Unfortunately, the last few years have seen an erosion of urologists’ income reimbursements decreasing and overhead increasing. We cannot significantly impact reimbursements. However, we can fill our schedules with new patients and increase the number of existing patients returning to our practices.

The most valuable patient in your practice is your existing patient. These patients already have a relationship with you and have confidence in your knowledge and skills. These patients recommend you to their friends and family; they leave positive online reviews and readily come to you without solicitation when they need urologic care.

Many urologic practices spend time and money to attract new patients but need to pay more attention to their existing patients to fill their schedules and add to their bottom line.

You can track whether your existing patients followed up at the correct time intervals by (1) having follow-up guidelines and (2) having a delegated recall coordinator.

You should establish guidelines for the follow-up intervals of specific patient populations. The Table shows the example that was used in my practice.

Next, delegate someone as a recall list coordinator. You might assign this position to a physician assistant, nurse practitioner, medical assistant, or receptionist. Consider creating a recall list monthly. The recall list consists of 3 categories: (1) a patient is already seen within the follow-up guidelines, (2) a patient has an appointment already scheduled, and (3) a patient who needs an appointment for follow-up.

Patients in categories 1 and 2 do not need to be called as they are within the guidelines. Those in category 3 should be contacted to schedule an appointment.

To take this further, track the recall appointment rate by determining how many patients in category 3 made appointments.

Working on the recall list is a task that is frequently assigned to a staff member on days when I am in surgery, out of the office on vacation, or attending a meeting.

Bottom line: Recall lists are an effective tool to fill your schedule and maximize your productivity by using your existing patient database. Remember, every time you call a patient, it jogs their memory that you are still there and care about their urologic condition. Patients are impressed that you are paying attention to their follow-up needs and will feel reassured that they are in good hands under your care. Thus, a recall list is a win-win for the urologist-patient relationship.