self-study course 2015 course two The Ohio State University College of Dentistry is a recognized provider for ADA, CERP, and AGD Fellowship, Mastership and Maintenance credit. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at www.ada.org/cerp. The Ohio State University College of Dentistry is approved by the Ohio State Dental Board as a permanent sponsor of continuing dental education ABOUT this COURSE… contact us phone 614-292-6737 READ the MATERIALS. Read and review the course materials. COMPLETE the TEST. Answer the eight question test. A total of 6/8 questions must be answered correctly for credit. SUBMIT the ANSWER FORM ONLINE. You MUST submit your answers ONLINE at: e-mail smsosu@osu.edu web dentistry.osu.edu/sms Q: Who can earn FREE CE credits? A: EVERYONE - All dental professionals in your office may earn free CE credits. Each person must read the course materials and submit an online answer form independently. Q: What if I did confirmation ID? A: Once you have fully completed your answer form and click “submit” you will be directed to a page with a unique confirmation ID. Q: Where can I find my SMS number? A: Your SMS number can be found in the upper right hand corner of your monthly reports, or, imprinted on the back of your test envelopes. The SMS number is the account number for your office only, and is the same for everyone in the office. Q: How often available? A: FOUR TIMES PER YEAR (8 CE credits). http://dentistry.osu.edu/sms-continuing-education RECORD or PRINT THE CONFIRMATION ID This unique ID is displayed upon successful submission of your answer form. ABOUT your FREE CE… toll free 1-888-476-7678 fax 614-292-8752 FREQUENTLY asked QUESTIONS… TWO CREDIT HOURS are issued for successful completion of this selfstudy course for the OSDB 2015-2016 biennium totals. CERTIFICATE of COMPLETION is used to document your CE credit and is mailed to your office. ALLOW 2 WEEKS for processing and mailing of your certificate. The Ohio State University is a recognized provider for ADA CERP and AGD fellowship, Mastership, and Maintenance credit. are not receive these a courses Page 1 2015 course two CUSTOMER SERVICE IN HEALTHCARE This course focuses on ways to provide excellent customer service to all patients who interact with your practice and team members that contribute to your practice. Participants in this course will learn the definition of excellent customer service, the generational differences of our patients, front desk, telephone, and email etiquette, enhancing the patient visit, handling dissatisfied patients, and the importance of team member appreciation. All of these topics will help ensure your team remains engaged in the business and your patients remain pleased. INTRODUCTION Satisfied patients are essential to building and maintaining a successful dental practice. Patients often choose our practices for the quality care that they receive, however they stay faithful to our practice by the things that are done outside the treatment room. Establishing a strong rapport with potential and existing patients and their family members is the best way to maintain a thriving business. written by rachel a. flad, bs edited by karen k. daw, mba, cecm release date April 27, 2015 last day to take the course at no charge May 22, 2015 last day course is available for credit December 31, 2017 DEFINING EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE We all have received exceptional customer service at some point through our interactions with various businesses. How were we treated that made that experience exceptionally better? Each individual has their perfect definition of customer service, however it most often revolves around two areas: attention and communication. Excellent customer service does not just belong in the retail or food service industries. As healthcare providers, we have the opportunity to positively impact an individual’s visit to our practice. While it might seem like a relatively easy task to ensure that we are providing excellent customer service to all of our patients, are we confident that the entire team is committed to the same goal? How do our team members treat our patients when the doctor or office manager is out of the room? What standards are we holding our team members to with regards to patient interaction and customer service? It is also important to remember that not all patients are the same and generational differences can modify how one patient prefers to communicate compared to another. In the section below, we will discuss the major generational groups that you may interact with on a daily basis and the little things that we can do to truly enhance their patient experience. GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES & CUSTOMER SERVICE Our patients make up a diverse group of cultures, generations, and backgrounds. Being aware of these differences can help us in providing an outstanding patient experience for all individuals. In the following sections, we will look at information from the West Midland Family Center, a nonprofit organization which focuses on stimulating lifelong learning, encouraging social interaction. Page 2 We will describe how each generation views technology, communication, and work ethic. This information can be applied to your daily interactions with your patients. born between 1946-1964 and are currently in their 50s and 60s. Baby boomers experienced the Vietnam War, the Cold War, and the beginning of space travel. TRADITIONALISTS Core Values & Attributes Traditionalists are those individuals who were born between 1900-1945 and are at least 70 years old. Traditionalists include Korean War veterans and individuals whose parents may have survived the Great Depression. Baby boomers were the first generation who questioned the things that their parents accepted as normal. Baby boomers are extremely loyal to their children and were the first to believe in equal rights and opportunities. The communication skills of baby boomers involve more modern forms of technology and they also have a greater sense of consumerism. Core Values & Attributes Traditionalists are typically seen as loyal and hard working individuals who are committed to a business that they have an established history with. Traditionalists could potentially be our longest tenured patients and stay faithful to the businesses and the team who continually provide outstanding service. Work Ethic & Values Traditionalists are dedicated, hard working individuals who respect authority and those who are older and have more seniority. They value in others the same traits that they personally possess. Communication & Technology Traditionalists tend to shy away from technology and prefer more “tried and true” methods of communication. When communicating with a traditionalist, you should avoid jargon or slang terms and should always show them respect for their age and life experiences. Work Ethics & Values Baby boomers are driven in their careers. They would typically put in more hours than what a work week consists of and they believe that this established their self-worth and identity in the workplace. Baby boomers are loyal to their coworkers and are comfortable with challenging authority. Communication & Technology Technology is an acquired taste with most baby boomers. While they do not shy away from it, like their traditionalist parents, they may be hesitant to use the newest gadget. Baby boomers utilize a blend of electronic and face-to-face communication and prefer to establish a friendly rapport with the individuals and businesses that they interact with the most frequently. Takeaways Traditionalists tend to be our most loyal and devoted patients. When integrating new technology into our businesses, we should expect to receive some pushback and hesitation to new ideas. Their loyalty will remain with us, as long as we respect their preferences and routines. BABY BOOMERS Baby boomers are those individuals who were Page 3 Takeaways Work Ethics & Values While most baby boomers are more flexible and technology-savvy than their traditionalist parents, they still prefer a direct style of communication. Baby boomers frequently use body language in conjunction with their verbal interactions, so it is important to be aware of those cues when interacting with our patients. Baby boomers are more likely to question the norm and may challenge the decisions of the business, rather than agreeing with everything as it is presented. It is crucial to explain the policies and procedures of the business when questions arise, but explanations should be presented in a respectable manner. Gen Xers strive to have a great balance between their work life and their family life. They prefer to work in an environment that is more casual than formal, but it is essential for them to be working towards a cause that they are passionate about. Gen Xers prefer diversity, technology, and fun in both their personal and professional lives. GENERATION X Generation X, more commonly known as Gen X, includes those individuals born between the years of 1965-1980 and are in their late 30s and 40s. Many Gen Xers witnessed the end of the Cold War, the Watergate scandal, and experienced women entering the workforce in increasing numbers. Core Values & Attributes Most Gen Xers are more independent and selfreliant than their baby boomer or traditionalist parents and grandparents. Gen Xers tend to question the values of baby boomers and embrace the diversity in their lives. Gen X women were expected to work outside of the home and many children participated in day care. Communication & Technology Communication and technology are vital to Gen Xers. Individuals typically prefer immediate communication and facts to be presented in a direct way. This generation is the first who are extremely comfortable with technology and almost always have a cell phone on them. Gen Xers prefer email over phone calls and may tend to use a more informal language style. Takeaways Gen Xers are the first generation of patients that will understand and look forward to us utilizing more technology in our practices. This generation has the ability to relate to both baby boomers and millennials and can bridge the generation gap in your office. MILLENNIALS Millennials are those individuals born between 1981-2000 and are in their teens, 20s, and early 30s. Millennials are also commonly known as Generation Y. By this time, technology and digital media are a large part of their every day lives and they are typically always on the go. Core Values & Attributes Millennials are highly competitive, confident, and enjoy having fun. Since technology has always had a major role in their lives, they usually have at least one electronic device on them at all times and they look forward to additional advances in technology. While millennials are open to new ideas, they have a strong sense of entitlement and are commonly influenced by the stimuli that they encounter in their personal and professional lives. Page 4 Work Ethics & Values Millennials are typically ambitious and constantly multitasking. They thrive while under the guidance of a mentor and tend to make that connection at the workplace. They are goal and career oriented and are constantly looking for ways to develop themselves professionally. They typically succeed in a collaborative work environment and want to enhance their work skills with education. Communication & Technology VOICEMAIL VORTEX Since millennials constantly have a cell phone or other device always on them, they typically prefer communication to come in the form of email, instant messages, or text messages. Millennials react well to individuals who can have fun and show that they are human, without being disrespectful. Takeaways Even though millennials are always on the go and always communicating, they value frequent communication and want to develop a bond that goes further than just the office. Even though they are young, millennials expect to be treated respectfully and will treat you with the same courtesy and respect. TELEPHONE ETIQUETTE Technology is ever changing, but there is one form of communication that bridges all generations: the telephone. The first impression that potential patients have of our practice is often by communicating with us via telephone. While this initial interaction is away from the potential patient’s sight, we need to ensure that we are doing our best to provide excellent customer service and the most adequate assistance possible to each patient. An article from Dental Products Report listed three mistakes that we may be making with the telephone that could be losing us patients. These common mistakes include: • Voicemail Vortex • Verbal Vomit • Uncomfortable Answers During normal business hours, we are constantly answering one phone call after another, scheduling and cancelling appointments, accepting messages for other team members, and receiving sales calls. It is not uncommon for phone calls to go to voicemail, especially on days where we are busier than usual or are shortstaffed. In an ideal situation, we would always have a team member available to answer all phone calls by the third ring. Since this is not always feasible, it is important to return the phone call in a timely manner. This reassures your patients that you do value their time and business and prevents the patient from having to call multiple times to schedule an appointment or clear up an issue. Continually having a patient leave a voicemail could lead to the patient deciding to take their business elsewhere. VERBAL VOMIT It is imperative for our staff members to only provide answers on topics that they are educated in so that they can provide the correct answer. If a patient calls regarding an insurance issue, you do not want a staff member with no insurance training providing the patient with an answer that may not be correct. Especially in the healthcare field, we need to avoid releasing personal health information (PHI) or providing a premature diagnosis before the patient has the opportunity to speak to a doctor. Verbal vomit can cause the patient to unnecessarily worry and, if serious enough, could potentially lead to the patient taking legal action on your practice. Page 5 UNCOMFORTABLE ANSWERS ADDRESSING Team members are frequently asked to temporarily carry out roles and responsibilities that are not their typical responsibilities. In a pinch, a team member who usually works in the operatory or in the billing department could be needed to handle front desk responsibilities to make sure that the practice continues to run smoothly. In the heat of the moment, the usually capable and friendly team member could become cold and frustrated, and unknowingly, not provide the best customer service possible. When times like these arise, here are a few tips to guarantee that your customer relations run smoothly even during the most stressful of situations. Addressing begins with the email’s subject line. These days, everyone gets multiple emails a day, making it easy for valuable messages to be overlooked or deleted. Every email should include a clear subject line that can catch the recipient's attention and is more likely to be opened and read. In addition to a clear subject line, all emails should include a professional salutation. An email that opens with “Good Morning Sally,” rather than “Sally,” or no greeting at all, can lead to the recipient continuing to read the email and provide a prompt response. TELEPHONE ETIQUETTE TIPS When emailing current or potential patients, it is crucial to avoid the use of jargon or slang as it may not be warmly accepted by certain audiences. Humor can often be lost on the recipient, especially if there is not a close connection between the two parties. It is important to remember that you are catering to a diverse group of individuals – some who are not as comfortable as others with regards to technology. Understanding your client base ensures that you are providing excellent customer service for all current and potential patients. • Always answer the phone within three rings. • Smile while talking – even though the caller cannot see you, it relaxes and makes you more comfortable. • Include a friendly greeting and provide your name. • Provide a helpful script for team members who may be filling in by answering phones. • Only answer questions that you are qualified to answer. • Never argue with a caller. • Avoid blind transfers – provide information to the team member who is receiving the transferred call. • Ask for permission before placing a caller on hold. • Always return phone messages promptly. FORMALITY TONE When we communicate with patients verbally, there are often non-verbal clues to determine the tone of the conversation. However, those nonverbal clues are not present in email communication. It is necessary for you to convey EMAIL ETIQUETTE In today’s high-tech digital world, it is becoming increasingly easier and more popular to send a quick email to a patient or co-worker rather than sending a postcard or making a phone call. Even though emails are a more efficient way to communicate with our patients, it is important to keep certain things in mind when writing an email to a current or potential patient. Page 6 your message in a way that is direct and to the point to try to avoid any confusion by the recipient. Also, including words such as “please” and “thank you” can go a long way to ease the tone of an email. Before sending your email, make sure you take the time to re-read the message, clearing up any confusion and catching any errors. Always provide the option for the recipient to get ahold of you if there are any additional questions. Email technology has made it quicker and easier for us to connect with our patients, but this does not mean that we should communicate with them any differently than we do in person. BE MINDFUL OF CONTENT Similar to telephone etiquette, we want to ensure that we are providing information to our patients that we are knowledgeable about and are permitted to provide them digitally. It is important for each practice to have a policy on what information can be released via email. The digital age makes it increasingly easier to share information with others, but we must always take into account patient privacy. It is imperative that all team members are aware of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rules when it comes to patient communication and disclosure. For additional information on HIPAA Privacy Rules and how they pertain to your practice, please visit: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understa nding/index.html PATIENT SATISFACTION In today’s economy, people are not afraid of leaving a business if they are not satisfied with the quality of service that they are receiving. The same holds true for the healthcare industry. In order to make certain that your business continues to flourish, it is important to provide the best experience to each and every patient that walks through your doors. HIRE A FRIENDLY OFFICE MANAGER The office manager is the one team member that your patients could interact with the most in your practice. Ensuring that this individual has a friendly demeanor, can relate to patients on a personal level, and can handle multiple duties at one time is crucial for the continued success of your practice. Your office manager should also be able to relate to your team members. They should be able to hold your team members accountable and follow-up on any instances of patient dissatisfaction and disagreements between team members. Our patients can pick-up on the subtle clues that two team members do not get along. The office manager should be able to detect the issue and resolve it in a private setting. INTRODUCE EVERYONE Some patients do not enjoy their trip to the doctor, but extending a warm welcome to them as they enter your practice can go a long way to calm their nerves and make them feel at ease. New patients should always be introduced to the office manager, dentist, dental hygienist, and dental assistant who will be working with them during their course of treatment. If your practice is smaller in size, taking the time to introduce patients to a new team member is an easy way to provide excellent customer service. This ensures that your new patients feel welcome and your existing patients feel valued. PATIENT INTERACTION Greeting patients with a personal touch is an relaxed way to provide excellent customer service. Acknowledging your patients with a simple “Hello,” or “Good Morning,” as they enter the Page 7 practice lets them know that their time and loyalty is valued. When seeing a new patient for the first time, a simple handshake and warm greeting can reassure the patient that they made the correct choice in choosing your practice. The small things that you do before the patient sits in the treatment chair can boost their experience, whether it is their first, or 50th, visit to your office. practice. If the patient sees these cluttered areas, they could assume that your operatories are the same way, questioning the level of care that they might receive in your practice. Small steps can help enhance the experience for all of your patients. GIVE THE PATIENTS CONTROL In the previous section on telephone etiquette, we explained how team members who are not qualified may unintentionally provide a patient with incomplete or incorrect answers to basic questions, or may appear to be cold and distant with the patient. Since it is not known when a team member will have to fill in a pinch, it is important to ensure that we are setting them up for success. All team members should be trained to answer the phone and interact with patients in the same manner. When it comes to communicating via the telephone, simple scripts, modified to your practice, can provide a smooth transition. Dental Economics lists the following seven scripts as being vital to ensuring your practice’s success. It is important to ensure that your patients are aware of the details of their visit. Taking an extra minute to explain a procedure or a new technique that is being used makes the patients feel as if they are involved in their treatment. Before the doctor begins any procedure and before donning any personal protective equipment, take a minute to ask how the patient’s day is going and if they have any questions before you begin. This open dialogue could bring up some significant information regarding that day’s treatment, or, may ease any nervous feelings that the patient may be experiencing. SETTING YOUR STAFF UP FOR SUCCESS DRILL DOWN ON THE DETAILS Greeting patients by the telephone Details are what can help turn a patient’s experience in your office from good to great. A key step is to take the time to look at your practice through your patient’s eyes. Simple updates and upgrades can turn your waiting room from cold and secluded to warm and inviting. Keeping recent magazines and newspapers available for your patients to enjoy while they are waiting to be taken back to the treatment room can allow the patient to relax. Keeping the front desk and waiting area clean and uncluttered can have a positive impact on a patient’s perception of your The patient’s first impression of the practice is determined by how the team member answers the telephone. If the telephone is answered in a rushed or annoyed manner, it can appear that you are not ready to assist patients. By answering every phone call with a friendly and professional demeanor, all patients will be reassured that the practice can fulfill their treatment needs. Greeting patients in the office Patients should be greeted in the same friendly and welcoming manner, whether it is their first visit to the practice or their 50th visit. When a patient arrives, they should all be properly greeted, preferably by their first name. In the event that there is only one person at the front desk, and they are on the phone or dealing with another patient, a nod or wave acknowledges their arrival. Greeting patients when they arrive should not be protocol for just the front office staff. Anyone who may be near the front of the practice should take this extra step to guarantee that all patients feel special. Page 8 Emergency patients in pain Emergency situations can be difficult situations to handle, for both the patient and the team member. However, you do not want to disrupt the daily schedule of the practice when handling an emergency situation. It is important to balance concern and the willingness to treat the problem, but be proactive and suggest times that the doctor is available to see the patient. Scheduling Patients When scheduling a patient for their next appointment, you should provide them with several options in an attempt to guide them to the time that works the best. Remember , the patients should not dictate the schedule for the practice, you should. Hygiene pre-appointment system Taking the time to schedule your patient’s next appointment before they leave the practice is an easy way to increase productivity and patient retention. This makes the patients feel like they are the focus of the practice and they are getting the first opportunity to schedule an appointment for a day and time that works best for them. Also, scheduling their next appointment in advance helps the patients avoid any scheduling conflicts and, as a result, increases the productivity of the practice. Handling cancellations Cancellations can adversely affect any practice. When handing a cancellation, it is important to be firm, yet understanding with the patient. When a patient calls to cancel an appointment, a concerted effort should be made to convince the patient to keep the original appointment to avoid scheduling conflicts and to carry out treatment plans in a timely manner. Making a collection call Collection calls are critical to your practice. When attempting to collect past-due funds from a patient, a personal telephone call is the best method to ensuring a quick resolution to the situation. Collection calls should always involve the financial coordinator and there must be a detailed system in place explaining the repercussions for not meeting the financial obligations. DISSATISFIED PATIENTS Despite the best of intentions, everyone is destined to interact with individuals who are not satisfied with company policy or the service that they received. Below are a few cues to look for and how to handle any dissatisfied patients in your practice. LOOK FOR THE SIGNS There are many signs that will present when a patient is not pleased with the information that is being delivered or a policy that they may not particularly agree with. A dissatisfied patient may raise their voice, tighten their jaw, or may stand in a way that is not typical. When you witness these signs, it is important to quickly react. Taking extra time with the patient to answer any questions or clear up any confusion can ease the situation. Leaving a patient at a time when they are not satisfied could lead to them becoming more angry. SHOW EMPATHY Remember that everyone has a story, and there may be more things causing stress in a patient’s life. No matter the situation, every patient has a story, and we may not be aware of the other issues that they are dealing with. When a patient is frustrated with the news you are delivering, showing empathy may help relieve some of the stress surrounding the situation. Showing empathy does not mean that you go against company policy or alter a treatment plan to keep a patient satisfied. KEEP YOUR COOL In high stress situations, it is essential that you always keep a cool and level-headed demeanor. If a patient is upset because they missed their appointment time and begin to raise their voice, you do not want to match their volume. Speaking in a calm and controlled tone can help lower the tension of the situation. As in any Page 9 situation, if you do not feel safe or if you begin to physically fear for your safety, immediately contact security or the police department. TEAM MEMBER APPRECIATION The atmosphere that your practice has is most often related to how much your team feels invested in your practice. If everyone feels valued and respected as essential members of your practice, the longer they will stay loyal to you. The longer tenure that our employees have, the less money we spend on the time and resources needed to recruit, hire, and train new team members. In addition, patients tend to have stronger relationships with our long term employees and can build lasting trust with our practice. In the midst of the hectic daily schedule, it is easy to overlook the simple recognition that our team members greatly appreciate. There are simple steps that can be done to ensure that all employees feel like valued members of the organization. Below are a few examples. MORNING HUDDLES Having a consistent morning huddle during your work week is an simple way to engage your team with the goals of the practice. A quick 10-minute huddle before seeing the first patient allows all members of the team to hear important announcements and to check-in with the doctor. This is an easy step to confirm that everyone is on the same page and the day runs as smooth as possible. PERFORMANCE REVIEWS Team members who are invested into the mission of the practice are interested in hearing not only what they are doing well, but also things that they can improve upon. An annual or bi-annual performance review is a great time to check in and see if individual goals have changed or if the team member has any ideas to improve the practice. LACK OF COMMUNICATION Communication is a central part of all healthcare practices, whether it is in the treatment room or at the front desk. A lack of communication between the doctor and his or her team can derail a practice, causing patients to look elsewhere for treatment and team members to seek other employment. Problems can also arise from the doctor not being available to the team members and can result in disagreement between multiple team members. When issues do arise, address them immediately, and do not let them grow into larger issues. OFFERING TRAINING Team members who are dedicated to the mission of the practice look for ways to continuously enhance their skills. This does not just include training them on the newest technology to be released in the field. At times, refresher courses over office basics, handling disruptive patients, medical emergencies are needed just as much. CONCLUSION Operating a successful dental practice does not happen overnight. It is crucial to not only have a great team in place, but also understanding your client base and what they are looking for in their doctor-patient relationship. With the right tools, and the right people, your practice can run smoothly and successfully for years to come. References available upon request. ABOUT THE AUTHOR RACHEL A. FLAD, BS RACHEL FLAD GRADUATED FROM DEFIANCE COLLEGE IN DEFIANCE, OHIO IN 2010 WITH A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN FORENSIC SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS. FROM 2010 – 2013, RACHEL WAS A SENIOR SALES FLOOR TEAM LEADER AT THE TARGET CORPORATION, RESPONSIBLE FOR GUEST SATISFACTION AND TEAM MEMBER DEVELOPMENT AT THE FOURTH LARGEST GROSSING STORE IN THE COLUMBUS DISTRICT. RACHEL HAS BEEN THE CHANNEL COORDINATOR AT STERILIZATION MONITORING SERVICE SINCE 2013 AND PRIDES HERSELF ON PROVIDING OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE TO ALL 2,000 SMS SUBSCRIBERS AND THE FACULTY, STAFF, STUDENTS, AND PATIENTS AT THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY. RACHEL FLAD CAN BE REACHED AT FLAD.4@OSU.EDU Page 10 post-test instructions - answer each question ONLINE press “submit” record your confirmation id deadline is May 22, 2015 1 T F All team members should provide a friendly greeting and provide their name when answering every telephone call. 2 T F Generation X women were expected to work outside of the home. 3 T F Millennials have no interest in forming close personal relationships. 4 T F Baby boomers are challenging authority. SUBMIT ONLINE SUBMIT ONLINE uncomfortable with 5 T F When a patient is dissatisfied it is best to leave them alone for a few minutes, rather than reacting quickly. 6 T F Digital media and technology is a large part of the lives of millennials. 7 T F Collections are best handled via email. 8 T F Traditionalists tend to use more “tried and true” methods of communication. director john r. kalmar, dmd, phd kalmar.7@osu.edu assistant director karen k. daw, mba, cecm daw.37@osu.edu channel coordinator rachel a. flad, bs flad.4@osu.edu Page 11
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