Radio Sales Café

One of my clients, a local dentist, is experiencing a decline in number of new patients per month the past two months.  In December last year, we had 17 new patients.  We've seen a pretty good average at about 13-14 a month recently.  However, this November we only had 6, and now we're at 2 for this December. 

 

He has also noticed an issue with productivity.  Where we are YTD, his productivity has only increased 2% over last year, his goal is 10%.  Last month, we were at about 6% over last year, but that was until this month.

We think some of the issue for not enough new patients is because of the Holiday time, and people are just busy and stressed out.

 

So, my question for the network is:

 

1.  Have your dental clients experienced a decline in new patients during this holiday time?

2.  Why do you think this is so?  What variables are leading to this?

3.  Based on your answer for 2., what are aways we can be proactive in addressing this issue next year?

 

Please respond by Friday if able.

 

Thank you all for your help and time!

Our community lacks dentists so none of the exisisting dentists feel the pinch, so I cant really help you out there.

See if you can get him, even this year... to run a campaign ASAP addressing the issue of deductibles.. come get your dental work done NOW before the new year and a new deductible sets in. This is something you could do for 4th quarter next year and every year after. This is typically a very tight financial month for consumers and reminding them they can save money by doing it now might increase business. Just a thought.

Thank you for your feedback. We have a message going right now that say "use your 2010 insurance benefits before they expire" - do you think maybe using the exact language of "Deductible" would help?

Thank you again

in my opinion..yes.