We explore the concept of fully managing patients in a practice and how this approach not only improves clinical outcomes but directly enhances business success through patient retention and referrals.

• Fully managing patients means guiding them through their entire healthcare journey from first visit to resolution
• Initial consultations should be comprehensive (45-60 minutes) to establish rapport and understand patient expectations
• Documenting patient expectations in writing prevents miscommunication about treatment goals
• Financial considerations require ethical approaches—providing value without recommending unnecessary treatments builds trust
• Effective patient education requires multiple methods and confirmation of understanding
• Well-trained staff extend patient management beyond the treatment room
• Follow-up systems prevent patients from "falling through the cracks" and becoming liabilities
• Creating policies around attendance, payment, and behavior sets clear expectations for both patients and practitioners
• Internal marketing to existing patients is more cost-effective than external campaigns
• A deeper "toolbox" of treatment options enables comprehensive management plans rather than single-modality approaches

For more resources on implementing complete patient management in your practice, visit foothealthnetwork.com or contact our team of experienced podiatry practice consultants.