1 comments:

Bill Bond said...

IMO, the number one indicator of how successful and ND will be is the return rate after an initial consultation, that is, the percentage of patients that return for a follow up visit after the initial consultation. Very successful NDs have a return rate of @75%-80% and those who cannot sustain a practice tend to have return rates of about 20%-30%. Most NDs fall somewhere in between. Factors such as bedside manner and you skill as a physician are obvious major factors, but the three overlooked factors I see are: 1. Always scheduling follow up visits after an initial consultation. Some NDs think patients will just magically know when they need a follow up. More often, they will just move on to trying something else, especially if what you prescribe is not working as recommended. 2. Have an office that looks like a medical office, not a chiropractors, an acupuncturists, a homeopaths or a massage therapists. 3. Wear a lab coat during initial consultations. I know this is not popular in the ND world but the reality is that people will judge your capabilities and skill level by your attire, especially during an initial consultation, when they are first getting to know you. A labcoat conveys physician while nice attire conveys non-physician and patients will treat you, trust you and pay you accordingly.