My office was recently treated to a “lunch and learn “by a rep of a nationally known company. During the “learn” part of the presentation the staff and I were informed that the company’s service could be provided interest free for all of our patients. However, the rep recommended that we tell each patient that only they were getting the service interest free. She said “You know, make them feel special.”
How does being lied to make a patient feel special?
Maybe she thought that it was okay to lie about financing as long as we don’t lie about the need for treatment. I don’t know what she thought. But I do know that lying about anything to a patient is a bad idea, very bad.
What was even scarier to me was that no one else even noticed. We were munching on our complimentary nachos and no one missed a bite.
I sure hope none of the patients who received the free financing start comparing notes in the waiting room. It would be like finding out that the passenger next to you on the plane paid a lower price for their ticket. Or the family at the hotel pool got free breakfasts and a free night. I know that feeling, and it’s not very special.
