4 tips for increasing your physical therapy referrals

Direct access laws in the U.S. allow patients to see a physical therapist without needing a health care provider’s approval. This means that many patients can self-refer rather than going through their doctor. 

However, different levels of direct access vary across all 50 states. As a result, many physical therapy clinics still depend heavily on physician referrals to bring new patients to their clinic. A study showed that, out of all referrals conducted at physical therapy clinics, about 26% were physician referrals. 

Whether the majority of your patients self-refer, are referred by their physicians or are referred by their friends, it’s important to strategize on increasing your physical therapy referrals. By learning how to increase physical therapy referrals from physicians and individuals, you can enhance your clinic’s reach, impact and revenue.

4 tips on increasing physical therapy referrals

Physical therapy referrals provide physical therapy clinics with a natural flow of patients. They also provide clinics with a healthy network of medical professionals who can share their expertise, resources and connections. Overall, referrals are a low-cost way to expand your network.

Because referrals are crucial to the success of a physical therapy clinic, developing a plan can go a long way. The following tips can help you increase physical therapy referrals on a regular basis: 

1. Maintain positive relationships with physicians.

   Physical therapy referrals from physicians can be major assets to your practice. However, these can only be possible by staying connected to multiple physicians in your area. Studies show that physicians often refer patients to physical therapy clinics with which they share a financial relationship, like sharing resources or patients.

   The goal is for physicians to think of your clinic when they think of effective and professional physical therapy. To improve your relationships with physicians, you can thank them after a referral. Show your appreciation by sending a note or making a quick phone call. A simple thank-you can make your clinic stand out and make the physician more likely to refer you in the future. 

You can also reach out to local specialty doctors who overlap with your clinic’s specialities, introduce yourself, and encourage them to refer patients to your clinic.

2. Expand your reach.

   Physicians don’t have to be your main source of referrals. By targeting places like acupuncture clinics and gyms, you can reach clientele who are looking to improve their mobility and function. It can be beneficial to establish relationships with these non-health care businesses and encourage them to refer clients to your physical therapy clinic. In return, perhaps you can recommend their services to your patients as well. 

3. Share outcomes with physicians.

   Before they refer patients to your clinic, physicians want to make sure that your clinic is effective and that you are going to help their patients get better. To prove this, you should be able to share data that shows success. Specific physicians may want to see specific data. For example, general practitioners may want to know their patients’ satisfaction and pain levels after being discharged from physical therapy treatment. Positive data like this can make them more likely to refer more patients to you.

4. Offer educational opportunities.

   One study showed that physicians are more likely to refer patients to physical therapists if they have more knowledge of physical therapy and believe that it can make a difference in their patients’ health. On the other hand, if the physician does not know much about physical therapy, then they will be less likely to refer patients to a clinic.

   As a result, it can be beneficial for physical therapy clinics to increase educational opportunities and gear them toward local physicians. Offering seminars and classes can help increase physician knowledge, physical therapy referrals and your reputation.

5. Create a standard referral form.

   One way to increase physical therapy patient referrals is to make the referral process simple and smooth. You can build referral forms specific to individuals like personal trainers, gym owners, physicians and patients. These referral forms can be sent directly to your EMR system. A seamless referral system can benefit your staff as well, as it can organize and streamline information

6. Keep up with your patients.
   

Post-discharge should not be the last point of communication between you and your patient. You can send follow-up emails that check in with your patient, asking them whether and how their health and injury or condition have improved. If the condition has worsened, you can welcome them back to your practice seamlessly.

AgileEMR can help you track of and increase physical therapy referrals

You need an organized system to keep track of and increase your referral sources. AgileEMR is a comprehensive EMR system designed by physical therapists for physical therapists. Get easy access to physician referral trends and other reporting tools today. Contact our team for more information or to schedule a demo to see how AgileEMR can help your practice.