P>Every referral source � physician, patient, friend, pharmacist � deserves a periodic personal communication dedicated solely to acknowledging the value of the referral relationship.

According to Jeffrey Denning, practice management consultant with the Practice Performance Group, this acknowledgement can take the form of a personal note, telephone call or other personal contact, but it�s important that you don�t take the relationship for granted.

New referral sources deserve special attention. Acknowledging them with a thoughtful, handwritten note will make patient and physician referrals sources recognize your name and select it in preference to your competition. That�s what being a preferred provider is all about.