You Can’t Fit a Square Peg in a Round Hole
We recently found a great article by Michael Hess, “Your Work May Be Serious, but Your Business Doesn’t Have to be.” This article focuses on the importance of maintaining a certain level of fun and enjoyment within the business environment. To get a better perspective on the significance of these elements within an organization, Kellie Eisenhauer, (e)Merge Director of Operations, weighed in on the information presented in the article. ... Read More
Greater Means of Communication Could Lead to Higher Risks
Communication is, without a doubt, the basis of Social Media. Unfortunately, for the millions of businesses around the world operating Facebook Fan Pages, we are unable to directly communicate with our fans without the entire Facebook community viewing our message. As many of you are aware, Facebook removed the direct message feature from Fan Pages; due to an influx in misconduct from spamming agencies. Without this feature, Page Administrators... Read More
Taking the Plunge Into Social Media
At times, we find convincing a physician or practice administrator to jump feet first into the deep, unknown pool of social media is more difficult to accomplish than getting a child to eat their vegetables. Most give short, one-word responses; ranging from, “No.” to “Why?” So, why do we remain relentless in our push to involve healthcare professionals in the world of social media? According to the Pew Research Center, “61% of adults... Read More
A Healthcare Marketer’s View on Outbound vs. Inbound Marketing Strategies
A very interesting and informative piece circulated on Twitter this week and caught my attention. The post by Jeff Bullas, Social Media Marketing: 10 Inspiring Infographics (Great resource piece!) shares some great statistics and examples of the power and influence of social media on our behaviors and buying patterns as consumers. Jeff also dives deeper into the conversation related to the shift from outbound marketing efforts, or what I like to call... Read More
The Release of Patient Information: A Conversation on Outsourcing vs. In-House and How This Affects Patient Experience
Medical records must be dealt with in a professional manner. A practice’s patients should feel their medical information is being kept secure and being forwarded in a confidential manner. The choice of handling records in house or outsourcing to an independent firm is an important decision healthcare organizations must make. Although not well known outside the healthcare industry, companies providing the release of information have been present... Read More
Central Illinois Endoscopy Center Holds Media Day to Promote Colon Cancer Testing
Center launches new campaign to encourage cancer screening. Peoria, Illinois October 31, 2011 –The Central Illinois Endoscopy Center – has announced a media day to be held on Monday, November 7, 2011 at 8am-10am CST. This media day announces the launch of CIEC’s campaign to screen 5,000 Peorians by May 31st, 2012. On hand will be a colon cancer survivor, news and media representatives and physicians available to answer questions and further... Read More
Congratulations to our own, Jamie Verkamp!
Congratulations to our own, Jamie Verkamp, for receiving the MGMA-ACMPE Edward B. Stevens Article of the Year Award! The Edward B. Stevens Article of the Year Award recognizes a medical practice professional who has made a substantial contribution to the body of published literature to foster more effective and efficient healthcare delivery in the field of medical practice management. The article, “Titled Social Media as a Way to Connect with Patients”... Read More
Are We Hiring People With The Right Natural Qualities For Our Patient Interaction Roles?
The greatest influence of customer satisfaction is the patient’s perception of the personalities they encounter during their visit. While recently reading an article about the six most admirable traits in humans, I thought about how we work with our clients’ staff on customer service training and bringing out these important qualities to improve patient experiences. While the article was referring to all people in general, this article could... Read More
Remembering the Basics of Customer Service
Recently, I read an article touching on how the doctor/patient experience has become an afterthought. Much like society today, many medical practices have shifted their focus to providing the latest gadgets and hi-tech items in an attempt to seem like the most profitable office in town. While patients find these aspects thrilling, does the actual human interaction they encounter merit the same impressiveness? While we all appreciate the intricate... Read More
Healthcare Customer Service the Panera Way?
When I’m out of town for work, I spend a fair amount of time at Panera. They are consistent across the country, have some healthy food options, convenient locations and the ever-coveted free wifi connection. This morning, as I spent time between client staff trainings on improving the patient experience, I overheard a Panera employee “practicing what I preach” each day–she delivered a personal experience to her customers.... Read More
