Sending birthday cards to your patients is a nice thing to do. You probably like to receive them on your birthday day.

But besides being a nice thing to do, the birthday card helps maintain the relationship with your patient.  It can also be used to reactivate inactive patients, as well as help generate referrals.

Procedure

1. Order the birthday cards. These can be postcards, or, preferably, real birthday cards from the store or from a chiropractic supplier. See if you can get your office name embossed on the card.  Post cards do not have the same impact as a real card, but are less expensive, fast, and nearly as effective.
2. The List.  On the 15th of each month, generate a list of all upcoming birthdays for the following month.
3. Review. Review this list and delete any names that you do not want to send a card to.
4. Address. Have one of your staff address all the envelopes and place them in your room with the cards included.
5. Sign Each Card. Sign each card personally in blue ink, and add a note where appropriate.
6. Optional Certificate: Add a coupon for a free adjustment, or a discount on a service or product, but only if they come in during the next two weeks. If you offer a free adjustment, you may want to mention that they may need an updated exam and x-ray that is not part of the offer. However, you can also make it part of the offer if you want. You can also include a “Guest Pass” a friend or relative.
   You may want to mention that this offer is good for all patients and their friends, but due to Medicare restrictions, Medicare patients may only receive the free massage.
7. Offers. Here are some examples of offers:
   Free adjustment
   Free adjustment and 10 minute massage
   15 minute massage and examination (for guest or patient)
8. When the Patient Comes In. When the patient comes in for their service, you should do an initial consultation to ensure that they have not had any new injuries, etc.
9. After the Service. After the patient receives the service, provide them with a mini-report of findings and give them your recommendation for continued care.
10. Delegate. Delegate this program to one staff member. She should keep monthly stats and report these to you, including:
    # BD cards sent
    # Patients in off of BD cards
    # Patients reactivating from BD visits
    # Patient referrals from BD “Guess Passes”