How to Get Patients Back in the Door for a Follow-Up Appointment

Even though cataract surgery is one of modern medicine’s most successful procedures, it’s still important to get patients back in the door for regular follow-up appointments. Many patients are ready to move forward with better vision post-surgery so getting them back in the door can sometimes be a struggle, especially if they lead busy lives. 

Stressing the Importance of Post-Surgery Follow-Up Appointments

Stressing why post-cataract surgery follow-ups are so important to patients should be done pre-surgery, to set expectations. There are 3 main reasons why a follow-up appointment post-surgery is key. First, it allows you to detect any possible side effects early, making treatment for any issues more effective. Second, it allows the patient to address any concerns or questions they may have post-surgery, including medication management. Finally, it allows you to monitor medication and the healing process, ensuring the surgery is as successful as possible. 

Ideas on How to Get Patients Back in the Door for a Follow-Up

Now, let’s take a look at some strategies and ideas on how to get patients back in for the post-op follow-up appointments.

1 | Pre-Schedule Follow-Up Appointments

One of the easiest ways to get patients back in for a follow-up appointment post-procedure is to schedule the surgery appointment and follow-up appointments at the same time. This ensures the appointments are already set, and the patient doesn’t have to do any extra work post-procedure to make a follow-up appointment. 

2 | Call the Patient to Check In

If you don’t want to pre-schedule follow-up appointments, or you have a patient with a changing schedule, schedule a follow-up appointment when you call the patient to check in with them.  Many practices make it a habit to call patients and check in with them a day or two post-surgery. So when your staff does this, have them confirm the next appointment or schedule a follow-up with the patient if an appointment isn’t already on the books.

3 | Use Text or Email

Many patients love the ability to go mobile with their healthcare. Utilizing email and text reminders to encourage them to schedule a follow-up can be an effective way of getting a patient motivated to give your practice a call. 

Final Thoughts

Follow-up appointments post-cataract surgery are crucial to ensuring a surgery is as successful as possible. If scheduling a follow-up appointment while also scheduling the surgery itself doesn’t work, using gentle yet persistent reminders will help get patients back in the door. Calling to check in with the patient post-surgery is a great opportunity to schedule a follow up, or text or email can also be an effective method.