Dissecting the business of a private pediatric practice for the purpose of examining its parts & discourse
One of our core values in our practice, is empathy. It is so important to us, that we include it in our practice charter. Here is a little summary of our Empathy and Compassion section of our charter. Central to our core values is treating our patients with compassion and respect. Understanding how our patients may be feeling and being sympathetic about that is essential to how we provide care. We are committed to maintaining a deep awareness … [Read more...]
After getting our food, my wife and I couldn't find a place to sit. The place was packed. We each scanned the room trying to find two seats together. Over to the side, there was a gentlemen sitting alone at a table. There were three more empty seats surrounding the table, so my wife asked if we could share the table. The gentlemen graciously said yes. Shortly after, his wife joined us. We exchanged pleasantries and started chatting with … [Read more...]
Let's say your practice went out of business tomorrow. Who would miss you? Who would be bummed that you weren't there anymore? Although simple, I think this is a very powerful question to ask ourselves. Why? Answering this question gives us a sense of purpose. It reminds us why we are doing what we are doing. Moreover, I think answering this question sets us on the right path. We can talk about how to properly code, worry that we have … [Read more...]
Dr. Lois Freisleben-Cook is a pediatrician that started her practice after completing a two year contract with the local hospital. These days, you don’t hear about too many docs leaving hospital jobs to open up solo practices, so I wanted to learn amount what many consider to be a rare, dying breed of doctors. I reached out to Dr. Freisleben-Cook and asked her if I could ask some questions regarding her experience as a solo rural doc. She … [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...]
Have you seen those signs in doctor’s offices that read, “The best compliment you can give us is a referral?” Some say this is a great way to get referrals. Simply asking for one. I’ve also heard “healthcare marketing professionals” suggest that doctors ought to spend time in the community networking with other physicians like OB/GYNs, neighboring schools, daycares or any other person that can send a patient our way. At Salud … [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...]
