Create a soothing waiting room:

The waiting room in a medical office can be extremely intimidating and even scary for weary patients. There is even a population of people that live with a phobia of hospitals and doctors. No matter the reason, every patient should feel comfortable in a waiting room and the environment should be calming to each person that walks through your doors.

Keep your patients entertained while they are sitting in the waiting room area. Install a television set so they can distract themselves for a few minutes with the local news airing in the background or put on a funny movie for them to divulge in. Place interesting newsletters and magazines in the waiting room so your patients can take a few minutes reading up on new medical trends, women's interests and lifestyle topics in local and national magazines. Play soothing music in the background so your patients are comfortable and at ease before they step into your office.

Another way to incorporate soothing sounds into your waiting room is by placing a countertop water fountain on the receptionist's desk or near the entry way of the office. The sound of trickling water instantly relaxes patients and free flowing water is an image that can distract anyone. Someone that is especially nervous of the doctor's office is going to need some encouraging settling their minds and getting the jitters out of their system. Also think about installing a wall fountain on one of the main walls of the waiting room area. These fantastic works of art appeal to everyone and will definitely become a conversation piece for others waiting in the room.

Make sure your staff is incredibly helpful and friendly so your patients will understand that they are in good hands. Your staff and especially your receptionist should have a significant amount of prior experience in their field and also be extremely knowledgeable about waiting times and how to properly conduct with clients. If your staff is rude or short with patients, this will directly reflect on your business and you might find that patients will want to vent and complain to you.

There are many other ways to create a healthy and welcoming environment for your waiting room area. But make sure you have a strong backbone when it comes to the design and ambiance of the waiting room and your staff. Your clients should be greatly respected and nurtured.