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Writer's pictureSean Roy

40+ Patient Retention Statistics That Will Surprise You

Key Takeaways on Patient Retention Statistics

  • New patients are unlikely to return, with only a 5-20% chance of scheduling a second visit.

  • An existing patient who is well-established has a 60-70% likelihood of booking their next appointment.

  • Securing a new patient is 6 to 7 times more costly than retaining an existing one.

  • A 5% increase in retention rates has the potential to boost profits by 25% to 95%.

  • Physicians lose approximately 50% of their patient database over a span of five years.


Patient Retention Rates and Patterns


New patients are unlikely to return, with only a 5-20% chance of scheduling a second visit.


Dentists typically maintain an average retention rate of 41% among their patients.


Dentists typically maintain an average retention rate of 41% among their patients.

Over a span of five years, the average new patient retention rate is 43%.


An existing patient who is well-established has a 60-70% likelihood of booking their next appointment.


In the first year, patients are expected to return within 7 to 365 days of their initial visit.


Starting from the second year onward, patients should revisit within 365 days following their last appointment.


Patient Switching and Leakage


The average healthcare organization experiences a 45% growth rate while contending with a 48% churn rate.


Physicians lose approximately 50% of their patient database over a span of five years.


Over the past two years, 36% of patients have left their current healthcare provider.


30-40% of patients are likely to switch to a different doctor for their ongoing healthcare needs.


Only one-third of businesses report excelling in managing patient leakage at an "extreme" level.


47% of businesses state they have only a moderate grasp of patient leakage issues.

47% of businesses state they have only a moderate grasp of patient leakage issues.


20% of businesses admit they are unaware of the causes and locations of patient leakage in their practice.


13% of healthcare leaders reveal that their organization lacks any strategy for monitoring or addressing patient leakage.


Generational Differences in Patient Retention


24% of Baby Boomers changed their healthcare provider in the past year.


Looking ahead, 20% of Baby Boomers anticipate switching practices within the next three years.


Among Millennials, 42% are somewhat likely to change their primary care physician in the next two years.


A notable 40% of Millennials expect to switch their eye doctor during the same two-year timeframe.

A notable 40% of Millennials expect to switch their eye doctor during the same two-year timeframe.


When it comes to dental care, 47% of Millennials are likely to seek a new dentist within two years.


Dermatology services see even higher turnover, with 56% of Millennials somewhat likely to change dermatologists in the next 2-3 years.


44% of Generation X patients are expected to transition to a different practice in the coming years.


Financial Implications of Retention and Churn


Healthcare organizations spend an average of $286 per patient to attract new patients.


Securing a new patient is 6 to 7 times more costly than retaining an existing one.


The lifetime value of a patient typically ranges between $12,000 and $15,000.


20% of current patients account for approximately 80% of future profits in medical practices.


20% of current patients account for approximately 80% of future profits in medical practices.

A 5% increase in retention rates has the potential to boost profits by 25% to 95%.


For every 1% rise in retention, a 4% increase in the projected lifetime value of a patient is observed.


A 1% annual improvement in retention leads to a 2% increase in value over five years.


19% of healthcare organizations report losing 20% of revenue due to poor patient retention.


43% of healthcare entities indicate that poor retention contributes to a loss of more than 10% of their revenue.


23% of healthcare organizations admit to being unaware of the financial impact of losing patients.


Referral and Follow-Up Challenges


Just 16% of businesses place a strong emphasis on retaining their clients.


A significant 40% of patients who reach out to a referred doctor fail to schedule a follow-up appointment.


Patients who experience personalized marketing are 35% more likely to remain loyal to their provider.


An overwhelming 87% of healthcare leaders view referral management as an increasingly important focus.

An overwhelming 87% of healthcare leaders view referral management as an increasingly important focus.


Of those who prioritize referral management, 12% consider it moderately important.


Customer Experience and Satisfaction


67% of customers are inclined to stop engaging with a brand after experiencing poor customer service.


65% of consumers end their relationship with a brand because of unsatisfactory customer service.


In the United States, 44% of consumers choose a competitor following a negative customer service experience.


A significant 81% of patients report feeling dissatisfied with the care they received from their healthcare provider.



Sean Roy - General Manager & Co-Founder

Written by Sean Roy                                                                        Sean has 20 years in technology space with the past 15 years helping companies incorporate mobile into their technology and communication efforts. In addition to his extensive experience in developing and launching mobile marketing solutions, Sean is an active and respected member of the mobile community. Sean has provided mobile solutions for Vodafone, Twitter, Facebook, and Sky TV.


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