Tips for preparing your practice to survive the millennial patient

Editor’s Note: Welcome to Medical Economics' blog section which features contributions from members of the medical community. These blogs are an opportunity for bloggers to engage with readers about a topic that is top of mind, whether it is practice management, experiences with patients, the industry, medicine in general, or healthcare reform. The series continues with this blog by Carol Gibbons, RN, BSN, NHA, who is CEO of CJ Consulting, which specializes in healthcare revenue cycle management. The views expressed in these blogs are those of their respective contributors and do not represent the views of Medical Economics or UBM Medica.

 

Millennials have surpassed generation Xers in the workforce, according to a Pew Research Center (PWC) analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data. 

Now, you ask, “Why is this important to my medical practice?” But, have you considered the impact of this group on your operation and in the way you recruit new patients to your business?

Read last week's blog: Who is ruining the healthcare system?

 This generation has grown up with the Internet, smart phones, and almost instant access to healthcare information.  They approach healthcare much differently than Baby Boomers and they expect more personal interaction with their healthcare providers. Some studies are calling this group Generation C because they are so connected.

Many millennials do not schedule routine preventive visits with their providers.  According to ZocDoc, this number may be as high at 93% not scheduling preventive care.  When they are sick, they go to the Internet to evaluate physicians and find a location convenient to them.

 As this group becomes the biggest labor force group, physician practices will be forced to focus on their website and invest in a company that can do search engine optimization (SEO) to enhance their reputation online.

Examining the resurgence of primary care

Millennials as a consumer group are more likely to question the cost of care and want to understand their “out of pocket” up front.  According to the PWC research, they want physicians, pharmacists, and other providers to sit down with them and discuss costs. They are more likely to survey other healthcare businesses to find the lowest cost service, especially with medications. While Baby Boomers want to compare insurance option through printed material, millennials and generation Xers want to compare on line.

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