Every clinic faces the challenge of inactive patients — those who haven’t scheduled an appointment in months or even years. Re-engaging these past or lost patients is a golden opportunity to grow your practice, boost revenue, and provide much-needed care.
The good news? Text and email marketing are highly effective tools for reconnecting with these patients. With the help of our online software, you can automate campaigns that make re-engagement seamless and successful.
Here, we’ll explore the best strategies for re-engaging inactive patients and how our automated SMS and email software can make the process effortless.
Send Friendly Appointment Reminders
Sometimes, all a patient needs is a gentle nudge. A friendly text or email reminding them they’re due for a check-up or follow-up appointment can reignite their interest in your services.
What to Include:
- A warm greeting and acknowledgment of their last visit.
- A clear call-to-action (CTA), like “Click here to schedule your appointment.”
- A link to your online booking system for convenience.
Example SMS: “Hi [Patient Name], it’s been a while since your last visit! We’d love to see you again. Click here to book your next appointment: [link].”
Offer Special Promotions or Discounts
Incentives are a great way to encourage inactive patients to return. Whether it’s a discount on services or a free consultation, promotions show patients you value their loyalty.
Ideas for Promotions:
- A percentage off their next visit.
- Complimentary add-ons, like a free consultation or a sample product.
- Seasonal offers, such as a discounted flu shot during flu season.
Example Email: “Welcome Back! As a valued patient, we’re offering you 15% off your next visit. Schedule your appointment today to take advantage of this limited-time offer!”
Provide Personalized Health Reminders
Personalization is key to successful re-engagement. Send messages tailored to a patient’s previous treatments, conditions, or health goals.
Examples:
- Remind dental patients about overdue cleanings.
- Encourage chiropractic patients to schedule their next adjustment.
- Follow up with physical therapy patients to continue their progress.
Example SMS: “Hi [Patient Name], your last adjustment was 6 months ago. Regular care can help maintain your progress. Schedule your next visit today: [link].”
Share Educational Content
Patients may become inactive because they’ve forgotten the value of your services. Sharing educational content can remind them why your practice is essential to their health.
Ideas for Content:
- Blog posts or videos about common conditions you treat.
- Tips for staying healthy between visits.
- Updates on new treatments or technology your clinic offers.
Example Email: “Are You Experiencing Back Pain? Learn how regular adjustments can help alleviate discomfort. Schedule your next appointment today: [link].”
Follow Up After Missed Appointments
Missed appointments are a common cause of patient inactivity. A thoughtful follow-up message can re-engage patients and encourage them to reschedule.
What to Include:
- Empathy and understanding for their missed visit.
- An easy way to reschedule.
- A reminder of your clinic’s value and dedication to their health.
Example SMS: “Hi [Patient Name], we missed you at your last appointment! Let’s get you back on track. Click here to reschedule: [link].”
Celebrate Milestones and Special Occasions
Connecting with patients on a personal level fosters loyalty and encourages re-engagement. Use text and email campaigns to celebrate milestones or send holiday greetings.
Ideas:
- Birthday greetings with a discount or free service.
- Anniversary messages marking their time as a patient.
- Holiday well wishes with a reminder to prioritize their health.
Example Email: “Happy Birthday, [Patient Name]! As our gift to you, enjoy 10% off your next visit. Schedule now to celebrate your special day with us!”
Utilize Automated Campaigns with Our Online Software
Manually re-engaging patients can be time-consuming, but our automated SMS and email software makes it effortless.
How It Works:
- Segmentation: Automatically identify inactive patients based on criteria like last visit date or missed appointments.
- Pre-Built Campaigns: Use our professionally designed templates to send engaging texts and emails.
- Personalization: Add patient-specific details to every message for a tailored experience.
- Analytics: Track open rates, clicks, and responses to measure campaign effectiveness.
Example: A patient who hasn’t visited in a year automatically receives a personalized email offering a free consultation and a link to book their appointment.
Re-engaging inactive patients doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right strategies and tools, you can easily reconnect with past patients and encourage them to return. From friendly reminders to personalized promotions, automated SMS and email campaigns are your secret weapon for patient retention.
Ready to bring your inactive patients back? Contact Physicians Assistance today at (866) 742-7397 to learn how our online software can help you create powerful, automated campaigns that drive results and grow your practice!