MARKETING TIP:
It is cold and flu season for the PCP’s so they are pretty busy this time of year. However, now is a good time to reach out to other types of providers.
OB/Gyn practices can be a good source of referrals. Try to stop by and visit with the practice manager and the referral coordinator. Better yet, try to have a lunch-and-learn between physicians about varicose veins and how the cosmetic varicose veins can be an indicator of underlying reflux. One thing to be careful about here is cosmetic services. More and more OB/Gyn practices are adding cosmetic services. You do not want to talk about competing services or you will never get a referral for some of the other services you provide.
Podiatry can be another good source of referrals. Patients often go to see a podiatrist for ankle pain or even ulcers. Their pain ends up being reflux. It is easy enough to establish a bit of reciprocity by allowing the podiatrist to place some of their cards or flyers in your office in exchange for referrals and placing cards/flyers in their office. I also recommend inviting the podiatrist to watch an EVLT or two. They typically will not actually come but… as podiatrists are not MD’s/DO’s, they are also not always treated well by the hospital, surgery centers, and physicians. Inviting them to your office to watch a procedure or two generates a lot of good will.
Finally, I have heard of some good success working with wound care centers. If you have one anywhere near you, I would recommend establishing a meeting with their facility administrator and their medical director. Let them know you really do not want to treat the ulcers per se; but that you can likely treat the underlying issues that are causing the ulcer(s). I’ve seen some pretty dramatic results of ulcers being treated not only for the ulcer but for the reflux causing the ulceration. Share some of those stories or pictures with them.
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