Integrative Medicine

Automated Patient Reminder Calls

Okay - I haven’t tried this out, but I have to admit the demo looks pretty slick.

Patient Prompt emails, calls, or text messages your clients to remind them of their appointments, allows them to respond to confirm, and it does it all automatically. Reminder calls consume quite a bit of time for us these days, but I can’t imagine not doing them. This might be just the solution.

I’m not sure how patients would respond to the automated system. You can actually record your own message so that clients hear a familiar voice, but I still tend to lean more toward the full-service, “real person” approach from a service quality perspective. If you’ve tried it, or have any thoughts, leave a comment and let us know.

Pedometers : A Cheap Trick

Now it's official! A pedometer costing just a few dollars (from as little as $2 to rarely over $30) can help you lose weight and get fit according to a study at Stamford University.

For fitness and weight maintenance we are encouraged by the people who look after our health to walk 10,000 steps a day - and although many of us say we are "always on our feet" or "never stop" chances are that you are around the 3,000 to 5,000 mark like most reasonably active people.

Just wearing a pedometer on your waistband can encourage you to do a little more - people end up on average walking an extra mile a day - and those miles add up over time to give results without very much effort at all.

The study showed that pedometers are particularly effective if you give yourself a step goal every day and keep a note of your results.

Why not pop one in everyone's Christmas stocking this year (including your own!).

You'll find a whole range of pedometers on Amazon (or here if you are in the UK)

Change Your Habits, Change Your Shape

Following on from the video in the last post, remember your current shape is the result of the sum total of the eating and exercise habits you've had over the course of your whole life.

Think about that!

What would people assume that your habits are from looking at your shape?

Are you happy about that?

Happy or not, it's good news because it means you can change your habits and change your shape whenever you like. You are the one in control.

To make life easier, don't just try to stop doing something if you want to change your eating habits. ( You know that's what makes stopping smoking so difficult - you have nothing to replace that habit with (other than eating and that creates its own problems)).

Instead replace your bad food habit with something else - if you always have cake with your coffee start drinking tea. If you eat too much in the evening in front of the TV - start a hobby, go for an evening class or do your ironing in front of the TV instead (or even some exercise and kill two birds with one stone).

Spend some time thinking of alternatives for whatever you do that you wish you didn't! And some ways of fitting in the activity for your body you know you ought to do and don't.

And before you know it your body will be showing the results of a whole new set of (healthier) habits.

The Anti-Health Plan

Actually you don't need any advice from me other than to do the opposite of the Anti-Health Plan. There's a serious message behind this funny video. See how many of your own habits you can spot in it.

Increasing MD Referrals: Letters

Massage Therapist “M” writes:

“I need suggestions on what to include in introduction letters to MD’s to telling them about my massage services.”

We’ve touched on this before, but here are some specifics you might consider when writing to an MD:

1. Leverage before you write.

If you can make personal contact with any MD in advance, do so. They can give you more advice about approaching the rest than anyone else can, and possible provide some introductions. Starting your letter with “Dr. Jones suggested I contact you to…” will get your letter far more attention.

You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to connect through a friend or other contact if you simply take the position of seeking advice, rather than looking for business. Take a little time to network first before you fire off your letters - find that one MD who will open doors for you.

2. Differentiate yourself
MD’s need a reason to refer to you, versus other RMT’s out there. Do you have a specialty? What makes you better, different, or unique? Is it your price? Your service? Your special training? Your hours? Your focus on a specific issue?

Some professions are more challenging to stand out in than others, and massage therapy can be one of them. If you haven’t already, now is the time to find your niche.

3. Be credible
MD’s want to know you’re legit and professional. Make sure your letter includes:

• Your credentials and any advanced training.
• Any experience in hospital or other mainstream health areas
• Your years of experience, if applicable
• Previous experience with other MD’s

And, of course, make sure it’s:

• Well-written
• Professional in appearance
• Error-free

4. Make it risk-free
Offer a short, free “meet the RMT” visit, where you show people your office, explain how you work, and what conditions you focus on. Include a dozen of these “meet the massage therapist” cards with your letter.

5. Focus on resolving a chronic complaint
MD’s are often burdened with patients who have chronic conditions that both patient and doctor would love to see resolved. Find a way to help an MD by taking a few troublesome patients off their hands.