Why does asking “Was there anything in the video that appealed to you?” make such a strong consultation opener?
Because it lets the patient direct the early conversation and reveals what they actually heard and cared about in the educational content. Most patients can answer that question immediately. They have just watched the video, they have impressions sitting near the surface, and the open-ended phrasing invites them to share rather than feel quizzed. Their answer tells the doctor several things at once. What landed and what did not. Which treatment elements connected to the patient’s motivator. What concerns or hesitations surfaced. What language the patient is using to describe their situation. All of that becomes input for shaping the rest of the consultation. The doctor responds specifically to what the patient said rather than launching into a generic case presentation. The conversation feels personalized because it actually is. The opener costs nothing and produces high-value data within the first minute of the doctor sitting down. Put it on the consultation checklist.
If the answers you are finding here resonate with you, my team and I work with a small group of clients each year. The next step is a complimentary Discovery Consultation and Practice Review with Dr. McAnally.
