THE IDEAL PATIENT

In order to go through the step by step process of building your dream practice, it is necessary to start at the beginning: That is; WHOM DO YOU WANT TO SERVE?

There are three main reasons why you need to define your "ideal patient".

1) To make you aware of the people presently using your services, that you enjoy serving. By identifying who they are you can better understand how to best serve, reward and encourage these people.

2) So that you know how to attract these people to your practice by better understanding their needs and values.

3) To help you determine what systems and procedures you need to put in place to help the rest of your patients to grow into being an 'ideal patient'.

DESIGNING THE IDEAL PATIENT:

Think of the patients you presently enjoy serving in the practice; the ones you look forward to seeing and when you see their name on the appointment book it brings a smile to your face. Why do you like them?

Some of the characteristics we might need to consider include: Age, gender, occupation, socioeconomic group, culture, health status, attitude, sense of humor, marriage status, hobbies, interests, values, understanding of health care and chiropractic, with or without kids, appearance etc...

AN EXAMPLE: MY 'IDEAL PATIENT':

• Communicative.
• Obedient.
• Positive attitude and outlook.
• Inquisitive.
• Health conscious.
• Believe in chiropractic.
• Value chiropractic care.
• Honest.
• Any age, gender, culture etc.
• Families.
• Pays for care.
• Refers others.
• Gives recognition for the care they receive.
• Smile!
• Doers.
• Reliable.
• Enthusiastic.
• Responsible.

Sit down with your TEAM and brainstorm the different attributes of your practice's 'ideal patient' and come up with your own description...