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
What Motivates Field Staff… and What Does Not
By: Kriss Barlow RN, MBA | kbarlow@barlowmccarthy.com As summer wraps up we have fresh memories of getting in and out of very hot cars, people you need being away on vacation and the daily distractions of summer. We all have positive and not so positive things about...
Physician Relations: Why is the Gatekeeper “That Way” with Me?
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA | kbarlow@barlowmccarthy.com No doubt about it. Today’s gatekeepers are more impenetrable than ever. We can blame it on pressures in the practice, or more “office visitors” than they can manage. But, let’s face it, their issues become our...
Physician Relations: What Makes Sales “Slimy?”
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA | kbarlow@barlowmccarthy.com The word “sales” has a negative connotation for many. That disappoints many of us who work so hard to do it right. Having said that, I suspect we can all share a time when we were on the receiving end of an...
Field Effectiveness: Know When to Speak and When to Listen
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA | kbarlow@barlowmccarthy.com "One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say." - Bryant H. McGill The very best tool of a field rep is their ability to effectively initiate, guide and manage a...
Internal Relationships and Sales: 5 Hot Spots
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA | kbarlow@barlowmccarthy.com The importance of establishing and growing relationships with intent is top of mind for great field teams. It’s all about the obligation of field staff to have a clear visit strategy for earning referral...
Field Team Motivators: Build New Energy From a Firm Foundation
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA | kbarlow@barlowmccarthy.com It’s not about having the right opportunities. It’s about handling the opportunities right.” -Mark Hunter Creating and growing physician relationships is not for the faint of heart and all signs point to a more...
9 Keys to Better Physician Relations Conversations
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA | kbarlow@barlowmccarthy.com In this era of sound bites and social media do you ever wonder if conversation will go the way of the dinosaur? In my mind, texts and emails are great for providing factual detail, but they just can’t replace the...
Physician Relations: Learn IN the Field
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA | kbarlow@barlowmccarthy.com Physician relations teams spend a lot of time and attention learning FOR their field work. We focus on understanding the clinical offerings, new members of the medical staff, changes in process, schedules and what...
5 Ideas to Enhance Your Physician Relations Success in 2017
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA | kbarlow@barlowmccarthy.com Cue the party hats, confetti and one more glass of bubbly… the new year is here and with it, the warm glow and anticipation of what’s to come. One of many things I love about my role is the opportunity to watch...
Physician Relations: How to Succeed in the Month of December
By: Kriss Barlow, RN, MBA | kbarlow@barlowmccarthy.com The mood within practices has a lot to do with physician relations effectiveness and it’s December! How would you answer this question for the practices you call on? “The general disposition of my practices is...