Choose office colors that make patients comfortable

Even physicians need to think about "customer service." How a patient perceives your office and the impression it makes is a big customer service item. So make sure your practice's visual message matches you and your staff's verbal one. A drab or dark waiting room subconsciously makes patients feel uncomfortable, cold, and withdrawn. Too many bright colors and busy patterns may make patients feel anxious, restless, and under pressure. Neither setting creates the most receptive mood for your work.

Use the following general principles to select appropriate office colors:

• Dark colors tend to make rooms feel smaller, while lighter ones give a sense of space and openness.
  
• More than three predominant, contrasting colors on walls tend to make a room feel cluttered.
  
• Striped patterns on walls or floors sometimes create optical illusions that can make people uneasy or restless.
  

About the Author

Reed Tinsley CPA

This article is written by Reed Tinsley, a Houston, TX-based CPA with over 30 years of experience advising physicians and medical practices across Texas and the United States. Reed holds certifications as a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), Certified Healthcare Business Consultant (CHBC), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP), specializing exclusively in the healthcare sector. He is a published author, nationally recognized speaker, and trusted advisor to physicians on accounting & tax, practice management, and financial planning. Schedule a Free Consultation.