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Don't Say "Sorry"

When your practice is running late, it is easy to greet the next patient with an “I’m sorry” instead of making a more meaningful connection. Although acknowledging the time and the patient’s frustration is a noble intention, a basic “I’m sorry” can actually start your appointment off on the wrong foot. Instead, try acknowledging the situation by making it more personal.

For example, you could share, "If I had an appointment with my doctor, I would be upset if she was running 30 minutes behind." Then, stop talking and allow the patient to express his or her feelings. This action alone can make a tremendous difference in the overall visit. If the patient is still frustrated, ask for permission to address the situation. For example, "Ms. Smith, may I step out of the room for just a moment to see what I can do?" This action achieves two results: Time away can further diffuse upset emotions and the patient's perception is that he or she has been taken seriously. There may be nothing you can do but return with a cup of water or tea, and let the patient know that the physician will be in within 15 minutes, yet this information can reassure a nervous or frustrated patient and make them feel heard and valued.

Another option is to state, “Thank you so much for understanding. We really appreciate your time and your patience. Is there anything I can bring you to make you more comfortable?” (Or, “May I bring you a cup of water to make you feel more comfortable?”)

An initial “thank you” can put the patient in a better frame of mind more than saying “I’m sorry,” making them feel more appreciated - and like you’re in this together. Even if not every patient leaves insisting that your operation is "five-star" practice, they will depart without immediately running to Yelp and posting a host of negative comments about your office and its schedule.

Naturally, this approach may not work every single time, but it will give you further time and space to potentially deal with the delay while giving the patient a chance to air his or her grievances. Ultimately, people want to be heard. Offering patients a chance to speak, particularly when they might be apprehensive about the appointment to come, is valuable regardless of the outcome. Consider opportunities for turning apologies into connections with patients to bolster your practice’s customer service.

About The Author

Elizabeth Woodcock is the founder and principal of Woodcock & Associates. She has focused on medical practice operations and revenue cycle management for more than 25 years. She has led educational sessions for a multitude of national professional associations and specialty societies, and consulted for clients as diverse as a solo orthopaedic surgeon in rural Georgia to the Mayo Clinic. She is author or co-author of 17 best-selling practice management books, to include Mastering Patient Flow and The Physician Billing Process: Avoiding Potholes in the Road to Getting Paid. Elizabeth is a Fellow in the American College of Medical Practice Executives and a Certified Professional Coder. In addition to a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University, she completed a Master of Business Administration in healthcare management from The Wharton School of Business of the University of Pennsylvania. She is currently a doctoral student at the Bloomberg School of Public Health of Johns Hopkins University.

The contents of The Sentinel are intended for educational/informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Policyholders are urged to consult with their personal attorney for legal advice, as specific legal requirements may vary from state to state and/or change over time.

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