What is rebooking rate?
It is the share of visits where the patient leaves with the next appointment already booked, when another visit is needed. Some patients need only one visit, and that is fine. But if most of your first visits are not followed by a second, something needs to change.
Why it matters more than new patients
- Results. Most problems need a few sessions of treatment and exercise progression.
- Word of mouth. In India, most patients come through someone they know. People recommend the physio who made them better.
- Cost. Finding a new patient takes effort and money. Keeping one takes a good conversation.
Book the next visit before they leave
The biggest change is to book the next appointment in the treatment room itself, instead of "call us when you are free". Explain the plan, suggest a time and book it. A diary that shows free slots on the screen makes this a ten-second job. For a full course, book all the sessions together.
Explain the plan
Patients stop when they do not know why they should come back. Tell them how many sessions you expect and what will change in each. See why patients finish their treatment.
Follow up those who stop
Some will still drop out. A friendly WhatsApp message after a week ("How is your back now?") brings many back. See bringing back lapsed patients.
Check it every month
Look at it for each physio in your clinic, without blaming anyone. If one physio's patients come back more, the team can learn from how they explain the plan. Clinidiary's reports show this.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good rebooking rate for a physio clinic?
It depends on the type of patients. Track your own rate and try to improve it month by month.
Is booking the next visit pushy?
Not if the visit is really needed and you explain why. Leaving it to the patient often means they never come.
How can software help?
It shows free slots during the visit, books a full series at once, reminds patients and shows who has stopped coming.