Electronic Health Reporter

By Marvin Luz, senior director of revenue services, Greenway Health.

Nearly all medical practices face the complex challenge of ensuring patient satisfaction while maintaining the engagement and well-being of their staff. The reputation and success of a practice hinges on continuous improvements being made to heighten patient satisfaction, however the service provided by the front office staff at each practice plays a significant role in ensuring performance goals are regularly exceeded and quality patient care is delivered.

To foster an environment that strengthens the importance of both increased patient satisfaction and staff fulfillment, it is important to first look within. Outlined in this article are three simple tips from Greenway Health that providers can implement for their front office staff members to boost staff morale and patient satisfaction.

Emphasize the importance of excellent customer service

According to MGMA, 52% of medical groups report scheduling or customer service as the top front desk training challenge. While great customer service is extremely important for medical practices, it is not always top of mind. The front office staff are the first people to connect with patients, so their focus should be on creating an excellent experience. Take the time to train front office staff on how to properly greet patients, handle requests, and communicate successfully.

To take it a step further, try cultivating a patient-centered approach. Encourage the front office staff to actively listen and show genuine interest in patient concerns. Additionally, consider implementing enhanced accessibility tools to the current healthcare service offerings like online appointment scheduling, patient portals, and telemedicine. By simplifying these front office administrative practices, patients will appreciate the user-friendly and accessible nature the practice has to offer.

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