Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Reasons for Producing a Pediatric Practice Newsletter
You're thinking about a newsletter, or at least you're
curious about one or you wouldn't be scanning this. You also
have computer access or you couldn't be reading this. So
that makes you a viable candidate for newsletter production.
The Pediatric Advisor and your computer have amazing
potential. You can personalize information from the
Pediatric Advisor and incorporate it into your newsletter.
It's sharing in the best way. Your parents and patients will
think so too.
A newsletter is a great idea for any medical practice. Many
private physicians and medical groups have long contemplated
doing newsletters but put it off due to other priorities,
plus a myriad of doubts regarding time, effort, cost and
ability. Putting out a newsletter is not difficult and the
rewards are well worth the effort.
There are many reasons to produce a newsletter but most
important are to extend your goodwill and emphasize to your
patients, "We care about you." A medical practice newsletter
shares information and enhances your communication with your
office staff and your families.
We use the newsletter as an open forum for comments,
criticism, and questions from our families. Many have shared
success stories as well as tragedies. We've received our
share of praise also, which always feels wonderful! We get
questions about practice policy as well as medical and
parenting issues.
When we decided to begin a newsletter in 1984, we
brainstormed over the name and debated the content and style.
We decided upon "News and Clues" and added "from us for you."
We continually reiterate that the newsletter belongs to
everyone and is for everyone -- physicians, personnel,
patients, and families.
While we know that a newsletter is a practice enhancement,
we've not had sufficient proof that it attracts new patients.
Until proven otherwise, we don't believe that attracting new
patients should be a goal of the newsletter. If that
happens, it's just another reward. We're aware that
attracting new patients is a goal of some newsletters and
many believe it works. If that aspect is important to your
practice, see that the local media receive copies as well as
physicians who refer to your practice, day care providers,
preschools, and so on.
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