July 2008

Learning is remembering

by Dr. David Lundquist

Brican Systems' Mediadoc Software is an advanced chiropractic educational tool for your practice. Having taught the importance of communication skills to chiropractors and their staff for the last 20 years, I understand the necessity of educating patients about the value of chiropractic. Your ability to communicate and educate directly affects your patients' willingness to participate. If you want patients who stay, pay, get well, refer, and maintain their health, then you must consider adding Mediadoc to your practice.

I run a practice that is mostly cash and not part of any managed care networks, PPOs, or HMOs. This requires educating patients on a daily basis. Having a fairly large volume of patients limits the amount of direct doctor/patient treatment and education time. Doing the initial report of findings begins the education process, but most people remember only about 10% to 20% of what they are told.

The power of education lies in the enthusiasm it creates. So, how do you educate your patients?

Health care classes are a good way to continue the education process, but less than 30% of chiropractors do them. A brochure will work if you hand it to patients and go over it with them and let them know there will be a test on it the next visit.

A wall poster works if you direct patients to it and read it over with them and tell them how it pertains to them. Yet, my experience has been that it can take patients months before they even notice a wall poster. I once had a poster on a wall in the reception room for five years. Not one person ever mentioned it. I moved it to a treatment room, and now almost everyone in the room notices and comments on it.

Customizable presentations

When I first saw the Brican Mediadoc Software, I was impressed with the quality of the presentations and photos used. They are pleasant to the eye and captivating for all ages. The flash technology adds dramatic visual effects that draw viewers to the screens and keep their attention.

The presentations are well thought out, and they keep the slides fast and easy to read. Learning is remembering, and I have found that patients remember these presentations. This is a major factor for the referral process.

At present, there are 150 pre-programmed shows and more than 11,000 slides. The presentations are completely customizable so they fit in any style of practice and will communicate the message that matches the office mission statement, purpose, style, and personality. The ticker tape feature allows you to put in your message of the day, announce special events, birthdays (first name and initial of last name to be HIPAA-compliant), changes in office hours, acknowledgements, and new services offered.

I actually changed some of my office procedures to accommodate using the system for maximum patient exposure. The monitors are in the reception room, exam room, and each of the four treatment rooms. The monitors in the treatment rooms are in an upper corner close to the ceiling, and patients are instructed to be face up on the table while waiting so they can read the screens. The presentations always stimulate discussion on the many health care topics available and help clarify crucial chiropractic concepts often misunderstood by the general public.

Results are good

Our office will choose the presentation after looking over the day's scheduled appointments. Specific topics are picked that will be directed at specific patients. When I am in the room with patients, I make sure to refer to the monitor and speak to them about how the topic relates to their condition. The various topics stimulate and encourage referrals. They help people become aware of all the different types of maladies that can be aided by chiropractic treatment, and educate them on the philosophy of a chiropractic lifestyle.

We have found this to be very effective for the education process, and it shows in our statistics. Our patient-visit average and new-patient referrals have been up 30% since adding the system. Family care has gone up 25%. Many times, three to five people are in an adjusting room eager to receive treatment. Nutritional supplements, cervical pillows, massage therapy, rehab therapy, orthotics, and exercise programs have all been greatly increased since adding the system. Not a day goes by that you don't hear someone say, "I didn't know you offered…" or "I didn't know chiropractic could help…"

Our office has used the system to do health care classes. The presentations are already professionally done, and the doctor can practice them beforehand for a flawless educational performance. We have also used the system when doing outside lectures and spinal screenings. It literally stops people in their tracks as they walk by the booth and allows for interaction as an opening for discussion.

If you're looking for a top office marketing tool, you need to look into the Brican Mediadoc System. Call 800-644-1055, Ext. 28, or visit the Brican wesite at www.bricancorp.com.

(David Lundquist, DC, practices in Winter Haven, Fla.)