Published: 2011-04-07 14:40:59
Author: Michelle Geller-Vino
When you stop and think about it, we would get so much more from our doctors if we did some very simple things to be more accommodating. If we gave a little more, went the extra mile for our doctors and each other, too, we would reap the benefits.
I once wrote an article on the "pet peeves" of chiropractic assistants["Office Pet Peeves," Dec. 17, 2007]. Although it was funny to read and oh so true, it really was accurate. In fact, I got many calls from both doctors and CAs telling me that the article really put things into perspective. Chiropractic assistants laughed because they could relate and doctors wondered how I had hit the nail on the head with so many of the things they do to annoy the heck out of CAs on a daily – yes, daily – basis.
Of course, we do things that annoy chiropractors, too, and after all, without them we wouldn't have a job, right? So, let's get into what we as CAs can do on a daily basis to let our doctors know that we get it! What can we do to get them to understand that we know what we are doing, and that when we do not, we will find out or ask for help? Let's discuss some strategies for moving forward so we can give more to our doctors and our teammates, making each and every day better than the day before. The following comes from doctors I have spoken with or worked with recently. I am sure that both doctors and their assistants will relate! CAs, please keep an open mind.
Keep It Consistent
I cover this first because as you are well-aware, if you do anything at all and it is not done regularly and with follow-through, it may as well not be done at all. To all doctors, this may actually be on the top of their priority list. If need be, make a To-Do list for opening and closing the office, or for whatever may be lacking in the consistency department, and follow each step until is it mastered to perfection.
A common example might be that we know that if recalls are done haphazardly, we will not be successful. However, if time is spent in the early evenings on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (or whatever days you choose) and it is done consistently, the chances are much greater that you will schedule more reactivations. It takes 21 days to form a habit, so start forming!
Learn From Mistakes
You are going to make mistakes – but try not to repeat them! Take the time to reflect on what you did wrong and think about how you'll respond differently in the future. Is the mistake something you should build a system around to prevent a future occurrence? For instance, if a new patient calls to make an appointment and they have many questions that you may not be able to answer, invite them in to meet the doctor and let them no that there is no cost just to speak to the doctor. That way, instead of potentially losing them, you get them in the door and your doctor will have the chance to get them to convert to a new patient.