What you need to know

Attracting patients is hard work, which makes it downright gut-wrenching when they leave. Even worse: unless you reach out to past patients (and get an answer), you’re unlikely to know what made them move on. If your office feels like an abandoned building, there may be something you’ve overlooked: the state of your office’s tech. Lack of computer maintenance can lead to problems that patients can’t ignore, which keeps them from putting down roots at your practice. Read on to find out why you’re getting ghosted, and what you can do to stop it.

What does bad IT look like to patients? 

The average visitor to your office may not use your computers, but they’ll still notice failing IT in other ways. To patients, it might show up as:

• Delays during their appointment: Patients whose visits are interrupted by computer glitches or lag won’t just feel frustrated—they may wonder what else isn’t working like it should.
• Canceled or rescheduled appointments: If your computers are down, you can’t see patients, who will feel the impact when their appointments are moved around.
• HIPAA requirements: In the worst-case scenario, lax cybersecurity could lead to a data breach. HIPAA regulations will require you to give your patients written notice that you put their data at risk.

Conclusion

Without well-maintained computer systems, it’s hard to show patients that they can count on you. To change their minds, pick up one (or all!) of these healthy IT habits:

• Get educated: Hold yearly technology training sessions for your staff. The more they know about cyber threats, the better your employees will be at avoiding them.
• Keep it up: Regular maintenance makes it much less likely that you’ll need one-off “break and fix” services.
• Rely on your IT guy: Let your provider know if you have any concerns, and don’t be afraid to ask questions!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the state of your computer systems, you’ve come to the right place. With our judgment-free, action-oriented approach, we’ll get your network back in shape so you can show your patients that they have nothing to worry about. Reach out to us today at [email protected] or 408-200-9881.