What strategies are the most effective for improving patient satisfaction?

Improving patient satisfaction doesn’t always require major process overhauls or new technology. Often, it’s the small, intentional moments—the way results are explained, how follow-up is handled, or simply how a provider connects on a personal level—that leave the biggest impression.

To help other practitioners boost patient satisfaction in their clinic, our community shared their most successful strategies. 

How do you improve patient satisfaction in your clinic? Log in or sign up to read the full case, see the consensus, and share your own thoughts. 

Question of the week

 Comments

Key takeaways about improving patient satisfaction:   

• Clear communication builds trust
  Patients value plain, transparent explanations more than quick answers. Taking time to translate results or set clear expectations prevents confusion and builds confidence in care.
  
• Human connection goes a long way
  Simple gestures, such as eye-level conversations, personal compliments, and ending on a positive note, help patients feel seen and valued beyond their diagnosis.
  
• Follow-up shows you care
  Checking in after discharges or labs, walking patients to checkout, or offering telehealth options reinforces continuity and strengthens the provider-patient relationship.
  

Internal Medicine

"I think most patients appreciate clear communication, explained in simple terms that they can understand. Also, the office staff should make all expectations very clear from the start (when the provider will get back to them, how often to message the office, administrative issues, etc)."

Family Practice

"I spend time explaining results, especially imaging. With patient portals now, they often go on there and read medical terminology and have no clue what it means. The way I word it is 'I am going to read to you the results and then break it down with what it means.' I find this more helpful than just saying, 'It showed a cyst and fatty liver', because then they go home and read the results and do not know that hepatic cyst and hepatic steatosis mean the same thing that was discussed."

Family Practice

"I target all ED and hospital visits within 3-7 days, for office follow-up with the provider, or at least phone follow-up with staff. I get the discharge summary and review the stay with the patient and caregiver, explaining events, all findings, treatments provided, new Rxs, and follow up with specialists. Then, I provide a written summary, update of goals, changes..."

Ophthalmology/Optometrists 

"Being cognizant of my posture: not having my arms folded and sitting at eye level with the patient while discussing their concerns. I also try to add a personal compliment (commenting on their clothes, shoes, purse, etc), which makes them feel seen as a person."

Endocrinology/Diabetes

"I always end the visit on a high note, something positive, a personal connection, or a question about their family or hobbies."

Cardiology

"As a cardiologist, when a patient would ask a non-cardiology question, I wouldn’t say, 'You need to discuss that with your PCP.' I’d answer the question and maybe even treat. Spend time and listen. No rush."

Pediatrics

"Whenever we do ANY procedure, lab test, biopsy, referral, etc, we always advise as to when the results are projected to become available. If this time period had been exceeded, we encourage the patent to reach back to us—any number of issues could have been in play- including bad contact info, etc."

Family Practice

"Continuing to offer telemedicine appointments, even though we are no longer in a worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Patients greatly appreciate the convenience of this type of visit. I do counsel patients that I like to see them in person at least once per 12 months, and more often if certain health conditions warrant this, in my opinion. They are always welcome to make an in-person appointment for any condition if that is what they prefer."

Family Practice

"We, the providers, started walking our patients to check out and providing a gentle hand-off to the front desk. During this time, we briefly mention follow-up needs."

Nurse Practitioners

"We have instituted call nurses. We can have patients with mild cognitive issues, more complex patients, less resourced patients, etc, follow up in between visits."

Discover other strategies practitioners suggest to improve patient satisfaction, and share what you've found to work on Healthcasts.