By DOROTHY HARDEE

For Americans to enjoy optimal health they must have the benefit of high-quality health care services effectively coordinated within a strong public health system.  For the independent physician seeking to expand their practice, it’s important to know how patients are selecting a provider, ways in which to capitalize on this trend and how to cultivate a warm handoff for patient referrals. 

According to a study done by the University of Michigan, patients age 50 to 80 are becoming more computer savvy using the internet to find a physician, though it is still not the most common way they determine to schedule an appointment. More than 50 percent of older patients reviewed online physician ratings with 71 percent considering a doctor with positive feedback despite some negative reviews.  In addition, many still implore the tried and true methods of recommendations by family, friends and other doctors, as well as how long it takes to get an appointment, the doctor’s years of experience and ability to interact with the patient online for scheduling and refills.  Of course, location is also a significant factor when considering a health care provider, not to mention health insurance plans and affiliated hospital. 

Juggling the ever-changing landscape of insurance, reviews and convenience for patients, developing strong relationship within your referral network is equally important. Cultivating a relationship between physicians offering a warm handoff for patient referrals reinforcing the patients trust in the doctor’s judgement, helps build the patient’s relationship with the referring physician and sets the stage for more effective care according to FPM Journal. 

To make sure the warm handoff is most effective, it is important to focus on three key elements:

• The shared relationship between colleagues must be strong enough that the potential for conversation always exists despite busy schedules, especially regarding patients with complicated history.
• The transfer of information between physicians must be easy, accurate and the most relevant data provided in a timely manner.
• Finally, staff helping to facilitate referrals must be keenly aware of the physician’s referral relationship and service expectations. Without an organized support system, this process could unravel quickly.

Creating a service agreement requires a conversation to determine that each practice can agree on a somewhat unified approach to referrals which can often be difficult given the differences and willingness to closely manage certain conditions.  Including the practice manager or another trusted person to document the key points of the agreement will help in implementing it as part of the practice’s workflow. The major advantage of establishing the agreement early helps to address future complexities.  It is also important to remember to keep a good line of communication with scheduled follow-up meetings to ensure a smooth process throughout.

With all that said, how do we get the conversation started?  The East Orlando Chamber Health Council Collaborative offers physicians, referral coordinators and practice administrators an opportunity for peer-to-peer networking, starting the conversation to increased referrals for your practice.  This stress-free, leads-focused opportunity serves as a resource for independent practices and companies new to the industry, identifying issues and establishing a healthcare legislative agenda. Also, to facilitate peer-to-peer connections, as well as practice to community interaction to help grow your practice through referrals, community outreach and new opportunities with increased revenue potential.

Physicians, practice administrators and referral coordinators are invited and encourage to attend our first quarterly event Thursday, February 27, 2020 from 8:30 – 9:30 AM at CERTUS of Waterford Lakes.  This Meet & Greet will introduce your neighboring physicians, more about the Healthcare Collaborative and how the EOCC is helping grow your practice through referrals, community outreach and new opportunities with increased revenue potential.  If you are a physician or healthcare professional, register today.  A continental breakfast will be provided.  RSVP is requested. 

Want to know how else the Chamber can work with you to elevate your business?  Give us a call at 407-277-5951. Let’s meet to discuss your business objectives and how the EOCC helps drive results making you a long-term member of one of the oldest established chambers in Central Florida. 

Dorothy Hardee is Chamber Administrator for East Orlando Chamber of Commerce

UPCOMING EVENTS

Feast in the East Mardi Gras 2020

Thursday, February 20, 2020

4:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Avalon Community Center

13401 Tanja King Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32828

Registration Open to the Public- 21+ event

Non-Profit Council Roundtable – Member Non-profit Benefit

Internships for Your Organizations (Hands-on Activity)

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

8:30 – 10:00 AM

East Orlando Chamber

12301 Lake Underhill Rd., Ste. 245

Orlando, FL 32828

Registration Requested

Please visit www.EOCC.org for a complete listing of February’s events