Dr. Baum’s talk, ostensibly on practice and financial pearls,was peppered with funny sports quotes and pearls about saving money by combining family vacations with CME meetings.

But a few points stood out that all seemed related to respecting the patient:

Peruse Charts Before Entering Room. This sounds like common sense, but how many harried doctors dash in to see the next patient without knowing who will be sitting there when they open the door? Take 30 seconds to look at the chart, Dr. Baum said.

Call Patients with Serious Pathology Results. Calling patients yourself, whether the news is good or bad, is a personal touch. Dr. Baum said he has had patients thank him for doing this. I would guess that this personal touch inspires loyalty among patients.

Show Empathy, Compassion, and Concern for a Problem. Again, this sounds like common sense, but it can no doubt be difficult for busy clinicians at times.

Apologize to Patients for Running Late. It’s inevitable that even the most well-organized practices run behind schedule sometimes. A quick apology shows the patient that you respect his or her time. Doctors, when you are the patient, has your doctor apologized for running late? Wouldn’t it make you feel a bit better if he or she did?

And, returning to Dr. Baum’s theme of financial pearls:

Be respectful of patients. It’s one of a doctor’s best marketing tools. Especially in the age of Facebook and online reviews of everything, word gets out about which offices treat patients well. Maintaining a reputation for courtesy is a worthy investment. And it doesn’t cost a thing.

—Heidi Splete (on Twitter @hsplete)