Neil H. Baum, MD, presented “Generating Patient Referrals” for the Grand Rounds in Urology audience in August 2022.

How to cite: Baum, Neil H. “Generating Patient Referrals.” August 2022. Accessed Mar 2024. https://grandroundsinurology.com/generating-patient-referrals-2022/

Generating Patient Referrals – Summary

Grand Rounds in Urology Contributing Editor Neil H. Baum, MD, Professor of Urology at Tulane Medical School, provides thoughtful advice for generating patient referrals from physicians and non-physicians. He encourages physicians to personally meet all doctors who refer patients to the practice and recommends sharing a newsletter with referring physicians that provides up-to-date information on the practice and specializations. Dr. Baum then provides examples of personal touches that will distinguish a physician such as sending a congratulatory note for an achievement or sharing journal articles with highlights on the pertinent data. He offers a word of caution that making oneself available for referring physician calls should not come at the expense of patient exams. Dr. Baum then discusses non-physician referrals such as nurses, pharmacists, lawyers, and even barbers who can be great referral sources. Last, while gifts might be perceived as effective way to stay top of mind, they elicit less than 1% of referrals.

For more commentary on practice management from Dr. Baum, visit his Improving Your Urology Practice page.