Keep Patients Busy in Your Reception Room

Do you ever wonder what your patients do in the reception room?  Most patients ask themselves, “When will they call my name?” Whether a patient comes in early or the doctor is running behind, it’s inevitable that patients will be in the reception room for an extended length of time.

So, what does your practice do to keep patients busy?  Here are some tips on how to keep patients informed, entertained, and comfortable during their waiting room experience:

• Offer wireless internet access so patients can check their e-mail and conduct necessary business

• Install a plasma screen TV that shows educational videos or lighter fare programs like “I Love Lucy”

• Provide healthy snacks, water, coffee or tea

• Have on hand plenty of educational brochures that talk about overall wellness and health, and brochures that highlight additional services of your practice

• Even if your practice is not a pediatrics office, make sure you have toys and books for children

• Keep a suggestion box for input from patients

• Provide a wall rack of recent magazines or newspapers

• Display artwork that is interesting and engaging

• Try adding a small waterfall – running water can be very soothing

• Arrange fresh flowers or interesting plants

• Provide comfortable seating for patients of all sizes

Take a few minutes to do an audit of your reception room experience.  See if you can implement one, three or all of the above.  Some of the tips may not be practical for your practice, but there are several that can be implemented at minimum costs.

                                                                                       -Carlos A. Madinya
                                                                                       Medical Market Manager

Let us know!  How do you keep your patients busy?  Share your tips by posting a comment.