6 ways to grow your medical practice with QR codes

You’ve seen them in magazines, on ketchup bottles, even on T-shirts—those square bar codes with black shapes on a white background. They’re called QR codes (or quick response codes) and when used creatively, they can help you grow your practice.

QR codes are similar to barcodes used by retailers to track inventory and price products. They are two-dimensional matrix barcodes that can hold 14 types of data, such as web links, text messages, and phone numbers. QR codes can be read by an iPhone, Android, or any other camera-enabled smartphone, opening the phone’s web browser and taking the user to a specific content on the web. They can also be designed to activate a number of smartphone functions such as email or instant messaging.

Physicians can generate their own QR codes, print them on business cards, on advertisements, or on almost any object that patients might see. Once patients scan the code with their smartphone, they can be taken anywhere…from your practice web site to a YouTube video.

QR codes can be generated for free by visiting a QR code-generating web sites. QR code reading apps can be downloaded for free to any smartphone with a camera.

QR code use is rapidly expanding. According to a recent study, 14 million mobile users scanned a QR code or barcode in June 2011. How many of those 14 million users are looking for a physician? Here are some ways you can use QR codes.

• On business cards to drive traffic to your web site. The only caveat is that your site should be optimized for mobile viewing.
• If you want to be a little more interactive, have the QR code link to a video of you introducing yourself.
• Use video and a QR code to introduce any special services that you offer. Let viewers see your office and introduce your staff. Incorporate patient testimonials.
• If you send out appointment reminder cards, include a QR code that links to your online appointment center. If you don’t have a way for patients to schedule appointments online, have the QR code link to appointment information on your web site, or open the patient’s email client and send your office an email requesting an appointment.
• Having an open house, flu shot clinic, or other special event? Use a QR code to invite patients to attend. Make it personal with a video invitation.
• Use QR codes to direct patients to specific online resources. If you have a patient information hand out on tonsillectomies, include a QR code that links to a video about tonsillectomies.

When it comes to using QR codes, the only rule is to be creative. QR codes are meant to provide users with immediate access to unique or targeted content. What can you offer them?

To learn more about creative ways to use QR codes, please contact Affynity Web Solutions.