determine whether or not a business will be successful. The key is to apply superior customer service principles to every aspect of the patient experience. A turnaround can begin with an aggressive campaign to raise consumer consciousness about a particular practice or group.

Because of the current third-party payer structure, medical administrators deal mostly with insurance companies. Although insurance coverage is now more widely available than ever before, customers still choose providers based on cost, word-of-mouth experiences, and reputation. Companies commonly characterized by uncaring employees, outdated records-keeping, poor communications and long wait times suffer the consequences.

To solve these common issues, health care consulting companies work with all segments of the industry. They use similar techniques already being used by other business segments, such as product branding, as well as helping to create websites that are information-specific and customer-friendly. They understand current web-based marketing principles, including search optimization, and can help create a more accessible image.

The result can include expanded referrals, and increased patient revenue. Increasing visibility through direct marketing and better public relations can be best accomplished by working with consultants having proven experience in this industry. Not only will it help differentiate a specific group from the rest, but can actually turn new clients into long-term, satisfied customers.




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