In recent years, patient satisfaction has improved significantly and it’s likely to get even better in the future. This growing focus on patient satisfaction largely stems from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), also known as Obamacare, which was enacted in March 2010. This act brought forth major changes to the U.S. healthcare system.
PPACA holds healthcare providers more accountable by linking several incentives and reimbursements to the quality of care they provide. Part of these “quality of care” scores comes from patient feedback via surveys.
In simple terms, doctors and hospitals need to boost patient satisfaction because their financial success depends on it, as mandated by the federal government. Beyond the legal requirements, maintaining high patient satisfaction scores is also smart business practice.
Statistics from the Journal of the American Medical Association show that doctors with the lowest 20% patient satisfaction ratings are four times more likely to lose patients compared to those in the top 20%.
No matter the size of your practice or hospital, there are many ways to enhance patient satisfaction. Here are six straightforward methods, some of which can be handled by third-party services:
1. **Patient Outreach**
Patient care doesn’t end when they leave your office. Follow-up calls, disease management support, and satisfaction checks are not just good care—they’re good for business.
2. **Nurse Triage Services**
Patients don’t like feeling alone or helpless. Nurse triage services offer them a way to get their questions answered and receive advice from qualified professionals.
3. **Appointment Reminders**
Patients appreciate reminders that help them keep their appointments. These reminders also reduce no-shows, directly benefiting your revenue.
4. **Patient Education**
Educating patients about general preventive health and specific conditions helps them understand necessary lifestyle changes and increases the success of treatments.
5. **Seminars & Classes**
Offering seminars and classes allows your staff to connect with patients and the community, showing how much you value their care and wellbeing.
6. **Electronic Patient Check-In**
Nobody likes long lines or waiting rooms. Providing electronic or online check-in options makes the experience easier and less stressful for patients, leading to higher satisfaction.
Focusing on patient satisfaction benefits both healthcare providers and patients. Not only do you become eligible for favorable tax credits and subsidies, but you also improve the quality of care and increase referrals. In the end, everyone wins.