<p>Word-of-mouth is so important. If patients have good experiences with a doctor (or dentist), then they will tell their friends about it. (They’ll tell even more about BAD experiences. . .)
It is most important to make a good first impression on new patients. If the doctor/dentist takes extra time and really listens to the patient, shows concern for pain, is kind and gentle, etc., then the patient is much more likely to come back and tell family/friends about that doctor/dentist.
Unfortunately, most doctors are too busy to talk/listen to a patient. They are rushed and rude. You are asked what insurance you have before they ask your name. (Often patients don’t really choose a doctor by reputation–it is just “anyone who takes my insurance/anyone in network/anyone with an available appointment.”) And it doesn’t matter if docs are rude–they are booked up for the next 3 months solid anyway. There are plenty of patients out there, and they don’t need you.
I’ve noticed that on some physician group websites they will have photos and brief bios of the docs. I think patients feel a little more comfortable knowing something–sex, age, med school, residency–more than just the name “Dr. Smith.” and some give a little personal info. --married? # of kids/grandkids, pets, hobbies. Of course docs don’t want to give out too much personal info., but I do like to see this basic information.</p>
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<p>A lot of people I’ve talked to those physicals are actually donated to the school’s athletic departments. Couple of hours of work: schools benefit, kids benefit, doctors get their name in a paper… everybody happy :)</p>
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<p>I’m not sure I see what is unethical about advertising a doctor’s services. Hospitals advertise their services (stroke…go to xxx hospital because we’re the best) on billboards all around town. Pretty much every other business advertises to get their name out. And the companies that accepts advertising - College Confidential - make money from advertising.</p>
<p>In fact, we all help pad College Confidential’s owners bottom line while we receive absolutely nothing for our time.</p>
<p>So while I don’t think the OP has a good business strategy, it’s a far cry from being an unethical one.</p>
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… unless you count all that information, support, and entertainment.</p>
<p>Some of the multi-physician practices in town take out ads in programs for the local professional theatre (and the symphony, when there was one), in programs for major fundraisers, etc. And there are a lot of newspaper ads welcoming new MDs to a practice.</p>
<p>If you want new patients you want billboards.</p>
<p>Pose Doctor Jones surrounded by his satisfied current patients. Happy, healthy, attractive current patients dressed in skimpy swimwear. It sells everything else. I’d bet it works for physicians as well.</p>
<p>I don’t think I speak only for myself when I say that I would really value an article about a doctor or dentist that gave me the opportunity to get to know them - what they offer, their areas of expertise, and to get the feel of how easy they are to talk to and confide in.</p>
<p>I think people truly value these things when choosing a healthcare professional!</p>
<p>LOL-hudson
(H is a physician and actually was on a billboard–years ago, minus the bikini-clad patients.
Now, one of his patients is on a billboard–hospitals, corporations really do these things.)</p>
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<p>Colorado mom, that treads awfully close to violating Federal Law by violating anti-kickback provisions by paying for referrals or fee splitting. That is why several states have been reviewing social media discounts and whether they violate state law.
Many dentists and physicians use word of mouth to get new patients…</p>