Marketing External Counterpulsation (ECP and EECP) Therapy Programs
Marketing a medical practice and the services provided can be challenging as compared to traditional marketing of other industries. Medical facilities are faced with increasing competition, declining reimbursements while marketing campaigns remain expensive and minimally effective. Despite the obstacles, marketing remains a critical component to any thriving medical clinic.
There is a new & effective marketing solution available designed specifically to build a medical practice through ECP Therapy. The new concept can be found at www.CardiacTherapy.com. The idea with this concept is to simplify the term of External Counterpulsation Therapy to an easy name that any patient living with Coronary Artery Disease can identify with. By using Cardiac Therapy, you can now bypass any challenges with retaining the acronym or full name of External Counterpulsation Therapy and focus on the attractive (marketable) benefits brought by the treatment. You now have a effective brand to promote a Safe, Non-Surgical, Clinically Effective treatment that is a (potential) ‘painless remedy’ for a large subset of cardiac patients living with symptoms of Angina & Coronary Artery Disease. For more information, visit, www.CardiacTherapy.com/medical-providers for more details.
Effective Strategies
Getting the word out to other physicians will help you maintain a full and active ECP or EECP program. Physicians are extremely busy and it is often necessary to remind them that you and your services exist. However, do not be discouraged if you do not get an overwhelming response. Just about all medical practices are busy just like you! Respectful, gently, articulate reminders to your colleagues are proven effective if performed consistently. Here are some ideas that may assist your practice in obtaining referrals from outside sources.
Press Releases
Generate an informative Press Release announcing that you are a local provider of ECP Therapy. The press release must be short and to the point. Be sure to describe an Overview of ECP Therapy, the Benefits of ECP & EECP Therapy, as well as the Patient Candidates for ECP Therapy.
Letters to Physicians
How can you expect a referral from a physician when they are unaware of your services? Writing a simple letter to your referring physicians can be a useful tool to inform them that External Counterpulsation Therapy is available in your clinic. This is a simple, yet effective way to remind your fellow collegues of the benefits of ECP Therapy to patients that are resident of other clinics or practices.
Include Relevant Journal Articles to your Peers
Send relevant clinical information to your colleagues. Be sure to keep the information new, and up to date. Providing old, out dated material will only lose the interest of others and it an be a burden to the already overwhelming amount of literature and paper stacked on their desk.
Newsletters, Flyers & Thank You Letter
Many facilities post some form of a newsletter, flyer or letters to maintain dialogue with physicans in their community. Send your colorful and interesting letter to your colleagues with some emphasis about ECP therapy. If your facility does not generate a newsletter, create a captivating letter or flyer to be a constant reminder of your services. Thank you letters about particular patients is always a kind gesture and an effective way to demonstrate the gratitude of your working relationship.
Educational Brochures about ECP Therapy
Provide your colleagues with patient brochures that can be displayed in lobbies or exam rooms of their offices. Your may also want to consider mailing a clinical brochure highlighting the benefits and outcomes of ECP therapy.
Host an Open House
Invite local physicians to your facility for an entertaining and informative evening. Informally discuss ECP therapy and the other services your facility offers.
Grand Rounds
Schedule a discussion about ECP therapy at Grand Rounds at local hospitals. Do not get caught empty handed. Come prepared with appropriate presentations and literature.
Make Office Visits
Schedule a time to visit the offices of your colleagues. Speak to physicians and staff on a lunch break or drop off suitable information about ECP therapy and your program.
Use the Phone
Contact your colleagues over the phone to discuss how ECP & EECP Therapy may be of benefit to their patients. When telemarketing, try asking for a person by name rather than “the person in charge of.” For example, “I would like to speak with Karen Summers, your office manager,” as opposed to, “I would like to speak to your office manager.”
