5 Simple Ways to Improve Patient Retention in Your Acupuncture Practice
By: Jeffery Grossman
You’ve already done the hardest part: getting new patients in the door, building their trust, and helping them experience the benefits of acupuncture. But once they’ve had that first appointment, how do you ensure they stay engaged and continue with treatment? Patient retention is the lowest-hanging fruit for any practitioner because these are patients who already know, like, and trust you. Why let all that go to waste?
It’s far easier (and more cost-effective) to keep the patients you already have than to constantly be searching for new ones. Here are five straightforward ways to improve patient retention, maintain your patient base, and create a community of long-term wellness-focused patients. Plus, with resources in AcuDownloads, including pre-written emails, copy-and-paste MailChimp templates, and scripts for easy communication, these strategies are simpler than ever to implement.
1. Start with a Post-Visit Education Protocol
Patient education doesn’t end after their first visit—it’s actually just beginning. Imagine a system where, right after a patient’s first appointment, they receive a friendly, informative email outlining what to expect in the next few sessions, why consistency is key, and how they can support their healing between visits. By establishing a post-visit education protocol, you’re reinforcing the treatment plan, setting expectations, and giving them the tools to fully commit to their care.
Why it works: When patients understand the value of continued treatment, they’re less likely to “drop off” after just one or two sessions. You’re helping them see acupuncture as a journey toward health rather than a quick fix.
AcuDownloads Tip: With pre-written emails in AcuDownloads, you can automate these follow-ups with ease, keeping patients engaged from day one.
2. Keep Yourself in TOMA (Top of Mind Awareness)
People have busy lives. Even the best-intentioned patients may get sidetracked and forget to rebook or follow up with their next appointment. That’s where TOMA, or Top of Mind Awareness, comes in. Regular communication—whether through monthly newsletters, seasonal health tips, or even personalized check-ins—keeps your practice fresh in their mind.
Why it works: When patients receive valuable content from you regularly, you’re not just staying top-of-mind—you’re reinforcing your role as their go-to for health and wellness. Whether it’s a minor ailment, a health question, or even a referral, you’re the person they think of first.
AcuDownloads Tip: Use AcuDownloads’ ready-made MailChimp templates and seasonal emails to stay in TOMA without spending hours creating content.
3. Deliver a Strong Report of Findings
Your initial report of findings is your chance to lay out a clear roadmap for their care. This isn’t just about telling them what’s wrong and where you’ll be placing needles. It’s about creating a shared vision for their health, explaining how acupuncture can take them from “I’m in pain” to “I feel amazing.” When patients leave with a solid understanding of the journey ahead, they’re far more likely to stay committed.
Why it works: The report of findings gives patients a long-term perspective on their health and sets realistic expectations. They’ll understand why consistent visits are important, making them more likely to stick with their care plan.
AcuDownloads Tip: With scripts and templates in AcuDownloads, you can craft clear, concise reports of findings that build confidence and commitment.
4. Establish an Easy Rebooking Process
Sometimes, all it takes to improve retention is making the next appointment easy to book. Before your patients leave, ask if they’d like to schedule their next visit. If they prefer to rebook later, follow up with a text or email reminder to schedule their next appointment. Streamlining this process—through online booking or simple text reminders—makes it almost effortless for them to stay consistent.
Why it works: Patients are more likely to continue care if they can easily book follow-ups without hassle. By prompting them to book right away, you’re removing an obstacle and helping them build a habit of regular visits.
AcuDownloads Tip: AcuDownloads offers email templates for appointment reminders and follow-up prompts, making rebooking a natural part of your communication.
5. Create a Sense of Community
One of the most powerful ways to retain patients is by fostering a sense of community around your practice. This could be as simple as hosting quarterly wellness workshops, offering occasional “community clinic” days with shorter sessions, or even holding an informal Q&A event. When patients feel connected to you and to others who share their health journey, they’re more likely to see your practice as a meaningful part of their life.
Why it works: Building community turns one-off patients into long-term advocates. They feel part of something bigger and are more likely to stay engaged in their care—and refer others who might benefit.
AcuDownloads Tip: With AcuDownloads, you can access done-for-you PowerPoint presentations and promotional materials to support community-building events effortlessly.
Patient retention is your practice’s foundation. By implementing these five strategies, you can create a steady stream of engaged, committed patients without constantly chasing new leads. Start with a post-visit education protocol, keep yourself in TOMA, use your report of findings to map out the journey, make rebooking easy, and foster a sense of community. With each of these steps—and the resources in AcuDownloads, from pre-written emails to PowerPoint presentations—you’ll find patient retention becomes simple, consistent, and natural.
Try a few of these ideas today. With the right tools and a commitment to nurturing relationships, you’re building a practice that’s here for the long haul.
Looking for additional support? AcuDownloads offers over 1,300 business and marketing tools designed specifically for acupuncturists. With social media posts, patient self-care handouts, prewritten emails, and even videos for your website, it’s all there to help you effortlessly grow and maintain your practice.