Kriss brings an energy and expertise to the process that inspires stronger relationships, smarter strategies and more meaningful results.
The leading expert in physician relationship strategy, Kriss Barlow has deep healthcare experience and an unrelenting commitment to deliver meaningful results to her clients. Backed by more than two decades experience as a healthcare consultant, plus clinical and business development experience within organizations, Kriss offers unparalleled expertise in the areas of strategic growth and implementation; physician relations, engagement and retention; as well as sales and training. Her passion for developing innovative growth strategies and a shared vision helps teams define the right medical staff relationships, increase referrals and meet even the most ambitious objectives. While Kriss is highly skilled at inspiring vision, she also takes a hands-on approach to implementation that drives results.
A nationally recognized healthcare speaker, Kriss is frequently asked to share her insights at conferences and webinars, including The Forum for Healthcare Strategists, SHSMD and ACHE. She’s the author of five books, including her newest, Physician Relations: The Model, The Method & The Impact. A certified sales instructor, Kriss is a recipient of SHSMD’s award for Individual Leadership Excellence.
Located in Hudson, WI, Kriss has dedicated her entire professional career to healthcare. She’s earned a BS in Nursing from Augustana College, Sioux Falls, South Dakota and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska, Omaha.
Working with Kriss:
The work that we have been doing with Kriss Barlow is aimed at structuring our provider relations team in a way that would meet the needs of the organization and drive measurable results. I couldn’t be more pleased with the growth and development of our team, facilitated by Kriss. Her knowledge and expertise has really positioned us for the right level of credibility with leadership which has proven to be key in sustaining a successful provider relations team.
– Summer M. Lesic, VP Sales and Growth, Centura Health
Recent Posts and Articles
Effective Patterns vs Ruts. Are You Stuck?
Kriss Barlow RN, MBA | kbarlow@barlowmccarthy.com Field staff have such an “always on” role. There is internal scrutiny coupled with the need to impress discerning referring physicians, and just getting to them is a whole different discussion! It’s easy to fall into...
Time to Find New Referral Sources?
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA | kbarlow@barlowmccarthy.com Physician relations teams typically spend their time with providers who already refer to your organization. Historically, that made the most sense- it was the chance to earn more from those who already had a...
Making the Right Impression – Every Time
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA | kbarlow@barlowmccarthy.com First impressions matter. Whether meeting a new specialist, engaging with a practice, or interviewing for a job, how we present ourselves shapes the relationships we build. We’re in the business of making the...
Taking Back Our Part! Field Staff Goals
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA | kbarlow@barlowmccarthy.com Looking ahead often starts with a little time in the here and now. Pour yourself a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage and take a minute to consider: (1) Am I personally happy and fulfilled in my job? (2) Do I...
Let’s Get Creative with Three Key Audiences
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA | kbarlow@barlowmccarthy.com Some of us live for a new idea… others, not so much. With the pressure on relationship building for referral growth, it’s a great time to consider your habits and behaviors with the goal of elevating your impact....
Physician Relations: Experience with Issues
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA | kbarlow@barlowmccarthy.com Now that was ugly! I was an air travel victim of the recent global cyber issue. And while my story included a little scrambling and an extra night out because of a cancelled flight, I fared far better than so...
Creating the Right Impression for the Referring Physician
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA | kbarlow@barlowmccarthy.com It is just another Monday… or is it? The physician relations role is grounded in the routine of visits to practices. Routine is good for relationships but keeping each visit fresh for the practices and referring...
Making the Boss Look Good
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA | kbarlow@barlowmccarthy.com Are you a team player? I bet we all answer an emphatic “Yes!” when asked that question. But, does the answer change when we expand “team” to include the broader organization and more senior leaders? Lifting up...
Everyday Grace in the Field Staff Role
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA | kbarlow@barlowmccarthy.com On occasion, we all have one of “those” days where it seems that people just feel compelled to push our buttons. Admittedly, some of us might have more ‘pushable’ buttons than others! Our roles have high...
Physician Relations: Is Awesome Talent Alone Enough?
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA | kbarlow@barlowmccarthy.com In physician relations, there’s a ton of conversation about finding, guiding and motivating the right talent. Talent development continues to be a cornerstone for best practices and it’s a good place to invest....