Many dental office Supervisors that are Dental and front desk staff members dread making confirmation calls. But the fact is, unconfirmed appointments cause missed consultations, which can cripple a dental practice. It can make a mess of revenue and customer service, as well as prompt dental team members to become frustrated (no one likes to be bored at work.)
Therefore, appointment evidence that is powerful is a procedure designed to create results that are desired: complete programs, ample revenue, and pleased employees. Below are a few tips to boost your practices appointment confirmation efforts.
Because everyone in our society is active, a consultation may be forgotten by even the patients that are most responsible. And affirming 48 hours ahead is more effective than supporting 24 hours ahead. That is because, sometimes during a proof call, the patient may wish to reschedule. Insufficient time is left by calling less than 48 hours ahead to fill appointment time slots that are canceled. So while some practices would rather confirm only 24 hours ahead, the benefits of 48-hour confirmation calls much outweigh the risks.
Another crucial point in the proof process is to speak with the patient directly. This may result in noshow and unfilled appointments, which aren't productive. As front office team member or a Dental Manager, when calling to affirm, consistently ask to talk to anyone who is on your program. If they're unavailable, ask whether there is another number where they can be reached. This will facilitate a much lower cancellation rate.
Also, do not consider a "left message" as a confirmed appointment. If you leave a message with someone else, or when you do reach an answering machine or voice mail, note this on your own verification list. Then, continue attempting to reach the patient throughout the day as a way to speak with him or her directly.
Use verbal skills that are positive to affirm, when you do reach the patient. As an example, state which you are "Calling to say that we're looking forward to seeing you" rather than that you're calling to "confirm" or "remind." The word "affirm" implies that you aren't sure they intend to keep the appointment. The word "remind" means that they are not responsible and have to be reminded. Even though both might function as the situation, you never want to create that impression.
When you discuss with the patient, clearly say the appointment day, date, and time. Once you have stated the rationale for the call, along with the day, date, and time, pause and wait for the to recognize their appointment. That indicates the appointment is not obligatory. They are not desired, though cancellations are not unacceptable.
When leaving a message on a recorder, voice mail, or with someone else, always request the patient to return your call to be able to let you know they got the message. When you have worked in a dental practice for a little while, you will know the patients who constantly keep their appointments and the ones who need endless prodding. Every practice has some of each. But in the beginning, until you know inclinations that are individual, it is desirable that you follow up attentively. But you don't need to follow up. You do not want patients to perceive that the of each are being hassled, or that they are not trusted.
Employee satisfaction grows, and patients receive the care they need to reach optimum oral health, when more patients keep their reserved appointments, the dental practice's gains increase.
Therefore, appointment evidence that is powerful is a procedure designed to create results that are desired: complete programs, ample revenue, and pleased employees. Below are a few tips to boost your practices appointment confirmation efforts.
Because everyone in our society is active, a consultation may be forgotten by even the patients that are most responsible. And affirming 48 hours ahead is more effective than supporting 24 hours ahead. That is because, sometimes during a proof call, the patient may wish to reschedule. Insufficient time is left by calling less than 48 hours ahead to fill appointment time slots that are canceled. So while some practices would rather confirm only 24 hours ahead, the benefits of 48-hour confirmation calls much outweigh the risks.
Another crucial point in the proof process is to speak with the patient directly. This may result in noshow and unfilled appointments, which aren't productive. As front office team member or a Dental Manager, when calling to affirm, consistently ask to talk to anyone who is on your program. If they're unavailable, ask whether there is another number where they can be reached. This will facilitate a much lower cancellation rate.
Also, do not consider a "left message" as a confirmed appointment. If you leave a message with someone else, or when you do reach an answering machine or voice mail, note this on your own verification list. Then, continue attempting to reach the patient throughout the day as a way to speak with him or her directly.
Use verbal skills that are positive to affirm, when you do reach the patient. As an example, state which you are "Calling to say that we're looking forward to seeing you" rather than that you're calling to "confirm" or "remind." The word "affirm" implies that you aren't sure they intend to keep the appointment. The word "remind" means that they are not responsible and have to be reminded. Even though both might function as the situation, you never want to create that impression.
When you discuss with the patient, clearly say the appointment day, date, and time. Once you have stated the rationale for the call, along with the day, date, and time, pause and wait for the to recognize their appointment. That indicates the appointment is not obligatory. They are not desired, though cancellations are not unacceptable.
When leaving a message on a recorder, voice mail, or with someone else, always request the patient to return your call to be able to let you know they got the message. When you have worked in a dental practice for a little while, you will know the patients who constantly keep their appointments and the ones who need endless prodding. Every practice has some of each. But in the beginning, until you know inclinations that are individual, it is desirable that you follow up attentively. But you don't need to follow up. You do not want patients to perceive that the of each are being hassled, or that they are not trusted.
Employee satisfaction grows, and patients receive the care they need to reach optimum oral health, when more patients keep their reserved appointments, the dental practice's gains increase.