Right now, healthcare marketing in the UK is undergoing a paradigm shift.
According to recent studies by the Medical Device Network, among others, the digital revolution has reshaped the way patients seek and engage with healthcare providers. In this dynamic, evolving landscape, understanding the concept of patient lifetime value (sometimes called PLV, or LTV) is crucial for the success and growth of your medical practice.
In short, patient lifetime value refers to the total revenue a patient generates for your clinic throughout their entire relationship with your practice. It encompasses not only the revenue from initial appointments, but also the potential for future visits, referrals, and additional services. By understanding and maximising patient lifetime value, you:
Boost retention
Enhance the patient experience (PX)
Strengthen your brand equity
At Rocket Healthcare Marketing, we believe in staying ahead of the curve - just take a look at our case studies to see the evidence. Our team of experts develops strategies that make patient lifetime values skyrocket - but, importantly, we understand that every medical practice is unique. That's why we offer personalised services tailored to your specific healthcare specialties.
In today’s blog post, we’ll explore practical tips and insights to help you maximise patient lifetime value and strengthen your brand equity. Get ready to power your clinic to new heights!
Did you know that patient lifetime value is a key metric that can significantly impact the success and growth of your healthcare practice? According to Provider Tech, the average patient lifetime value is up to $15,000 (approximately £12,000) or more.
Despite this, 43% of healthcare organisations report that they lose over 10% of their revenue as a direct result of poor patient retention (Etactics). Clearly, focusing on LTV is not only beneficial for your bottom line but also for building lasting relationships with your patients.
Patient lifetime value goes beyond the revenue represented in individual appointments. It is a comprehensive measure of the long-term value that each patient brings to your practice.
By considering factors such as the number of visits, services received, and the length of the patient-practice relationship, you gain valuable insights into the financial impact of each patient. This understanding allows you to make informed decisions about marketing investments, retention strategies, and personalised patient care
There is a strong correlation between patient lifetime value and brand equity - the intangible, yet powerful, value and reputation associated with a brand, influencing consumer perception and loyalty.
When patients perceive value in their healthcare experience, they are more likely to stay loyal to your practice, refer others, and leave positive reviews. By prioritising patient lifetime value, you not only increase customer satisfaction, but also enhance your practice's reputation and authority in the industry. It's a powerful strategy to boost patient acquisition, improve communication, and ultimately drive long-term success for your healthcare brand.
When it comes to maximising patient lifetime value, implementing effective strategies can make all the difference. By focusing on the following areas, you can enhance patient satisfaction, foster strong relationships, and promote long-term loyalty.
First things first: creating a patient-centric culture is paramount.
Prioritise personalised care and communication to make patients feel valued and understood, and implement processes that streamline patient interactions, reduce wait times, and enhance overall satisfaction. By providing exceptional experiences, you can foster:
Trust
Loyalty
Positive word-of-mouth marketing
Increased patient retention
Enhanced patient acquisition
Effective communication and active listening are crucial for building strong patient relationships. Take the time to understand patients' unique needs and preferences, and use this insight to inform personalised care and tailored interactions.
You can also engage patients through targeted marketing campaigns that speak to their specific healthcare journeys. Also, aim to utilise patient feedback to continuously improve your services and address any concerns promptly. This demonstrates your commitment to patient-centred care.
Implementing loyalty programs, rewards, and incentives can significantly impact patient retention.
Reward patients for their continued support, and encourage repeat visits through exclusive offers, discounts, or VIP privileges. Nurture long-term relationships by maintaining regular communication and follow-ups, showing genuine interest in their wellbeing.
Ultimately, the goal is to develop strategies to reduce patient churn and attrition, such as proactive outreach, personalised reminders, and convenient appointment scheduling options. This is something the Rocket team can help with; take advantage of our healthcare marketing consultancy services today.
Strengthening your brand equity is intrinsically linked to maximising patient lifetime value. By focusing on the following strategies, you can enhance your brand's reputation, authority, and visibility in the healthcare industry.
It’s important to establish a compelling brand identity that resonates with your target audience. Clearly define your brand values, and ensure that all marketing efforts align with them.
From here, make sure you maintain consistency in branding across all touchpoints, including your website, social media profiles, offline materials, and patient communications.
By presenting a unified and cohesive brand image, you can build trust and reinforce your brand's authority in the minds of patients.
The digital revolution is well underway; leverage the vast potential of digital marketing to amplify your brand's reach.
Utilise social media advertising to increase brand awareness, engage with your audience, and share valuable healthcare content. Implement targeted advertising campaigns - healthcare PPC (pay-per-click advertising), for instance - to reach specific patient segments and promote your services effectively.
Optimise your online presence through healthcare SEO (search engine optimisation), ensuring that your website ranks well in search engine results - don’t forget about local SEO, on that point, as it’s a significant driver of new business.
By leveraging digital marketing channels, you can boost your brand's visibility and attract more potential patients.
An often-overlooked but deeply rewarding strategy is to encourage satisfied patients to share positive experiences with others.
Actively seek testimonials and reviews from patients and feature them on your website and social media platforms, as well as in your Google Business Profile.
You might consider implementing referral programs that incentivise current patients to recommend their friends and family. Positive word-of-mouth marketing, while sometimes difficult to quantify, should not be ignored; it is a powerful tool for attracting new patients and building trust in your brand.
Maximising patient lifetime value brings numerous advantages to your healthcare practice. By focusing on long-term patient relationships and delivering exceptional care, you’ll reap the following benefits.
Increased patient loyalty and retention: By providing personalised experiences and fostering strong relationships, patients are more likely to remain loyal to your practice, leading to higher retention rates and repeat visits.
Higher revenue and profitability: Maximising patient lifetime value means maximising revenue. Satisfied patients are more likely to invest in additional services and treatments, resulting in increased profitability for your practice.
Enhanced brand reputation and equity: Delivering exceptional care and cultivating strong patient relationships boosts your brand reputation, leading to positive word-of-mouth recommendations and an enhanced brand equity in the healthcare industry.
Improved operational efficiency: Strong patient relationships lead to streamlined processes and improved operational efficiency. Patient loyalty reduces administrative overheads, such as acquiring new patients, and allows you to focus resources on delivering quality care.
Better patient outcomes and satisfaction: By focusing on patient lifetime value, you can tailor care plans and treatments to individual needs, resulting in improved patient outcomes and satisfaction. Satisfied patients are more likely to adhere to treatment plans and recommend your practice to others.
In today's healthcare landscape, evaluating and maximising patient lifetime value is crucial for the success and growth of your practice.
As the future of healthcare marketing unfolds, personalised care and patient-centric approaches will continue to play a pivotal role. By focusing on delivering exceptional patient experiences, building strong relationships, promoting loyalty, and leveraging digital marketing channels, you can stay ahead of the curve and strengthen your brand equity.
At Rocket Healthcare Marketing, we specialise in helping healthcare practices grow.
Get in touch now for a free growth plan tailored to your specific needs. We’ll partner with you to develop custom strategies and unlock the full potential of your patient lifetime value, propelling your practice to new heights.
The formula for calculating patient lifetime value (PLV) involves multiplying the average value of a patient's purchases or visits by the average retention period.
The formula is as follows:
Average Value per Patient Visit/Purchase × Average Retention Period.
Healthcare organisations can measure patient loyalty by tracking metrics such as patient retention rates, repeat visits, referral rates, and patient satisfaction scores. Collecting feedback through surveys and monitoring online reviews can also provide insights into patient loyalty.
Patient experience plays a vital role in maximising lifetime value. A positive patient experience increases patient satisfaction, fosters loyalty, and encourages repeat visits. By providing exceptional care, personalised interactions, and addressing patient concerns promptly, healthcare organisations can enhance patient experience and maximise lifetime value.
Digital marketing strategies can have a significant impact on patient lifetime value. By leveraging social media platforms, optimising online presence, and utilising targeted advertising campaigns, healthcare organisations can reach and engage with their target audience more effectively. Digital strategies also allow for personalised communication, nurturing patient relationships, and promoting loyalty, ultimately maximising lifetime value.
Implementing patient lifetime value strategies can come with challenges such as:
Ensuring accurate data collection and analysis to calculate lifetime value.
Encouraging behavioural changes within the organisation to prioritise patient-centric care.
Integrating systems and technologies to manage patient touchpoints across multiple channels.
Overcoming resistance to change among healthcare professionals and staff members.
Securing the necessary resources and budget to support patient lifetime value initiatives.
By addressing these challenges proactively, healthcare organisations can overcome barriers and successfully implement patient lifetime value strategies to drive growth and profitability.