Medical World Finding Social Media is a Healthy Option

Social media is everywhere.

All industries incorporate social media as a way to reach customers, clients and patients, and healthcare is no exception.

Not only is social media a smart way to reach out, but also to engage and keep costs down. It’s an affordable, easy way to market and keep patients informed and happy.

Let’s look at some of the ways hospitals, clinics and providers use social media to provide great service and disseminate information all while keeping costs down.

They include:

• Many healthcare providers have moved to scheduling and billing on their websites. It not only provides a convenience factor for both patients and providers, but also a financial savings by cutting paper and mailing costs.

• Blogs provide an excellent source of information. These can be included on the website. From general information on your practice to specific information on treatments, it’s an easy way for patients to get some information either before an appointment or as follow up.

• Social media such as Facebook and Twitter provide a venue for interaction and engagement with patients where they can leave reviews and feedback, as well as ask general questions.

• YouTube is an excellent platform where doctors and providers can share information about the practice and specific conditions. More and more patients of all ages are logging onto YouTube for this very reason.

Take the Time to Research

As the article, “5 tips for simplifying your healthcare RCM” looks at; you may find just the information that applies to your specific healthcare situation.

That can include:

• Use social media to help you out as well – Connect with other healthcare providers and learn what they are doing in the social media world. Some of their methods may work for you.

• Do it the right way – Be consistent with your social media, but don’t abuse it. Be careful of both too many posts and also of leaving your social sites alone for too long.

Social Media Should Be in Your Strategy

Social media is an integral part of any marketing strategy, and for those in the medical profession, it can provide a smart source of information.

Patients are always seeking more information, and often after an appointment is when the questions arise. Social media is a great use for this, saving time, money and even worry from patients.

It can also be a great time-saver with access to forms, scheduling and billing.

If you haven’t already employed social media, it’s probably a great time to start.

Photo credit: Image courtesy of Shutterstock

from Darlene Milligan http://ift.tt/1KyqPEV via Transformational marketing
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