• The Best Ways for Attracting New Patients

    Blog By: Kenneth Beer MD

    Many estimates peg the cost of a new cosmetic patient at about $500. Attracting them need not be this expensive nor does it require a sophisticated marketing consultant. By employing some simple techniques, you can attract new patients. By screening the new patients, you can build a sustainable practice. There are so many things that we do in my practice to try to reach out to new patients that most are second nature for my staff. Without a doubt, there are two significant qualities that you and your staff need to have to attract new patients. The first of these is availability and the sec


  • Employee Motivation Techniques

    Blog By: Kenneth Beer MD

    Studies have shown that employees typically leave jobs not because of money but because of poor satisfaction or morale. Despite what most physicians assume, the underlying reason that people either stay at or leave a job is not money, but rather the sense that the employer does not care for the employee or that the employer is unreasonable or unfair. Of course, this is difficult for me to imagine because I am always reasonable, fair and sensitive to the needs of those around me (just ask my employees at www.twitter.com/beerdermat


  • How to Handle Difficult or Unsatisfied Patients

    Blog By: Kenneth Beer MD

    Dealing with difficult or unsatisfied patients is my least favorite aspect of being a dermatologist. Frequently, you are unaware of the fact that a patient is dissatisfied because he or she simply leaves the practice. Sometimes you do know because the patient badmouths and berates you on the Internet. Occasionally, you find out about it because the patient returns to the practice demanding that he or she be “fixed”.

    The first type of patient (the leaver) is gone but sometimes returns when unable to find care that meets his or her expectations. It is sometimes helpful to call this type of pa


  • A New Look at Year-End Perks

    Blog By: Kenneth Beer MD

    The end of the year means that most practices will have holiday parties followed by holiday bonuses. Typically, these are based on performance and range from 8 to 40 hours of pay. However, with the economy in a free fall and many practices facing difficult times, some will have to negotiate the year-end perks differently than in years past.

    My practice was weaned off year-end bonuses at the suggestion of Page Piland (Core Consulting, FL). He advised me to get away from the reflexive handing of checks to staff at holiday time and instead to evolve to quarterly bonuses based on the productiv


  • The Value of a Good Web Site

    Blog By: Kenneth Beer MD

    If your Web site is more than a few years old, the new year is a great time to create a new one. I loved my old Web site, but when I saw some of my colleagues’ sites, I realized that newer Web experts with newer ideas and newer technologies are indicated for the new year. Some of the social networking available may be appropriate for your practice and, if so, you need to find someone who is savvy about this. Patient education material should be included. Online registration materials and in some instances appointment scheduling should be integrated into a redesigned site. Before embarking on