Like many businesses today, doctors and other medical professionals seeking to grow their practice are turning to their current clients and social media in hopes of increasing referrals. Many companies incentivize their clients to write online reviews, make referrals, and post on social media to help their company grow.
Healthcare practices, however, fall under a myriad of laws, regulations, and organizational ethical guidelines that strictly prohibit or limit payments and gifts for patient referrals. Issues such as fee-splitting, referral fees, and other incentives are something a medical practice must review to ensure compliance. Compliance can include:
- Illinois Laws enforced by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
- Medicare Regulations
- Profession Specific Ethics Requirements – (ophthalmologists, psychiatrist, etc..)
If you are looking for ways to thank your clients, contact 1818, and we can work with you to create a marketing strategy that is both legal and successful. As always, hand-written thank you notes with the ask are a great way to stay connected to existing clients while growing a practice.
