Communication Is Changing (Again): How QR Codes are a Sign of the Times

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When it comes to managing a practice, we\’ve talked A LOT about how important it is to communicate with prospects

• Consistently
• Frequently
• And with urgency

We\’ve also discussed how the different ways we communicate are evolving with key trends:

• Digitally – where our data has shown the increasing need to have prospects easily find you
• Mobile First – where they need to access your website and click to call or even text

Importantly, it\’s not about these trends shifting from one to the other, but the power of doing them all. The underlying theme is consumer preference. Catering to how different patients want to be able to communicate with your practice will be what sets you apart.

With the pandemic, there\’s now a new trend: contact-free.

Which means the QR codes are making a comeback. Sure, QR codes are nothing new. They first gained popularity back in the 2000s as the cool new way to go from offline to online by scanning a little bar code. But that was when you needed a newer phone with a special application. It was no wonder 6.2% of mobile users in the US scanned QR Codes.

Now that Apple and Google introduced QR scanning into cameras, it\’s further added to the growing interest of QR code scanning in everyday activities. In fact, new data now shows an estimated 11 million households will scan a QR Code – a significant jump from the 6.2% scan rate in 2011. What\’s more? The balance between ease of use and cost-effectiveness makes QR Codes a profitable technology for businesses and enhances the client experience.

Data shows the rise of QR codes is particularly useful in the medical setting. Thirty-eight percent of smartphone users in the US say that mobiles are essential to access health information. So how can you make them work for you?

Obtain and Store Contact Information

QR codes can be a great way to replace business cards. No need to spend a lot of money on printing cards and carrying them around. Your prospective clients can easily scan your information and store it in their phone.

Use them to inform prospective patients

Brochures and other materials certainly have their place. But sometimes, patients want to take their experience from offline to online. Adding a QR code to your print materials allows prospects to further engage or explore more on your website or view overview videos. You can also use as a call to action with a direct link to schedule an appointment.

Enhance the In-Office Experience

QR codes can be a way for patients to complete forms or paperwork digitally while they\’re waiting for their consultation. Adding QR codes throughout your office may be a great way to collect real-time feedback on their experience within your office.

Get Referrals Faster

Another great way to use QR codes is for patient referrals. It\’s easy for patients to get sidetracked before writing an amazing review of your practice. And the more time goes on, their likelihood of writing a review diminishes. Simply adding a QR code at the receptionist desk where patients can easily scan to write a positive review about their experience could significantly boost positive reviews about your business right away.

The possibilities with QR codes are almost endless. The important thing is ensuring you\’re using them in the way that makes sense for your practice and your patients. It\’s just one more type of communication style that makes interactions more convenient for you and your patients.

OptiCall is here to help you stay ahead of the curve – keeping up with demand, and ensuring your practice is effectively managing all inbound phone and web leads. Learn more about our First Contact phone handling or Capture inbound web response program, or to see which program is right for you, request a free practice assessment.

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