Dissecting the business of a private pediatric practice for the purpose of examining its parts & discourse
Fed up with learning that many kids in her community were getting the measles, Dr. Natasha Burgert decided to take the vaccine epidemic in her city head on. Over the 12 weeks of summer, she partnered with her patient's families to support ShotAtLife. This vaccine advocacy group allowed her to have a way to actively respond to the measles epidemic that affected her Kansas City community. In just a few weeks, she collected $6,740. That is … [Read more...]
If you are a regular reader of this blog, you probably know about my e-book, 101 Ways to Transform Your Practice. If you haven’t picked it up (it is free by the way) I wanted to give you a little nudge to do so. Not everything in the ebook is going to work in your practice. But at the very least, I think the ebook will spark ideas that you would have not had otherwise. If you are still not convinced, then let me share this little … [Read more...]
Back home we have saying (for those want to know, Caracas Venezuela is home), "you are trying to find the cat's 5th leg." We use the saying when people try really hard to find fault where there is none. In other words, you are looking for the one thing that will be a show stopper - like a 5th leg on a cat - so it will easier for you to defend the status quo. Imagine I'm starting a workout regime and I ask my trainer these questions: Will it … [Read more...]
Many experts and pundits are predicting that the downward pressure we are seeing in healthcare will claim small independent private physicians first. Those that are not affiliated or belong to a hospital or large healthcare network will not survive, say the pundits. The argument is that these small practices will not be able to withstand the financial and administrative pressures of the new healthcare landscape. Others very eloquently argue … [Read more...]
Most people are more comfortable with old problems than with new solutions. That is a problem. Those that can't change their minds can't change anything. Having a genuine reason to transform your practice is the catalyst that will help one do so. Before you start the process, ask these to questions: Is there something to can improve in your practice? If no, then forget it Do you want to change your practice in anyway? If not, forget … [Read more...]
We don’t change a whole lot in the private practice world. Why is that? The truth is change creates opportunities. Change allows us to find new ways to adapt, create, and meet the challenges of our private practice healthcare world. Change also keeps us on top of our game. A few years ago, we had a very large, well established practice open up shop right next door. We were literally door to door with them. We were so upset; for a … [Read more...]
The mobihealthnews blog posted an infograph titled “Sizing Up the iPad for Healthcare” a while back. The data shows that 60% of physicians plan to either buy an iPad, were interested in learning more about the device or bought one when it came out. There is no doubt that the iPad is an attractive device for just about any healthcare setting. And that includes a medical office. In our medical practice, we’ve had mixed reviews with the … [Read more...]
Last week, a pediatrician that saw my “ I have a proposal” post reached out so I could help him with a problem he was having. He said, “OK smarty pants, let’s see what you got.” He didn’t actually say that, but I’m sure he was thinking it. What he actually said was, Brandon, In our area, we’ve seen a few retail clinics pop up. What can we do as a practice to let patients know that visiting retail clinics is not in their … [Read more...]
I have a bone to pick with many practice management systems. To me, they really don’t help medical practices manage clinics as businesses, but rather are designed with the intention to help a medical practice manage their “claims.” Which is fine, I guess. But if that is the case, then they should be called “claims submission” systems; not practice management systems. It seems I’m not the only one that is … [Read more...]
Last week, Blockbuster filed for bankruptcy. I’m not surprised. News report say that the once rental giant was having a hard time managing their debt and that by filing chapter 11, they’ll be able to “restructure” their financial obligations. I don’t think I’m going out on a limb here when I say that Blockbuster is dying, not because of their debt, but because of their inability to embrace change. I … [Read more...]
