Sunday, April 08, 2007

Patients like the solo guy.


I have written in the past about the advantages of solo practice from the perspective of the provider. Well, here are some advantages for the patient.

1: A stronger doctor-patient relationship: Solo docs develop very strong bonds with their patients. Perhaps we view a patient's business as a privilege instead of a chore.

2: Better care: Solo practitioners control every aspect of the practice, and this makes for better outcomes.

3: Happier patients: When patients have a problem, they want to see "their" doctor, not Dr Whoseinwhat that is covering for him/her.

4: A more pleasant environment: Staff and patient alike enjoy the predictability that only a solo practitioner can provide and that translates into a more pleasant experience for the patient.

Of course, you can get lucky with a doctor that is in a group, but the odds of this happening are better with the solo doc.

What do you think?