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
Transforming Healthcare and Every Day Performance
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA Each week, I am blessed to work with different organizations across the country. And each week, I am struck by the fact that leaders in organizations – regardless of location, size, or type – are hungry to hear about solutions to the...
Good Quotes Sing to Me
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA Sometimes sitting in an airport, I people watch. I see people who feed on attention. I notice the very loud ones, the business people empowered by the act of “doing a deal,” the movers and shakers who live to close one and open the next...
Shore Up The Retention Platform
By Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA With so much pressure to grow new referrals and gain additional volumes it is easy to focus exclusively on new business, sometimes at the expense of those physicians whose referrals you need to keep. To start your year strong, take a few...
Listening… So Obvious and So Hard To Do
By Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA For those who work with physicians, the goal of our interactions is to create a relationship that provides mutual value. Successful long-term relationships are about getting to know the physician. As the relationship progresses, through...
Making Sure Your Field Team is Heard
By Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA Healthcare leaders are keenly aware of the physician’s role – and the need to forge the right kind of relationships moving forward. As they work through business solutions the field team can be a valuable conduit for information. But, do they...
Operational Readiness to Sell a Service
by Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA Have you ever been asked to grow a part of the business only to jump in and then feel like it was a waste of your time and sometimes your credibility? We’ve all done it once and with that painful reality comes a great chance to establish...
Relationships Sales Techniques to Overcome Negative Perceptions
By Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA Relationship building with doctors can often be derailed because of perceptions. These perception challenges often fall into three major categories: Negative feelings at a personal level Negative feelings based on feedback from patients about...
The Joy of Giving and Receiving: Packaging the Right Relationship
By Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA Reflecting on the season, I was thinking about the joy that accompanies a gift received. Young or old, there is a sense of anticipation, wondering about the possibilities and a feeling of appreciation for those who share a part of themselves...
The Pre-Call Plan: Organization Makes a Difference
by Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA In the world of physician relations, there is a great deal of discussion about planning. Our plans articulate actions, expectations, roles and responsibilities. They also serve as a road map for everyone involved to keep hold of the strategic...
A Checklist to Consider How Ideas are Processed Internally
By Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA "It is one thing to have a great idea – it is quite another to see your idea actually implemented. How often have you had a “brainstorm”, gotten excited, rushed in to share it with your boss, co-workers, family, etc. only to see their...