Handling Unhappy (or Irate) Patients

Stay calm – They might be angry, but they are angry at what’s happened to them, not at you.  Your frame of mind and demeanor can greatly influence the conversation – either positively or negatively.

Know the problem – Do not start off on a solution without having a complete understanding of the problem.  Don’t stop talking with the patient until you’re very clear what happened and what steps they’ve taken to date.  Review what you know and make sure you aren’t missing anything.  Get as specific as you can with dates and with whom they’ve spoken.

Ask them what they want – You might need to do this several times, “peeling the onion” to get at what they really desire.

Know what you can do – Know what the limits (yours and the organization’s) are in offering a solution.  Your company’s processes and systems are a mystery to your patients.  Help them through the system.  Don’t let them get dropped or forgotten.

Say you’re sorry – Apologize (authentically) for anything you can own – that they are frustrated, that they got an unexpected bill, etc.  However, there is no need to apologize unnecessarily, or to admit fault.

Follow up – Make sure you follow through on what you say you will do.  Do not make promises that you cannot keep, or on behalf of other people.

De-escalating an Irate Patient

1. The first order of business is to get a screaming patient away from other patients who are within ear shot..  An irate patient wants everyone to hear his or her complaint.  If you do not fear physical harm, invite the patient away from public areas.  Try to make it neutral.  (Don’t use your office if possible – the implied power could actually make the customer more irate.)
2. Focus on diffusing the anger.  Acknowledge that the patient is unhappy.  Remain calm and use a low, controlled tone of voice.  Do not shout back at the patient.  Control your body language.  Don’t give advice or orders.  Never touch an angry patient.
3. After you have acknowledged the patient’s anger, wait and listen.
4. If at all possible, work to a resolution of the anger before the patient leaves.  Sometimes no resolution will be acceptable to both parties, but at least the issues have been heard.  Giving in to a patient’s unreasonable demands is not a healthy way to resolve the issue.

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.