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
Physician Relations: 5 Basics to Enhance Operational Responsiveness
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA Do you ever wonder, “Did the internal stakeholders hear what it will take to grow?” Or, you assumed an issue was handled and it wasn’t. You work hard to be clear in articulating the referring physicians’ expectations, but the internal...
Physician Relations: What’s Really Important?
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA With a new year off to a running start I suspect many of us have some great resolutions (hopefully a few are still standing)! I admit to some whoppers over the years. In the recent past, my resolutions are much more about grounding,...
Physician Relations: Don’t Overlook the Basics
By: Kriss Barlow RN, MBA Finding the best channel to earn the right referrals for your program is more challenging than ever. Even with better data, better talent and better focus, earning new referrals is challenging work! Many markets are now tightly aligned, so...
Field Staff Make December Memorable: Value in the Practice
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA OK field staff, does anyone feel like coasting through the end of year? Many field teams take on delivery roles as the baskets of goodies or logo wear gifts pile up in the practices. It feels good to have a full agenda with no pre-call plans....
Operational Readiness: Internal Preparation Guides Physician Relations Success
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA I suspect everyone who has spent time in a growth role – relations, recruitment, marketing or business development – has energetically gone to market only to...
Raising Your Closing Confidence
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA Even saying the word “close” can create trepidation. Oodles of books have been written on the subject yet field staff often admit to a lack of confidence in their closing skills. Counter that with the fact that leaders will often say to me,...
Top 5 Attributes of a Great Employee
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA Checklists are really popular these days. You review a list of attributes to determine where you stand and in the process, perhaps you learn something about yourself. As I read a few of the recent checklists, one made me think about great...
Communicating What Doctors Want to Hear
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA Logically, we recognize the best way to capture an audience’s attention is to craft a message that resonates. Clearly, our...
The TRUTH about Consultative Sales
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA When interviewing for field sales positions, almost every candidate makes the claim that they have a consultative sales approach. Many name the sales training they received or mention that their approach is needs-based. As I listen to what...
Decision Hygiene in Healthcare
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA Did you happen to catch Seth Godin’s blog on getting to market faster? Even the thought brings a smile to most healthcare strategists! Just getting to market is often painful, never mind the faster part. Taking on the organization’s...