Do’s and don’ts for scheduling overdue patients

Patients who are overdue (defined as not scheduled for their next appointment) can cost the practice more than $1 million (likely much more) over the career of each dentist. Or, viewed from the more positive perspective, having an excellent system to monitor and schedule overdue patients will add $1 million or more over the career of each dentist. 

Call overdue patients for an appointment the day they are overdue -- no matter what. 
This simple concept makes it virtually impossible to overlook overdue patients.

Don’t text. When contacting overdue patients, phone calls and voicemails are better than texting. Many practices have automated text systems that are great for reminding and confirming patients, but in our experience, phone communication or voicemails are the preferred methods for scheduling overdue patients. 

Dr. Roger P. Levin is CEO of Levin Group, a leading practice management and marketing consulting firm. To contact him or to join the 40,000 dental professionals who receive his Practice Production Tip of the Day, visit LevinGroup.com or email [email protected]. 

The comments and observations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DrBicuspid.com, nor should they be construed as an endorsement or admonishment of any particular idea, vendor, or organization.