As the year winds down, many of your patients have Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) with funds they might not know they can use for acupuncture—and these funds often expire on December 31st! A well-executed “Use it or Lose it” campaign is not only a great way to encourage patients to take advantage of their benefits but also a powerful tool to boost your end-of-year bookings.

Here’s everything you need to know about why this campaign is important and how to get the most out of it.

Why the “Use it or Lose it” Campaign is Important

1. Encourages Patients to Prioritize Health - Many patients have funds allocated for health expenses that they may not realize apply to acupuncture treatments. When you remind them, it helps them see acupuncture as an accessible health investment, motivating them to take action on their wellness.

2. Strengthens Patient Retention and Engagement - Running a “Use it or Lose it” campaign serves as a reminder to your patients that you’re there to support them in maximizing their benefits. This can strengthen their connection with your practice and make them more likely to continue care.

3. Drives Increased Year-End Bookings - The deadline creates a natural sense of urgency, encouraging patients to book before their benefits expire. This can fill your schedule during what might otherwise be a slow period, closing out your year on a high note.

How to Run an Effective “Use it or Lose it” Campaign

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make this campaign a success:

1. Plan Your Campaign Timeline - Start your campaign in early November to allow plenty of time for reminders. You can create a staggered plan with email, social media, and in-clinic reminders that build awareness and urgency as the deadline approaches.

AcuDownloads offers a ready-made campaign calendar and resources, so you don’t have to start from scratch! Check it out here

2. Educate Patients on Eligible Benefits - Some patients may not realize they can use FSA or HSA funds for acupuncture. Educate them on how these accounts work and emphasize that their funds can cover treatments they may have delayed or planned for the future.

How to Spread the Word:

• Emails: Send an email explaining FSA and HSA benefits and remind them that acupuncture is often an approved expense.

• Social Media Posts: Post reminders on Facebook and Instagram with a simple message like “Don’t let your benefits go to waste—use them on acupuncture!”

3. Create a Clear Call to Action - In every message, make it easy for patients to act. Include a “Book Now” link or encourage them to call your clinic. Remind them that slots may fill quickly and they should act sooner rather than later.

Sample Call to Action for Emails and Social Media:  

“Don’t lose your FSA funds! Schedule your acupuncture session today and make the most of your benefits before they expire on December 31st.”

AcuDownloads provides pre-written emails and graphics to help you set up clear CTAs in your campaign materials. Find out more here

4. Use In-Clinic Reminders - If your patients are already visiting, don’t miss the chance to remind them in person. Set up a small poster or flyer in your waiting area, or add a line at the end of their receipt reminding them of expiring benefits.

5. Offer Flexible Options - Make it easy for patients to use their funds by offering packages, mini-treatments, or wellness consults that they can book within the time limit. This flexibility can appeal to patients who might not have committed to a full treatment but are willing to try a shorter, targeted session.

Example Campaign Timeline

Early November:  

• Send an email introducing the “Use it or Lose it” concept and how acupuncture can help patients use their benefits before they expire.

• Post a social media announcement and pin it for visibility.

Mid-November:  

• Send a second email sharing success stories or testimonials about the benefits of acupuncture.

• Continue posting on social media and consider using a mix of graphics and videos to keep things engaging.

Early December:  

• Send a final email with a countdown (“Only 3 weeks left to use your benefits!”) and highlight any remaining available spots.

• Share a countdown on social media to create urgency.

Last 2 Weeks of December:  

• Post daily reminders on social media and email patients with any last-minute offers or limited-time appointments.

Get Started with Ready-Made Resources

AcuDownloads has everything you need to run a successful “Use it or Lose it” campaign, from email templates and social media graphics to in-clinic flyers and call-to-action ideas. With these resources, you’ll save time and effort while ensuring your campaign is effective and engaging.

Explore AcuDownloads’ “Use it or Lose it” campaign tools here and set yourself up for a successful end to the year!

Implementing a “Use it or Lose it” campaign is an easy, effective way to help patients maximize their benefits and keep your clinic busy during the holiday season. Don’t let this valuable opportunity slip by—start planning today and make the most of it!

Looking for additional support? AcuDownloads offers over 1,300 business and marketing tools designed specifically for acupuncturists. With social media posts, patient self-care handouts, prewritten emails, and even videos for your website, it’s all there to help you effortlessly grow and maintain your practice.

This article is brought to you by Jeffrey Grossman, AEMP, owner and creator of Acupuncture Media Works, AcuPerfect Websites, and AcuDownloads. We are dedicated to providing high-quality, professional tools to help you grow your practice. Jeffrey has taught numerous practice management classes and led hundreds of webinars on patient education and marketing strategies tailored for acupuncture clinics, empowering practitioners to reach more patients and build successful practices.

Jeffrey Grossman, EAMP, graduated from the New England School of Acupuncture in 1997 and is the founder of Acupuncture Media Works and AcuPerfect Websites. Since 2002, Jeffrey has dedicated himself to creating and sharing patient education materials, marketing tools, practice-building resources, and websites specifically designed to empower the acupuncture profession. 

As an expert in business and marketing strategies, Jeffrey currently teaches practice management at Middleway Acupuncture Institute and has lectured at FSOMA and PCOM symposiums. He’s a frequent guest speaker at various acupuncture schools and associations, known for his engaging live training events and webinars that help practitioners build sustainable and thriving practices.

Jeffrey understands that many practitioners find marketing to feel "salesy" or intimidating, but his approach is all about making it fun, easy, and authentic. His goal is to demystify the “business” side of running a successful practice, helping acupuncturists embrace marketing in a genuine and stress-free way. 

At the core of Jeffrey’s work is a passion for empowering practitioners to reach more people, spread the word about acupuncture's incredible benefits, and ultimately make a positive impact in the world. By helping practitioners grow their practices, he’s supporting a healthier, more balanced community—one treatment at a time.

• acudownloads.com (https://acudownloads.com)

• acupuncturemediaworks.com (https://acupuncturemediaworks.com)

• acuperfectwebsites.com (https://acuperfectwebsites.com)