It’s just about that time of the year again folks! After a brutal winter that weeded out the contenders from the pretenders, it’s time for March Madness. In like a lion and out like a champion, it’s no surprise that the next few months will be intense. You’ll see heartbreak, you’ll see upsets, and you’ll see…patients? That’s right, while most people will be spending their time pouring over their brackets and getting comfortable on the edge of their seats, you’ll be heavily entrenched in a different kind of March Madness as these spring patients make their way into your practice. Luckily, we’ve put together a scouting guide for the upcoming season so you know what to expect.
Spring Patients to Expect
The “Seasoned” Veteran
It’s no surprise that the spring is prime time for allergies. Roughly 7.8% of people 18 and over in the U.S. have hay fever. Allergies, in general, affect over 40 million people in the U.S. every year. You can expect allergy sufferers of all ages to make their way into your office this season, so make sure you know how to handle these spring patients. Whether it’s a stuffy nose, headache, or itchy eyes, there are a variety of different symptoms that might need to be addressed. Make sure to cover your bases when treating these patients so you can ensure a speedy recovery during the March madness.
The Sleeper
Many don’t realize that springtime often brings a variety of sleep issues to light. Not only are we losing an hour of sleep with daylight savings time, but the transition between seasons can be difficult for many. Nearly 70 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders so it’s no surprise that many of your spring patients will be looking for some relief after countless restless nights sleeping. Whether it’s insomnia or fatigue, you’ll need to assess the best course of action. With more and more people relying on over-the-counter sleep medication to get some rest, it might be time to suggest a different approach to your patient.
The One-And-Done
A good amount of not just spring patients, but any patients for that matter will often make a rare, yearly appearance. In some cases, they’ll expect you to sign-off on a prescription refill even if it’s your first time seeing them in quite awhile. Others will expect you to cure them of all ailments in one short visit. Whether it’s a financial issue or simply a fear of the doctor’s office, you’ll need to make the most of all visits this spring. This might be the only time you see them all year, so make sure you’re helping them as best you can or strongly recommend a follow-up visit so you can provide the best possible care.
The Wild-Card
Like any healthcare career, you never truly know what’s going to walk through that door. More likely than not, you’ll be faced with a spring patient that just makes you scratch your head. Whether it’s an odd question or a little too much information, you can expect that you’re going to see something you’ve never seen before. Luckily, this shouldn’t be unfamiliar territory. You’ll want to treat your patient to the best of your ability to ensure that they get the best possible care.
