The most valuable patients are those who return again and again. Zocdoc sees high patient loyalty (over 80% rebook with the same provider) since the platform offers a seamless way to instantly find and book appointments with providers offering near-term availability. Many top dermatology providers rely on Zocdoc to fuel their growth by helping them fill last-minute openings.
We analyzed Zocdoc’s rebooking data from 2022 and 2023, with rebookings defined as initial new patient visits who later booked again with the same provider in the same specialty. Here’s what a loyal dermatology patient looks like:
Which dermatology patients are most loyal?
62% of dermatology patients who rebook with the same provider are female; 38% are male.
Younger dermatology patients are the most loyal rebookers. Nearly half (49%) are millennials (ages 27-42) and a quarter are Gen Z (ages 18-27).
Dermatology patients who self-pay rebook with the same provider at a 6% higher rate compared to the specialty average. Bookings for cosmetic and one-off procedures likely contribute to self-pay visits, however, these patients may also rebook for more routine care covered by insurance such as annual skin checks.
Why are dermatology patients loyal?
Prioritizing the patient experience from the first visit is key to unlocking loyalty. Across the board, patients rebook with the same providers for the same initial visit reasons as well as to establish routine care. While they might initially book for acne (and follow up for acne), they might also rebook for cosmetic procedures and annual skin checks. This underscores that they want to find providers they can keep seeing.
When are dermatology patients loyal?
Dermatologist rebooking rates peak in the summer months when people tend to be out in the sun the most. June, July, and August see 8%, 9%, and 10% higher rebooking rates compared to the average month, respectively.
What do loyal dermatology patients want?
Speed to care is an important factor for dermatology patients. Dermatology providers with well below average availability see 8% lower rebooking rates than those with average availability.
Patients want flexibility when it comes to booking appointments via both mobile and desktop. Dermatology patients were loyal to providers who offered a seamless mobile experience, with 62% booking and rebooking via mobile device.
Patients are discerning and every person coming in for an initial dermatology visit has the potential to become a loyal, long-term patient. Speed to care, a user-friendly mobile booking experience and summer availability are just a few of the factors that matter most to dermatology patients. Download our whitepaper on patient loyalty for more insights into how you can turn new patients into regular rebookers.