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Published by: David Nordella 09-06-2012  |  POSTED IN: Twitter Thursdays

Talking with Patients

 
The Social Media Examiner is always a good resource to learn how to effectively use various social media.  They share an excellent article written by Charlene Kingston that I recommend you read, “16 Creative Ways to Use Twitter for Business”: http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/twitter-for-business/.  I have started Following Charlene on Twitter and recommend that you do the same.
 
Independent physicians that shudder when thinking of their practices as businesses have two choices: get over it or look for a job.  Otherwise, you will be overwhelmed by the changes occurring in your industry.  Doubters should consider visiting the Medical Marketing Association: http://medicalmarketingassociation.org/what-is-referral-marketing/.
 
Our conversation today will focus on a single point in “16 creative Ways to Use Twitter for Business.”  Charlene shares many excellent ideas in the post.  This one idea could be critical to your continued success. 
 
We all know that talking with patients is critical.  These conversations are the basis for patient adherence programs.
 
So when does the doctor patient conversation start?  In the examination room?  You may be startled to find that many patients first start talking with their doctor using social media.   
 
WARNING!  Twitter is not and will not be HIPAA compliant!  Private e-communication with clients can only be done with secure EMRs and/or patient portals.
 
Let’s return to Charlene’s recommendation: Create a conversation list. 
“Whom you follow determines your daily experience of Twitter.  If you follow people who inspire you, people who say intelligent things and challenge you to think differently, Twitter becomes a joy.  One smart way to focus on the people who inspire you to (without ignoring everyone else) is to create a private conversation list.  Include in this list:
             
  •  People who inspire you in business
  •  People who inspire you personally
  •  People who are fun to talk with
 
...Jump into the list when you are looking for inspiration or encouragement during your workday.  You can make your conversation list public or private.  By creating a private list, you are the only person who knows who is only your list and when you make changes to the list.  However, everything you say to people on this list is still public, so watch your words.”  I would add two more categories to the conversation list:
       
  • Loyal patients that value your services and will refer you
  • Prospective patients that would value a conversation with you
 
Engagement is a term that is used frequently in social media. Engagement in social media means that you personally engage other people in discussions using social media.  There is no better way to engage with other people than sharing feelings with them. 
 
Remember, your patients don’t define “care” as your professional duty. They want to know that you care about them.  Is there a better way to show someone that you care about them than to listen to their feelings and then respond accordingly?
 
You can follow Charlene Kingston: @Kinchie, @CrowInfoDesign, @SocialMediaDIY 
 
David Nordella, the Managing Director of Provider Finance Associates, LLC, has found Twitter mixes with his passion for improving the profits of Independent Practice Associations. Learn more about David:
 
 
Thanks for reading. Jason.
P.S. Don't forget to subscribe below to this blog.
 
About Jason Ciment
Formerly an attorney and CPA, Jason has been working online since 1997. His columns on affiliate marketing can still be found on www.Clickz.com and his book on search engine optimization can be found at www.seotimetable.com.

This blog is published 4x per week and covers website design and SEO tips as well as a wide range of tips and advice for working and living online more efficiently and enjoyably.
 

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