I just read Erik’s post about able to change the music for each patient during doctor visits.  This would be really cool.  I have had 5 cat scans in the last 6 months, and the good scan centers now allow you to choose your own radio station for the precedure.  Cat scans can last awhile, so it is nice to be able to get good radio.

Howver, I predict very few doctors and dentists will adapt the patient specific music.  The doctors and dentists are not smart enough!!  My dad is a doctor, and is one of the incredibly rare doctors that have any business sense.  He got his MBA in his sixties, aftyer a long career or running successful medical businesses.  But, he is the huge exception!

I have seven doctors that I see with any regularity.  Only one of them sent me a Christmas card.  He is also the only doctor that calls me to schedule appointments.  If I don’t go see him every six months or every month, his office calls to set up an appointment.  I have another doctor that, at my lsat visit, told me to come back in a month.  I have went back.  He never called to set up the appointment.  I do not plan on going back.  Doctors need to sell their services too.  He should call and GET my business.  After all, with 5 cat scans and 7 doctors, I am a good “customer!”  To be clear, I am not referring to a call to confirm an appointment, but a proactive call to set an appointment, to drive business.

I have been going to the same dentist for 35 years.  Excpet, I haven’t been in 2 years or so.  I quit going to see him because his receptionist has grown old, cranky, difficult, and bitchy.  Its not wroth seeing him to have to put up with the receptionist.  I see the dentist frequently, as he lives about 100 yards from me and we eat in many of the same restaurants.  I saw his wife walking their dog yesterday.  When he sees me though, he never asks when I am coming in to give him money!

Doctors, you are salespeople too and must drive your businesses.  You must promote yourself and bring in new customers and must treat the old customers like you appreciate their business.