Physician Referrals: “Oldies” but Goodies

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AUTHOR:
Neil Baum, MD
Clinical Associate Professor of Urology, Tulane Medical School, New Orleans, LA

Author, Marketing Your Clinical Practice-Ethically, Effectively, and Economically, Jones Bartlett Publishers

Don’t forget to stay in touch with retiring doctors who have previously referred you patients. You would be amazed that the retiring doctor still holds sway over former patients who often call them and ask for advice about a referral to a specialist. These older physicians still have lots of clout within the community. These older physicians are often consulted and asked about a referral to a primary care doctor. When you hear that an older doctor is about to retire, send them a note of appreciation or take him or her to lunch. Then continue to remember your colleague with an occasional phone call when one of his or her patients visit your office and pass along their regards.

Bottom line: This simple gesture of keeping in touch with older, retiring physicians will keep those referrals coming long after his or her shingle has come down.