Fun Patient Referral Program Ideas for the Holiday Season

Let’s share some fun patient referral ideas for the holiday season. The holiday season is a time of celebration, giving and friendship – a great time to begin a brand new referral plan or even incorporate a little creativity into your current system.

Patient referral programs are a way for healthcare providers to increase patient acquisition through existing patient trust and satisfaction. A recent survey showed that referrals from family and friends are the most important factor in choosing a new healthcare provider.

When happy patients recommend your practice to friends, family or colleagues, it creates an authentic and reliable endorsement that new patients are more likely to trust.

Here are some festive referral program ideas for the holiday season.

Holiday-Themed Giveaways

Everyone loves a gift during the holidays, so why not throw a little holiday giveaway in your referral program? Patients can win an entry for a holiday raffle for each referral made. The prize could be a holiday gift basket or a gift card to a popular store.

For extra holiday fun, theme your raffle prize around the season. For example, a “12 Days of Christmas” giveaway could offer small prizes each day leading up to the grand prize to keep patients engaged through the holiday period.

Double Rewards for the Holidays!

Boost participation with double the usual referral rewards during the holidays. If your typical incentive is a $10 discount or credit for a successful referral, make it $20 or give a bonus gift card to a local coffee shop or bakery.

This limited-time offer draws patients to act quickly, and the holiday tie-in gives them a reason to share the word about your practice while they’re visiting family and friends.

Festive Discounts for Referrals

Offer holiday-themed discounts to the referring patient and the new patient they refer. For example, a “Holiday Wellness Gift” could be $25 off an appointment or a discounted Wellness package.

This shared reward system encourages patients to refer others while also allowing patients to save on their care.

Promote the discounts with holiday-themed messaging like “Share the Gift of Health This Holiday Season.”

Holiday-Themed Referral Cards

Sometimes, personal touches are the best. Give patients holiday-themed referral cards to give to friends and family. Design the cards to look like holiday greeting cards with a cheerful message, such as “A Gift of Health for the Holidays.”

Offer the recipient a discount on your first visit or a free consultation.

Patients can give these cards away at holiday gatherings to promote your practice in a fun way.

 Social Media Contests

Bring your referral program to life on social media with a festive contest. Encourage patients to share your referral program via social media. For each share or tag that results in a referral, they can win entries into a holiday contest.

Use the holiday theme to make the contest more fun. For instance, have participants post a photo of their favorite holiday tradition and tag your practice for a chance to win a holiday gift card or prize.

Personalized Holiday Greetings

Send personalized holiday greetings to patients as part of your referral program. Send a thank you note for their referrals and any special holiday offers for referred friends and family. This approach feels thoughtful and keeps your practice in mind throughout the season.

12 Days of Referrals

Create a holiday countdown with your referral program. Offer a different referral reward each day in the 12 days leading up to Christmas. For example, one day might include a prescription discount card, the following day may offer consultation discounts, and the final day might be a larger prize like a holiday wellness package. This keeps the excitement going and encourages patients to refer over the holidays.

A Unique Opportunity

The holiday season offers a unique opportunity to make your patient referral program effective and fun. With festive elements and creative incentives, you can increase engagement and bring in new patients while strengthening relationships with current ones.

These holiday-themed ideas bring in referrals and goodwill to end the year on a high note for your practice. Take the holiday spirit and shine with your referral program this holiday season!