Abstract
Purpose :
The source of self-referrals to clinical practice is a relevant area to study for future marketing campaigns. We compared trends of the source of self-referral patients to a large retinal specialty practice from 2021 to 2022 using a retrospective, correlational study.
Methods :
Using internal data from 2021 to 2022 in the practice management software of Retina Associates of Cleveland, the sources of self-referrals were indicated by patients during initial retinal consultation, and the categories include: insurance companies, the internet, friends or family, or listed as self-found. The data was analyzed to determine the percent change to the corresponding source.
Results :
In 2021, there were a total of 122 self-referrals versus 407 self-referrals in 2022, a 233.6% increase. The self-referrals from insurance companies increased from 13 to 92 (608% increase), the self-referrals from the internet increased from 3 to 35 (1,067% increase), the self-referrals from friends or family increased from 12 to 127 (958% increase), and the self-referrals from no outside source increased from 94 to 153 (39% increase).
Conclusions :
From 2021 to 2022, this retinal specialty practice saw increased self-referrals from multiple sources. The largest percentage increase occurred from internet sources, whereas the largest absolute number increase occurred from friends or family. Further research should be performed to determine how to target each self-referral source.
This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.