Referrals are a very strong source for new patients. It is worth some investment to establish ways to encourage referrals. We have been working on definitive and highly effective means to increase referrals for speciality medical and dental clinics and have now finalized our Boost Referrals Program which we are calling “CareConnect”.
Boost Referrals Program Objectives:
- Increase Patient Base: Attract new patients through existing ones.
- Enhance Patient Loyalty: Reward current patients for their loyalty and referrals.
- Build Community Trust: Leverage positive word-of-mouth to establish credibility and trust.
A referral program for a medical or dental clinic is designed to encourage current patients to refer new patients to the clinic. Here’s a breakdown of what such a program might consist of.
Referrals Program Resources used to initiate more referrals:
A referral program for a medical or dental clinic is designed to encourage current patients to refer new patients to the clinic. Here’s a breakdown of what this program consists of:
- CareConnect Cards that are handed to existing patients when they are in the clinic to use for referring their family and friends to your clinic.
- Digital CareConnect properties that make it easy for existing patients to spread the word about your clinic/services via email and social media.
- A trifold brochure about your clinic, services, and/or conditions treated that can be given in batches to other clinics, potential referring physicians and medical professionals, nearby treatment centers that offer therapies for conditions you treat, nearby shops of any kind that have a notice board or other pamphlets for public information, and to any patients who want to give them to friends, family, other participants in support groups, other clinics and doctors that they work with, etc.
- Monthly Newsletter to existing patients as well as to inquiries that didn’t book.
- Monthly social media posts along with building social media followers.
How it works:
1. CareConnect Cards:
We will design a CareConnect card for your clinic that encourages existing patients to recommend your clinic to appropriate friends and family. A card is designed with instructions on the front for the existing patient and information and a special offer on the flip side for the friend, family member, or associate who gets handed the card. The CareConnect cards are not mailed. They are handed out to existing patients as they roll through while receiving their own service. They can be given out at reception when patients and family members come in or are waiting. They should definitely be handed out by whoever checks the person out when they are done with services as long as they are happy. They should also be given to all of your staff to give out to friends and family members. And they can be used for cross-referrals between professionals.
As Physicians must not offer financial incentives or other valuable incentives to current patients in exchange for recruitment of other patients, there is no remuneration offered to the existing patient. But a Free Consultation, or $100 off the first appointment or the initial EEG for the new patient, can help to encourage the receiver of the card to call into the new patient coordination (our Call Center).
You decide what offer suits you, though we have some ideas and suggestions. This is a gift to the new patient for bringing in the card (they must bring in the card for the discount) unless the appointment is virtual in which case they can show you the card).
This is a very low-cost way to leverage your existing patients to bring in new patients as the cards are easy to design and cheap to print. Once the card has been designed, it can be printed in bulk at our wholesale printer and shipped to your clinic. The card should be set up at reception, in waiting areas, and even in testing or treatment rooms. They can be handed out in person by an MA, a Tech, and at reception. Since you are not mailing these out, this will give you promotion that will last months and will cost a fraction of what you are paying for other advertising. It’s the cheapest possible promotion you could do to get new patients. We have done this many times in other offices very successfully. It is a winning program.
2. CareConnect Digital Properties:
And of course, an email version, Facebook post, and other social media platform versions can easily be created and set up on your website so that they are easily downloadable for patients to access at any time.
We can then notify all existing patients with an email and links to these downloadable resources that they can use to spread the word. We would also put reminders in every newsletter that goes out to your patient base.
The concept of the Care to Share cards and digital properties is to help encourage and reinforce referrals as the most successful source of new patients. Referrals come from existing patients who are happy with their services who then tell other family members, friends, or associates at work about your great service.
3. Trifold Brochure about your clinic and services:
A brochure is a vital part of our referrals program as it allows a specialty clinic to showcase its unique services and expertise directly to referring physicians as well as to potential patients. A well-designed brochure can highlight the clinic’s advanced treatments, state-of-the-art technology, and types of conditions treated. This helps other medical professionals and those who might be interested in your services to quickly understand how the clinic can meet their needs, making referrals easier and more efficient.
A brochure can increase awareness of treatments that might not be available at general clinics, which would allow more patients to receive the specialized care they need. This can open the door to strong referral relationships and positions the clinic as a reliable partner for primary care providers, therapists, and more, encouraging trust and collaboration.
A high-quality brochure presents the clinic in a professional manner, establishing its reputation as a leading healthcare provider. It also serves as a branding tool, with clear messaging and visuals that help the clinic stand out.
Brochures are cost-effective and can be easily distributed in various settings—physician offices, conferences, or mail campaigns. They provide a tangible, easy-to-reference marketing tool that keeps the specialty clinic top-of-mind when other providers need to refer patients. They can be given in batches to other clinics, potential referring physicians and medical professionals, nearby treatment centers that offer therapies for conditions you treat, nearby shops of any kind that have a notice board or other pamphlets for public information, and to any patients who want to give them to friends, family, other participants in support groups, other clinics and doctors that they work with, etc.
In summary, a trifold brochure offers the opportunity to promote services, build relationships with referring clinics, and ultimately increase patient referrals.
4. Monthly Newsletter:
A monthly newsletter is more than just a communication tool—it’s a strategic way to keep your patients informed, engaged, and connected to your practice. By consistently delivering valuable content, your practice can foster a loyal, informed patient base, improve healthcare outcomes, and promote a culture of wellness within your community. 
A monthly newsletter keeps your patients actively engaged with your practice, even between appointments. It offers an opportunity to share important health tips, practice updates, and new services, helping patients feel connected and informed.
You can use the newsletter to provide educational content on topics relevant to your patients, such as managing chronic conditions, seasonal health tips, or updates on the latest medical advances. Educated patients are empowered to make informed decisions about their health and wellness.
Regular communication through a newsletter demonstrates your commitment to your patients’ well-being beyond just appointments. It fosters a sense of trust and loyalty by showing that your practice cares about their long-term health.
You can keep your patients informed about important changes at your practice, such as new staff members, extended hours, upcoming events, or new treatment options. This ensures your patients are always in the loop, contributing to a better patient experience.
A consistent newsletter can be used to promote special offers, applicable webinars, podcasts, new research studies, and more. And it helps keep your practice top of mind for your patients, reducing the risk of patients seeking care elsewhere. By maintaining a presence in their inboxes, you remind them that your practice is there to support their healthcare needs.
A monthly newsletter is more than just a communication tool—it’s a strategic way to keep your patients informed, engaged, and connected to your practice. By consistently delivering valuable content, your practice can foster a loyal, informed patient base, improve healthcare outcomes, and promote a culture of wellness within your community. This is a vital part of making the referrals program work.
5. Monthly Social Media Posts and Building of Followers:
Building a strong following of patients and those interested in your services and posting compelling, informative, and helpful content is another way to connect with potential new patients and to get existing patients and those familiar with your treatments to promote you and your services to others. Consistent posting while building more and more followers can greatly improve your reach.
Our Boost Referrals Program will help you get more new patients!
By employing these properties, you make it easy for your patients as well as providers in your area to promote your specialty services to those who may benefit.