Promoting Financing From a Distance
As practices adapt to a new normal, many of the opportunities used in the past to promote financing are disappearing. But if anything, patients need financing more than before. With virtual consults on the rise and waiting rooms on wheels, here are some ideas on how to promote financing from a distance.
Website
Since "How am I going to pay for this?" is a common refrain and many patients hesitate to ask about financing, practices must make sure their financing page is clear, visible, and easy to find. Research shows that it's usually the second most visited page of any practice website, right after the home page. If patients are forced to search for the information they need, they may get frustrated, leave your site, and return to their search results to find another doctor.
If you think your page could be improved, Alphaeon Credit offers a no-cost review of existing financing pages and provides recommendations to interested practices.
Alphaeon Credit also offers banners for your financing page that promote the specific plans you offer and encourages potential patients to apply, so they come to you with financing already in hand.
Feel free to email teamcredit@alphaeon.com if you would like any banners customized specifically for your practice with your logo.
Consider emailing patients about financing as part of your virtual consult or registration process. Since they likely won’t be sitting in a waiting room and won’t see your patient financing brochures or signage, this will ensure they are educated on their options.
Not only is this convenient for patients, but studies show patients who have financing secured prior to their first appointment are more likely to show up. Additionally, they’re more likely to schedule their procedure or treatment that same day as there is no cost barrier. Some patients, especially those with challenged credit, may also appreciate the opportunity to apply in the privacy of their own homes.
Text
Using texts to promote financing is a fantastic way to quickly approve patients and schedule before they step foot in your building for their first appointment. Simply send patients the application link while they wait in their car or the morning of their appointment.
Reimagining your Process
Financing is not only a tool to help “on the fence” patients, it’s also a motivator for patients to not delay their procedures and treatments. Just as patients need to feel comfortable with your office and team, it’s essential they feel comfortable with paying for the procedure.
Every touchpoint with your patient is an opportunity to promote financing. As you are rethinking your process, make sure you include multiple occasions to discuss financing with your patients.