The Second Referral is Always Better than the First
by Julia Porterfield
It is said that the hardest referral to get from a practice is the first; but truth be told it really is the second. Marketing blogs and books can help determine which specialists, social media or outreach avenues are most likely to provide the referrals you seek. However, obtaining a consistent referral source rather than just a onetime patient pass is much harder.
One of the easiest ways to achieve the second referral is through timely communication to the practice following the referred patient’s first visit. Within one to two days of the initial visit, it is important to reach out with a simple phone call, email or even voice mail to provide an update about the patient. This communication lets the practice know you are aware of their referral and that you appreciate the trust they have given you.
Additionally, it is also important to notify the practice in the event a patient does not show or cancels their first appointment. This front office tactic of providing no show and cancel feedback to the referring practice is also a great marketing tactic. Typically the practice will provide their own follow-up by ensuring the patient reschedules and attends their next appointment or they will send another referral to make up for the missed patient.
It is exciting to receive that first referral but good follow-up will strengthen your relationship with the referring practice in order to create a consistent referral pattern for you.
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