Q: I need to send letters to my exsisting patients. I am an IC in another office and am branching out on my own. I am moving 2 miles up the road. I just want to know when is the best time to tell my patients and when should I send a letter to them? A: I would send them something starting 6-8 weeks prior to moving. There should be a letter campaign .. explaining why you are moving on your own .. where the new clinic is .. what expanded and same services they can benefit from the move .. what your short and long term goals are .. what specific programs you intend to provide (workshops and community drives) .. etc. I would send them an initial letter with the information above as well as a survey form. The survey could go along with the survey I placed on my webpage under Practice Tips .. but this time look on the top for something called survey .. I would use something like this to get the pulse of your patients and don't be embarrassed to ask for their help to create this new office. They should know you will be having an Open House and you would appreciate their assistance. A basic letter could go something like this: WE'LL BE MOVING SOON As many of you know, I will be moving to a new location just two miles from our present office. I am anxious to open my own office which I will be calling _____. I plan on introducing various special programs both to you and our community. Enclosed please find an office survey which I hope you will complete and return to me either on your next visit or use the self addressed and stamped envelope. This survey will assist me in offering additional patient services as well as providing me with the names of interested groups and associations for my Community Outreach Programs. I will be discussing this with you as well as sending additional update letters as I progress towards the move. If you have any questions or wish to speak with me concerning the survey and/or our Community Outreach Programs, please call the office Tweak this to your liking .. and begin the program soon. Always find time to call everyone on your mailing list .. especially those not active patients .. to be assured they received their letter and if they have any questions. This is the time to reactivate those that haven't been awhile .. offer them a complimentary exam and adjustment and be sure you have their proper address. The concept is to follow through and have a specific time line to send and call. Lots of Luck Dr. M