Medical professionals hold a high responsibility to protect and do no harm to their patients. It is always jarring when the public hears of a physician who has been arrested for criminal charges against a patient. Oftentimes, patients will believe the accusations before letting your case be heard fully. This is a disastrous consequence as physicians are not just doctors, they are business owners as well.

When you are charged with a crime in Pennsylvania, it does not have to mean the end of your career. Working with a skilled defense attorney is your best chance of having your charges reduced or dropped completely. But what happens to your reputation after your arrest? Even if your charges are dropped completely, your reputation, and in turn, your medical practice, will be affected by the allegations. Below are a few ways to salvage your practice and reputation while defending yourself from criminal charges.

Future Self Actualization

The first step to salvaging your reputation and your practice's reputation is to imagine what your future self will look like. How do you want to be viewed by the people in your community? Focus on making that future self-image a reality.

For instance, if you are hoping to gain twenty new patients a month, start working on a marketing plan to get them to your front desk. Put your effort into creating a safe and hospitable place for your patients while also revamping your own self-image.

Get Ahead of the Negative Comments

Negative comments and disparaging words about you and your medical practice are to be expected whenever you are defending yourself from criminal charges. The important thing to remember is that you must get ahead of these comments. Don't hide behind your office doors. Address your office on the circumstances of the case. If patients have concerns, address what you can without giving away your defense strategy.

Additionally, your defense attorney will work proactively to protect your reputation when these comments begin to roll in, advocating with the public on your behalf.

Other Ways to Rebuild Your Practice's Reputation

We've discussed how your own negative reputation can affect your business's reputation, but here are some other ways to better your practice's reputation after a criminal charge.

Train Your Employees Well

This may sound like common sense, but many medical offices do not take the time to properly train their staff. Improper training will lead to improper customer service. If your patients are unhappy with how your office operates, it will make them more susceptible to believing the negative comments your criminal charges have caused. Taking the time to properly train your team can mean the difference between a fully booked schedule and an empty waiting room.

Improve Your Medical Practice's Workflow

Enhancing your practice's workflow will have a trickle-down effect, impacting wait times and positively influencing your patient experience. One way to improve workflow is to hold a daily huddle for the first ten minutes of the day. Encourage your staff to communicate with one another, answer questions about treatments, lab orders, and respond to messages from patients.

How an Experienced Criminal Attorney Can Help

Attorney Joseph D. Lento has spent years helping physicians and other medical professionals in similar situations as yourself. He and his expert team will work tirelessly to advocate on your behalf, potentially having your charges reduced or dropped completely. Call 888-535-3686 today to schedule a consultation or visit us online.