Guest guest Posted March 14, 2006 Report Share Posted March 14, 2006 Hi All, Reading the current thread with utmost intrigue. I am 2 months into start up of my solo/solo practice about 10 miles from my "day job" that I still work at part time in to cover my living expenses. I live 10 minutes from my office.I take no insurances ...for now..(except will contract with medicare because I fell a duty to) mostly because of the hassle factor and because of what was so eloquently put forth. I feel insurance companies handcuff us. I am totally word of mouth. My "day job" does not know of my start up, therefore I cannot let patients know. It has been a financial struggle as the star up cost was 35K and my expenses are $1500/month and I am not busy. I work out of one room...with a window...and a bathroom ..in a womens center. I use Alteer. I need assistance with marketing. I was recently mentioned in a trade magazine, The Network Journal as one of the best Black docs in the NY metro area (Family Practice). I am trying to capitalize on this by having the local paper run an article. I also have visited local establishments with practice brochures and business cards....including my hair salon, a vitamin/herbal store, art store, massage therapists/ churches/civic groups. There is also a local health fair at the end of April I found out about today that I will get more information on. I am trying to keep costs to a minimum. Any idea where I could get free give aways for the health fair? I don't see pharaceutical reps. Also anyone out there know how to get a low cost website up and running? Any assistance would be appreciated. n Bobb-McKoy,MD Ideal Family Health, P.C. Englewood, NJ 07631 P.S. Pam Wibble, you are an inspiration!Greg & Amy Hinson wrote: Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement. Really some goodadvice out there and I knew I could count on this group for help.A few comments. It doesn't sound like there is a lot of enthusiasm outthere for the idea of changing to a cash-based practice (in spite ofthis month's FPM journal). And, the more I think about it, I reallythink that it would create much more anger in my current patientpopulation then actual inconvenience or hardship, enough that I ambeginning to see that this is not the best option. I really like theidea of having a cash practice that charges a nominal yearlymembership (e.g., maybe $200/yr) and in return for this giving away ayearly wellness visit (to discourage patients from thinking of thepractice as a use-only-when-you-need-it urgent care clinic). But, Iwould upset too many people with the change.Slowing down, in any other way, is going to be tough. I do not have abad plan to drop, with the exception of Medicare and Medicaid. Optingout of Medicare seems so drastic and I need to learn more about whathappens during the following two years if you change your mind. And myMedicaid is primarily obstetrics and well child care. Both make upmaybe 30% of my practice. Most of the rest is fee for service BCBS. Iam only contracted with two payors, and they both pay fairly well.The problem is demand. The only way I can get by with only seeing25-30 people/day (and another 15 for my NP) is by spending another 1-2hours a day answering phone messages and email messages (and providingshoddy care in doing it). Not that the patients are demanding thisfree service; they'd all be willing to come in if given a slot.So it seems like the only answer is going to be to ramp up thepractice. The local hospital is recruiting and has someone in mindthey'd like to join me. We could hire a manager. Bring the billingin-house. Hire a nurse or two.But my instincts are telling me that this will all just fuel the fire.It feels like I should be getting smaller, not bigger.Although I love where I live, and want to stay, I love the idea ofstarting over and doing it right from the beginning. Maybe finding theright area that would support a cash practice, or even a cashhousecall practice. And, as long as I am dreaming, use our savings asa safety net while the practice grows by word of mouth alone, byproviding the absolute best possible care!Anyway, thanks for the advice, I'll keep you all updated as I explorethe option of hiring another physician and trying to tame this beast. Yahoo! Travel Find great deals to the top 10 hottest destinations! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 14, 2006 Report Share Posted March 14, 2006 Hi n! Thanks for your kind words. I have some GREAT ideas on marketing....1) WORD OF MOUTH IS BEST!!! The best way to get a loyal following is to give an incredible visit to one person. They will tell EVERYONE!!! I am not kidding! Here are some examples -One of my first patients was soooo thrilled with our visit that when she was in the lunch room at her office and someone asked "Does anyone know a good doctor?" She went on and on and on about me....everyone in that lunch room got out their pencils and paper and wrote my name down. I got so many calls. I think I am seeing a significant number of the employees there. Another example is from an old time doc who I took out to lunch today. I wanted to interview him about "the good old days" in medicine. He told me that housecalls were a regular part of every docs business 4-5 per week and he said whenever he did a housecall ($7.50 charge in 1957 and his office visits were $3-$5 - seniors (before medicare) got their office visits for $2) anyway, he said you will have LOYAL PATIENTS for life with any housecall you make. 2) Do something EXTRAORDINARY for your patients that grabs their attention and sweeps them off their feet. I have a little sticky note over my phone that says "EVERY VISIT AMAZING" If you can reach someone at a genuine heart level and show them you care and that you love what you do - it is infectious! Examples - I give free massage parties for people who meet their weight goals with a local masseuse. Believe me! My patients go out and tell everyone and they are amazed! I went to a meditation center with a few of my patients last week. One is now changing her insurance to stay with me. Her mom said something like - Are you kidding? You are the first doctor that really understands my daughter - come hell or high water we are not leaving you. PERSONAL ATTENTION is the key!!! "What the world needs now is LOVE sweet LOVE" sounds corny BUT if you reach someone at the heart level with your genuine concern you will have a patient for life. (a friend for life and probably all their friends as patients!!)I do not think brochures, TV ads, newspaper, or anything will ever come close to showing compassion and genuine caring for your patients - especially if you make it fun and enjoyable.LOVE your LIFE. It is totally infectious.The only other comment would be having COMMUNITY FORUMS. Invite people in your community to be a part of designing your practice. You can do this AND still not tell your employer. Just go out and invite people to share their health care fantasies with you (so you can serve them better at your current job). If you are really sneaky you could figure out a way to get your employer to foot the bill for hosting an event with you as the speaker. People will get to know you and they will follow you to the end of the earth if they feel you really care about them. Some locations for community forums could be churches, people's homes, neighborhood centers, anywhere...Let people know you are there to hear them. It is POWERFUL.PamelaPamela Wible, MDFamily & Community Medicine, LLC3575 st. #220 Eugene, OR 97405roxywible@...On Mar 13, 2006, at 9:13 PM, n Bobb-McKoy wrote: Hi All, Reading the current thread with utmost intrigue. I am 2 months into start up of my solo/solo practice about 10 miles from my "day job" that I still work at part time in to cover my living expenses. I live 10 minutes from my office.I take no insurances ...for now..(except will contract with medicare because I fell a duty to) mostly because of the hassle factor and because of what was so eloquently put forth. I feel insurance companies handcuff us. I am totally word of mouth. My "day job" does not know of my start up, therefore I cannot let patients know. It has been a financial struggle as the star up cost was 35K and my expenses are $1500/month and I am not busy. I work out of one room...with a window...and a bathroom ..in a womens center. I use Alteer. I need assistance with marketing. I was recently mentioned in a trade magazine, The Network Journal as one of the best Black docs in the NY metro area (Family Practice). I am trying to capitalize on this by having the local paper run an article. I also have visited local establishments with practice brochures and business cards....including my hair salon, a vitamin/herbal store, art store, massage therapists/ churches/civic groups. There is also a local health fair at the end of April I found out about today that I will get more information on. I am trying to keep costs to a minimum. Any idea where I could get free give aways for the health fair? I don't see pharaceutical reps. Also anyone out there know how to get a low cost website up and running? Any assistance would be appreciated. n Bobb-McKoy,MD Ideal Family Health, P.C. Englewood, NJ 07631 P.S. Pam Wibble, you are an inspiration!Greg & Amy Hinson wrote: Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement. Really some goodadvice out there and I knew I could count on this group for help.A few comments. It doesn't sound like there is a lot of enthusiasm outthere for the idea of changing to a cash-based practice (in spite ofthis month's FPM journal). And, the more I think about it, I reallythink that it would create much more anger in my current patientpopulation then actual inconvenience or hardship, enough that I ambeginning to see that this is not the best option. I really like theidea of having a cash practice that charges a nominal yearlymembership (e.g., maybe $200/yr) and in return for this giving away ayearly wellness visit (to discourage patients from thinking of thepractice as a use-only-when-you-need-it urgent care clinic). But, Iwould upset too many people with the change.Slowing down, in any other way, is going to be tough. I do not have abad plan to drop, with the exception of Medicare and Medicaid. Optingout of Medicare seems so drastic and I need to learn more about whathappens during the following two years if you change your mind. And myMedicaid is primarily obstetrics and well child care. Both make upmaybe 30% of my practice. Most of the rest is fee for service BCBS. Iam only contracted with two payors, and they both pay fairly well.The problem is demand. The only way I can get by with only seeing25-30 people/day (and another 15 for my NP) is by spending another 1-2hours a day answering phone messages and email messages (and providingshoddy care in doing it). Not that the patients are demanding thisfree service; they'd all be willing to come in if given a slot.So it seems like the only answer is going to be to ramp up thepractice. The local hospital is recruiting and has someone in mindthey'd like to join me. We could hire a manager. Bring the billingin-house. Hire a nurse or two.But my instincts are telling me that this will all just fuel the fire.It feels like I should be getting smaller, not bigger.Although I love where I live, and want to stay, I love the idea ofstarting over and doing it right from the beginning. Maybe finding theright area that would support a cash practice, or even a cashhousecall practice. And, as long as I am dreaming, use our savings asa safety net while the practice grows by word of mouth alone, byproviding the absolute best possible care!Anyway, thanks for the advice, I'll keep you all updated as I explorethe option of hiring another physician and trying to tame this beast. Yahoo! Travel Find great deals to the top 10 hottest destinations! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 14, 2006 Report Share Posted March 14, 2006 Good luck! I had my website done by somebody abroad. It costed me 300$. It is a simple website, I posted my office forms for download and a contact page. Do you have any friends who know computers and can instal a server at home, maybe ? A server can be almost any cheap second hand computer that will host your website for free. You can buy a domain name from the internet. I pay 15$ yearly for mine. I know it sounds complicated but on the long run it is much cheaper than paying somebody to host your website. With marketing I suggest joining the local Chamber of Commerce. It is a more direct way of marketing your practice style and ideas. It will help you meet people that may help. Any kind of advertising will bring some patients but some are too expensive : like radio, major newspapers. Try the local newsletters, the ones that are distributed in developments. Freebies...I don't know. I ordered some welcome to the practice cards from a company called smart practices (but they are not that cheap). I just printed my own brochures, using adobe illustrator, brochure paper and my own laser printer. A color laser printer at Sam's club is 300 $. I can tell you this : if you are the breadwinner in the house, keep a side job for a while (like 9 months). I am still doing locum tenens (mostly oc med) 4 months after opening and I see maybe 5 new patients/week. Tomorrow is my first call with the local hospital. It depends on the area but if you start from zero patients (like me) and are in a suburb, good doctor or not, it will take time (and prozac- just kidding). > Hi All, > Reading the current thread with utmost intrigue. I am 2 months into > start up of my solo/solo practice about 10 miles from my " day job " > that I still work at part time in to cover my living expenses. I live > 10 minutes from my office.I take no insurances ...for now..(except > will contract with medicare because I fell a duty to) mostly because > of the hassle factor and because of what was so eloquently put forth. > I feel insurance companies handcuff us. I am totally word of mouth. > My " day job " does not know of my start up, therefore I cannot let > patients know. It has been a financial struggle as the star up cost > was 35K and my expenses are $1500/month and I am not busy. I work out > of one room...with a window...and a bathroom ..in a womens > center. I use Alteer.  I need assistance with marketing. I was > recently mentioned in a trade magazine, The Network Journal as one of > the best Black d! ocs in the NY metro area (Family Practice). I am > trying to capitalize on this by having the local paper run an > article. I also have visited local establishments with practice > brochures and business cards....including my hair salon, a > vitamin/herbal store, art store, massage therapists/ churches/civic > groups. There is also a local health fair at the end of April I found > out about today that I will get more information on. I am trying to > keep costs to a minimum. Any idea where I could get free give aways > for the health fair? I don't see pharaceutical reps. Also anyone out > there know how to get a low cost website up and running? Any > assistance would be appreciated. > n Bobb-McKoy,MD > Ideal Family Health, P.C. > Englewood, NJ 07631 >  > P.S. > Pam Wibble, you are an inspiration! > > Greg & Amy Hinson wrote: >> Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement. Really some good >> advice out there and I knew I could count on this group for help. >> >> A few comments. It doesn't sound like there is a lot of enthusiasm out >> there for the idea of changing to a cash-based practice (in spite of >> this month's FPM journal). And, the more I think about it, I really >> think that it would create much more anger in my current patient >> population then actual inconvenience or hardship, enough that I am >> beginning to see that this is not the best option. I really like the >> idea of having a cash practice that charges a nominal yearly >> membership (e.g., maybe $200/yr) and in return for this giving away a >> yearly wellness visit (to discourage patients from thinking of the >> practice as a use-only-when-you-need-it urgent care clinic). But, I >> would upset too many people with the change. >> >> Slowing down, ! in any other way, is going to be tough. I do not have >> a >> bad plan to drop, with the exception of Medicare and Medicaid. Opting >> out of Medicare seems so drastic and I need to learn more about what >> happens during the following two years if you change your mind. And my >> Medicaid is primarily obstetrics and well child care. Both make up >> maybe 30% of my practice. Most of the rest is fee for service BCBS. I >> am only contracted with two payors, and they both pay fairly well. >> >> The problem is demand. The only way I can get by with only seeing >> 25-30 people/day (and another 15 for my NP) is by spending another 1-2 >> hours a day answering phone messages and email messages (and providing >> shoddy care in doing it). Not that the patients are demanding this >> free service; they'd all be willing to come in if given a slot. >> >> So it seems like the only answer is going to be to ramp up the >> practice. The local hospital is recruiting and has someone in mind >> they'd l! ike to join me. We could hire a manager. Bring the billing >> in-house. Hire a nurse or two. >> >> But my instincts are telling me that this will all just fuel the fire. >> It feels like I should be getting smaller, not bigger. >> >> Although I love where I live, and want to stay, I love the idea of >> starting over and doing it right from the beginning. Maybe finding the >> right area that would support a cash practice, or even a cash >> housecall practice. And, as long as I am dreaming, use our savings as >> a safety net while the practice grows by word of mouth alone, by >> providing the absolute best possible care! >> >> Anyway, thanks for the advice, I'll keep you all updated as I explore >> the option of hiring another physician and trying to tame this beast. >> >> >> >> > > Yahoo! Travel > Find great deals to the top 10 hottest destinations! > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 14, 2006 Report Share Posted March 14, 2006 Here are some marketing ideas I've scribbled down over time. Might be of interest to some. Can't vouch for which are good or bad. Maybe some on the list could comment. I will say that our church has been a huge feeder for our office. I don't attend much, but my wife goes a lot and we see a LOT of the congregation. I haven't joined, but I would think that being a member of the local Lions Club, Elks Club, Masons, Optimists Club, et al. You get the idea. By joining these large groups, you are "one of them", so they may be more likely to use you. Also, if you see a few of these people, they are more likely to tell others in the club since there are monthly meetings, etc. Locke ==================================== Advertising Marketing Promotion 1. Ads in paper, local magazines 2. Commercials on TV, Radio, Websites 3. Knocking on doors in subdivisions -- We have lots of new subdivisions going up. I've often wondered if people would be put off by a doctor knocking on the door of a new house with a new homeowner and giving out a brochure, card, and introducing self. 4. Commercials before the movies at the movie theater 5. Business Cards put out at...Airport, Chamber of Commerce, other businesses (ie local Yoga place), et al 6. Yellow Pages Ad -- 1 liner vs quarter page ad with graphics 7. Scope of Care brochure -- http://www.aafp.org/fpm/981000fm/marketing.html 8. Give business cards away to people you meet 9. Give medical talks -- nursing home, schools, local Elks club, etc 10. Write a column in the Newspaper 11. Have a booth at the local Town Fair 12. Offer services to local fund raiser silent auction (ie offer Physical Exam that people bid upon at the auction) 13. Sign in the front of your business (this is an issue for us. We are in a 2 story large brown medical office building right next to a highway, but without a sign designating what we are...When we meet in public they ask "Where is your office?" "Oh, that building. I didn't know it was a medical office?" 14. Brochure...to give out in the office or at other times. Explains what you do and who you are. 15. Promote self/clinic at PTA meetings, playdates, give cards out at playgrounds to parents 16. Promote self to specialists in the community (ie meet & greet the local cardiologist and offer to take over Family Medicine care for new patients the Cardiologist sees who need a primary care doc) 17. Website for Practice 18. New patient letter...send a letter to patients that are new to your practice. Letter welcomes them and describes your practice, etc 19. Birthday Card...send a B-day card to each of your patients. 20. Condolences Card...send card to family when patient dies or other event happens 21. Welcome Wagon -- have the local welcome wagon give out your card and brochure to each new homeowner 22. Direct mailings -- spam out a letter/card to everyone in a zip code 23. Others? =================================== The "happy birthday" letter. The incredible value of small acts of kindness toward our patients was driven home to me several years ago when I found out that the most sought-after physician in our practice was one of the residents (Takaji Kittaka, MD). I knew he was a nice guy and a good doctor, but why the line of patients? It turned out that he went the extra mile for his patients. For example, on his own he started sending birthday cards to each of his patients. He also saved the toys from his kid's "Happy Meals" and gave them to his pediatric patients. We stole the ideas for our own patients immediately. ==================================== A few other ideas: 1) Go to your local Emergency Department and introduce yourself to the doctors there, telling them you are taking new patients. Hit different shifts, and visit periodically. Take your business cards. They see many unaffiliated patients. 2) Make the rounds of pharmacies and introduce yourself to pharmacists. When they encounter patients that are complaining about their current doctors, they may think of you. 3) Be sure your patients know you are taking new patients. Have a sign on the wall in each exam room " we would be honored if you would refer your family and friends here - (and list the range of services you provide, as a reminder). Joan E. Wurmbrand MD Group Practice, Suburban - 2 FPs, 1 IM , 1 PA & 1 NP (in a physician-owned PCP organization of 125 docs) In practice since 1982 Former VP Medical Affairs, local community hospital Columbus, Ohio =================================== No matter how long you have been in practice, assume your patient know nothing of the services you offer. Repeat this, in whatever formatt you choose, over and over. After 15 1/2 years in the same location, I have patients regularly tell me that they did not know we have radiology services, full service lab, or see kids. We use yellow pages (we are in a tourist area), newspaper, and best of all, word of mouth through our staff. I have considered, but not started, a bonus system for employees who refer us new patients. Phil Yount, MD FM in rural NC for 15 yrs. Soapware x1.5 yrs =================================== The best bang for the advertising buck I’ve gotten (small town, rural practice) has been "point of purchase" placards I made. The technique: Make or have an artist friend make for you, an 8 ½ x 11" poster advertising your practice. Humor seems to help. Have the posters laminated at Staples, or similar – it should resemble a plastic placemat at this point. Make a template out of stiff cardboard that can be folded into a small box to hold business cards. Make the boxes and stick one to each laminated poster with double-stick tape. Go to local businesses, post office, library, etc and, with permission (hopefully), hang them up. Check periodically to refill the cards. Total cost for the dozen I made was less than $25, plus the cards. More people have entered my practice due to these posters, than any other method I’ve tried. Second best was making slides of the poster, which are shown in a slide show before/between the feature(s) at our local theater. Shown several times daily. Cost: $150/3 months. Newspaper advertising, in my experience, has been a nearly total waste of money. Arp-Sandel, MD 29 Avenue Chatham, NY 12037 office: fax: jarpsandelmd@... =========================== Dex Phone Books What’s a Ride-Along Program? A promotional piece (coupon, magnet or product sample) that rides with the directory, which is delivered to nearly every household and business in Dex’s 14-state region. What are the Benefits? Maximum Visibility: Your ad will be one of the first things customers see when they pick up the book. Powerful Call-to-Action: When a customer can access your information so easily, it helps them respond faster. Economic and Efficient: Your professionally designed Ride-Along piece is sent postage-free and can be delivered to your choice of business, households or both. What are my Options? Total Market Coverage: Delivers your Ride-Along message to the masses. High visibility in front of almost everyone in the region—even non-listed and non-published numbers. 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Guest guest Posted March 17, 2006 Report Share Posted March 17, 2006 n Bobb-McKoy – Congrats on the recognition! I agree with Pam – word of mouth is your best marketing. Having your smiling face at the Health Fair is a great idea. Have your business cards and other info (brochure?) ready to give out. Even doing people’s BPs will help open the door. You already have some great ideas going. A. Eads, M.D. Pinnacle Family Medicine, PLLC phone fax P.O. Box 7275 Woodland Park, CO 80863 From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of n Bobb-McKoy Sent: Monday, March 13, 2006 10:13 PM To: Subject: Re: Re: Marketing Hi All, Reading the current thread with utmost intrigue. I am 2 months into start up of my solo/solo practice about 10 miles from my " day job " that I still work at part time in to cover my living expenses. I live 10 minutes from my office.I take no insurances ...for now..(except will contract with medicare because I fell a duty to) mostly because of the hassle factor and because of what was so eloquently put forth. I feel insurance companies handcuff us. I am totally word of mouth. My " day job " does not know of my start up, therefore I cannot let patients know. It has been a financial struggle as the star up cost was 35K and my expenses are $1500/month and I am not busy. I work out of one room...with a window...and a bathroom ..in a womens center. I use Alteer. I need assistance with marketing. I was recently mentioned in a trade magazine, The Network Journal as one of the best Black docs in the NY metro area (Family Practice). I am trying to capitalize on this by having the local paper run an article. I also have visited local establishments with practice brochures and business cards....including my hair salon, a vitamin/herbal store, art store, massage therapists/ churches/civic groups. There is also a local health fair at the end of April I found out about today that I will get more information on. I am trying to keep costs to a minimum. Any idea where I could get free give aways for the health fair? I don't see pharaceutical reps. Also anyone out there know how to get a low cost website up and running? Any assistance would be appreciated. n Bobb-McKoy,MD Ideal Family Health, P.C. Englewood, NJ 07631 P.S. Pam Wibble, you are an inspiration! Greg & Amy Hinson wrote: Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement. Really some good advice out there and I knew I could count on this group for help. A few comments. It doesn't sound like there is a lot of enthusiasm out there for the idea of changing to a cash-based practice (in spite of this month's FPM journal). And, the more I think about it, I really think that it would create much more anger in my current patient population then actual inconvenience or hardship, enough that I am beginning to see that this is not the best option. I really like the idea of having a cash practice that charges a nominal yearly membership (e.g., maybe $200/yr) and in return for this giving away a yearly wellness visit (to discourage patients from thinking of the practice as a use-only-when-you-need-it urgent care clinic). But, I would upset too many people with the change. Slowing down, in any other way, is going to be tough. I do not have a bad plan to drop, with the exception of Medicare and Medicaid. Opting out of Medicare seems so drastic and I need to learn more about what happens during the following two years if you change your mind. And my Medicaid is primarily obstetrics and well child care. Both make up maybe 30% of my practice. Most of the rest is fee for service BCBS. I am only contracted with two payors, and they both pay fairly well. The problem is demand. The only way I can get by with only seeing 25-30 people/day (and another 15 for my NP) is by spending another 1-2 hours a day answering phone messages and email messages (and providing shoddy care in doing it). Not that the patients are demanding this free service; they'd all be willing to come in if given a slot. So it seems like the only answer is going to be to ramp up the practice. The local hospital is recruiting and has someone in mind they'd like to join me. We could hire a manager. Bring the billing in-house. Hire a nurse or two. But my instincts are telling me that this will all just fuel the fire. It feels like I should be getting smaller, not bigger. Although I love where I live, and want to stay, I love the idea of starting over and doing it right from the beginning. Maybe finding the right area that would support a cash practice, or even a cash housecall practice. And, as long as I am dreaming, use our savings as a safety net while the practice grows by word of mouth alone, by providing the absolute best possible care! Anyway, thanks for the advice, I'll keep you all updated as I explore the option of hiring another physician and trying to tame this beast. Yahoo! Travel Find great deals to the top 10 hottest destinations! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 2006 Report Share Posted March 17, 2006 n Bobb-McKoy – Congrats on the recognition! I agree with Pam – word of mouth is your best marketing. Having your smiling face at the Health Fair is a great idea. Have your business cards and other info (brochure?) ready to give out. Even doing people’s BPs will help open the door. You already have some great ideas going. A. Eads, M.D. Pinnacle Family Medicine, PLLC phone fax P.O. Box 7275 Woodland Park, CO 80863 From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of n Bobb-McKoy Sent: Monday, March 13, 2006 10:13 PM To: Subject: Re: Re: Marketing Hi All, Reading the current thread with utmost intrigue. I am 2 months into start up of my solo/solo practice about 10 miles from my " day job " that I still work at part time in to cover my living expenses. I live 10 minutes from my office.I take no insurances ...for now..(except will contract with medicare because I fell a duty to) mostly because of the hassle factor and because of what was so eloquently put forth. I feel insurance companies handcuff us. I am totally word of mouth. My " day job " does not know of my start up, therefore I cannot let patients know. It has been a financial struggle as the star up cost was 35K and my expenses are $1500/month and I am not busy. I work out of one room...with a window...and a bathroom ..in a womens center. I use Alteer. I need assistance with marketing. I was recently mentioned in a trade magazine, The Network Journal as one of the best Black docs in the NY metro area (Family Practice). I am trying to capitalize on this by having the local paper run an article. I also have visited local establishments with practice brochures and business cards....including my hair salon, a vitamin/herbal store, art store, massage therapists/ churches/civic groups. There is also a local health fair at the end of April I found out about today that I will get more information on. I am trying to keep costs to a minimum. Any idea where I could get free give aways for the health fair? I don't see pharaceutical reps. Also anyone out there know how to get a low cost website up and running? Any assistance would be appreciated. n Bobb-McKoy,MD Ideal Family Health, P.C. Englewood, NJ 07631 P.S. Pam Wibble, you are an inspiration! Greg & Amy Hinson wrote: Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement. Really some good advice out there and I knew I could count on this group for help. A few comments. It doesn't sound like there is a lot of enthusiasm out there for the idea of changing to a cash-based practice (in spite of this month's FPM journal). And, the more I think about it, I really think that it would create much more anger in my current patient population then actual inconvenience or hardship, enough that I am beginning to see that this is not the best option. I really like the idea of having a cash practice that charges a nominal yearly membership (e.g., maybe $200/yr) and in return for this giving away a yearly wellness visit (to discourage patients from thinking of the practice as a use-only-when-you-need-it urgent care clinic). But, I would upset too many people with the change. Slowing down, in any other way, is going to be tough. I do not have a bad plan to drop, with the exception of Medicare and Medicaid. Opting out of Medicare seems so drastic and I need to learn more about what happens during the following two years if you change your mind. And my Medicaid is primarily obstetrics and well child care. Both make up maybe 30% of my practice. Most of the rest is fee for service BCBS. I am only contracted with two payors, and they both pay fairly well. The problem is demand. The only way I can get by with only seeing 25-30 people/day (and another 15 for my NP) is by spending another 1-2 hours a day answering phone messages and email messages (and providing shoddy care in doing it). Not that the patients are demanding this free service; they'd all be willing to come in if given a slot. So it seems like the only answer is going to be to ramp up the practice. The local hospital is recruiting and has someone in mind they'd like to join me. We could hire a manager. Bring the billing in-house. Hire a nurse or two. But my instincts are telling me that this will all just fuel the fire. It feels like I should be getting smaller, not bigger. Although I love where I live, and want to stay, I love the idea of starting over and doing it right from the beginning. Maybe finding the right area that would support a cash practice, or even a cash housecall practice. And, as long as I am dreaming, use our savings as a safety net while the practice grows by word of mouth alone, by providing the absolute best possible care! Anyway, thanks for the advice, I'll keep you all updated as I explore the option of hiring another physician and trying to tame this beast. Yahoo! Travel Find great deals to the top 10 hottest destinations! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 2006 Report Share Posted March 17, 2006 n Bobb-McKoy – Congrats on the recognition! I agree with Pam – word of mouth is your best marketing. Having your smiling face at the Health Fair is a great idea. Have your business cards and other info (brochure?) ready to give out. Even doing people’s BPs will help open the door. You already have some great ideas going. A. Eads, M.D. Pinnacle Family Medicine, PLLC phone fax P.O. Box 7275 Woodland Park, CO 80863 From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of n Bobb-McKoy Sent: Monday, March 13, 2006 10:13 PM To: Subject: Re: Re: Marketing Hi All, Reading the current thread with utmost intrigue. I am 2 months into start up of my solo/solo practice about 10 miles from my " day job " that I still work at part time in to cover my living expenses. I live 10 minutes from my office.I take no insurances ...for now..(except will contract with medicare because I fell a duty to) mostly because of the hassle factor and because of what was so eloquently put forth. I feel insurance companies handcuff us. I am totally word of mouth. My " day job " does not know of my start up, therefore I cannot let patients know. It has been a financial struggle as the star up cost was 35K and my expenses are $1500/month and I am not busy. I work out of one room...with a window...and a bathroom ..in a womens center. I use Alteer. I need assistance with marketing. I was recently mentioned in a trade magazine, The Network Journal as one of the best Black docs in the NY metro area (Family Practice). I am trying to capitalize on this by having the local paper run an article. I also have visited local establishments with practice brochures and business cards....including my hair salon, a vitamin/herbal store, art store, massage therapists/ churches/civic groups. There is also a local health fair at the end of April I found out about today that I will get more information on. I am trying to keep costs to a minimum. Any idea where I could get free give aways for the health fair? I don't see pharaceutical reps. Also anyone out there know how to get a low cost website up and running? Any assistance would be appreciated. n Bobb-McKoy,MD Ideal Family Health, P.C. Englewood, NJ 07631 P.S. Pam Wibble, you are an inspiration! Greg & Amy Hinson wrote: Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement. Really some good advice out there and I knew I could count on this group for help. A few comments. It doesn't sound like there is a lot of enthusiasm out there for the idea of changing to a cash-based practice (in spite of this month's FPM journal). And, the more I think about it, I really think that it would create much more anger in my current patient population then actual inconvenience or hardship, enough that I am beginning to see that this is not the best option. I really like the idea of having a cash practice that charges a nominal yearly membership (e.g., maybe $200/yr) and in return for this giving away a yearly wellness visit (to discourage patients from thinking of the practice as a use-only-when-you-need-it urgent care clinic). But, I would upset too many people with the change. Slowing down, in any other way, is going to be tough. I do not have a bad plan to drop, with the exception of Medicare and Medicaid. Opting out of Medicare seems so drastic and I need to learn more about what happens during the following two years if you change your mind. And my Medicaid is primarily obstetrics and well child care. Both make up maybe 30% of my practice. Most of the rest is fee for service BCBS. I am only contracted with two payors, and they both pay fairly well. The problem is demand. The only way I can get by with only seeing 25-30 people/day (and another 15 for my NP) is by spending another 1-2 hours a day answering phone messages and email messages (and providing shoddy care in doing it). Not that the patients are demanding this free service; they'd all be willing to come in if given a slot. So it seems like the only answer is going to be to ramp up the practice. The local hospital is recruiting and has someone in mind they'd like to join me. We could hire a manager. Bring the billing in-house. Hire a nurse or two. But my instincts are telling me that this will all just fuel the fire. It feels like I should be getting smaller, not bigger. Although I love where I live, and want to stay, I love the idea of starting over and doing it right from the beginning. Maybe finding the right area that would support a cash practice, or even a cash housecall practice. And, as long as I am dreaming, use our savings as a safety net while the practice grows by word of mouth alone, by providing the absolute best possible care! Anyway, thanks for the advice, I'll keep you all updated as I explore the option of hiring another physician and trying to tame this beast. Yahoo! Travel Find great deals to the top 10 hottest destinations! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 26, 2006 Report Share Posted March 26, 2006 n- Sorry I'm so late to post about this. I've gotten way behind in my emails. I also agree about word of mouth. I think in terms of my own time line, the practice really began to pick up steam from the word of mouth effect at about 300-325 patients (took me about 11 months to go from 0 - 325). I think it is slow going until you have that critical mass of about 250 -300 patients, though. What helped me a lot in the beginning were the phlebotomists in the free standing laboratory in the next suite. All of the women that work there have switched over to me; as satisfied patients in my ideal micropractice, they are my best proselytizers. Whenever their clients come and and complain about their own doctors (happens quite often), they just give out my card and send them over to meet me. I think the way the practice is growing is very cool- I have the seed patient 'nidus' effect - one patient brought sequentially both his in-laws, then both his mother and her husband, then his wife, then their son and his wife...., I have an entire connected little neighborhood- all of the five mixed households on a cul de sac, also groups of 3-8 workers from certain local and even non-local businesses. The word of mouth express is fantastic, just takes a while for the momentum to build. As a single mother sole wage earner, I would definitely recommend having a 'day job' while the momentum is building though. Good luck, hang in there, it just seems to take a little time... Lynn Ho > >Reply-To: >To: < > >Subject: RE: Re: Marketing >Date: Thu, 16 Mar 2006 20:43:28 -0500 (EST) > >I will echo the feeling that word-of-mouth is the best way to go. I'm >less than two weeks into the new office, had about 100 patients registered >and have more than 10 people have never met registered because my other >patients suggested it. Two others were recommended to me by a colleague. >It's been a few years since I took the patients at my old job so I forgot >the joy of having the people approach me based on a positive word. > >Nothing can replace a healthy relationship. So work to build them with >all our patients and others will follow. > >Tim > > > n Bobb-McKoy - > > > > > > > > Congrats on the recognition! > > > > > > > > I agree with Pam - word of mouth is your best marketing. Having your > > smiling face at the Health Fair is a great idea. Have your business > > cards and other info (brochure?) ready to give out. Even doing people's > > BPs will help open the door. You already have some great ideas going. > > > > > > > > A. Eads, M.D. > > > > Pinnacle Family Medicine, PLLC > > > > phone fax > > > > P.O. Box 7275 > > > > Woodland Park, CO 80863 > > > > _____ > > > > From: > > [mailto: ] On Behalf Of n > > Bobb-McKoy Sent: Monday, March 13, 2006 10:13 PM > > To: > > Subject: Re: Re: Marketing > > > > > > > > Hi All, > > > > Reading the current thread with utmost intrigue. I am 2 months into > > start up of my solo/solo practice about 10 miles from my " day job " that > > I still work at part time in to cover my living expenses. I live 10 > > minutes from my office.I take no insurances ...for now..(except will > > contract with medicare because I fell a duty to) mostly because of the > > hassle factor and because of what was so eloquently put forth. I feel > > insurance companies handcuff us. I am totally word of mouth. My " day > > job " does not know of my start up, therefore I cannot let patients know. > > It has been a financial struggle as the star up cost was 35K and my > > expenses are $1500/month and I am not busy. I work out of one > > room...with a window...and a bathroom ..in a womens center. I use > > Alteer. I need assistance with marketing. I was recently mentioned in > > a trade magazine, The Network Journal as one of the best Black docs in > > the NY metro area (Family Practice). I am trying to capitalize on this > > by having the local paper run an article. I also have visited local > > establishments with practice brochures and business cards....including > > my hair salon, a vitamin/herbal store, art store, massage therapists/ > > churches/civic groups. There is also a local health fair at the end of > > April I found out about today that I will get more information on. I am > > trying to keep costs to a minimum. Any idea where I could get free give > > aways for the health fair? I don't see pharaceutical reps. Also anyone > > out there know how to get a low cost website up and running? Any > > assistance would be > > appreciated. > > > > n Bobb-McKoy,MD > > > > Ideal Family Health, P.C. > > > > Englewood, NJ 07631 > > > > > > > > P.S. > > > > Pam Wibble, you are an inspiration! > > > > Greg & Amy Hinson wrote: > > > > Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement. Really some good > > advice out there and I knew I could count on this group for help. > > > > A few comments. It doesn't sound like there is a lot of enthusiasm out > > there for the idea of changing to a cash-based practice (in spite of > > this month's FPM journal). And, the more I think about it, I really > > think that it would create much more anger in my current patient > > population then actual inconvenience or hardship, enough that I am > > beginning to see that this is not the best option. I really like the > > idea of having a cash practice that charges a nominal yearly > > membership (e.g., maybe $200/yr) and in return for this giving away a > > yearly wellness visit (to discourage patients from thinking of the > > practice as a use-only-when-you-need-it urgent care clinic). But, I > > would upset too many people with the change. > > > > Slowing down, in any other way, is going to be tough. I do not have a > > bad plan to drop, with the exception of Medicare and Medicaid. Opting > > out of Medicare seems so drastic and I need to learn more about what > > happens during the following two years if you change your mind. And my > > Medicaid is primarily obstetrics and well child care. Both make up maybe > > 30% of my practice. Most of the rest is fee for service BCBS. I am only > > contracted with two payors, and they both pay fairly well. > > > > The problem is demand. The only way I can get by with only seeing > > 25-30 people/day (and another 15 for my NP) is by spending another 1-2 > > hours a day answering phone messages and email messages (and providing > > shoddy care in doing it). Not that the patients are demanding this free > > service; they'd all be willing to come in if given a slot. > > > > So it seems like the only answer is going to be to ramp up the > > practice. The local hospital is recruiting and has someone in mind > > they'd like to join me. We could hire a manager. Bring the billing > > in-house. Hire a nurse or two. > > > > But my instincts are telling me that this will all just fuel the fire. > > It feels like I should be getting smaller, not bigger. > > > > Although I love where I live, and want to stay, I love the idea of > > starting over and doing it right from the beginning. Maybe finding the > > right area that would support a cash practice, or even a cash > > housecall practice. And, as long as I am dreaming, use our savings as a > > safety net while the practice grows by word of mouth alone, by > > providing the absolute best possible care! > > > > Anyway, thanks for the advice, I'll keep you all updated as I explore > > the option of hiring another physician and trying to tame this beast. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _____ > > > > Yahoo! Travel > > Find > > ><http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylc=X3oDMTFscDlocTFiBF9TAzMyOTc1MDIEX3MDMjcxOTQ4MQ > > >Rwb3MDMgRzZWMDbWFpbC1mb290ZXIEc2xrA3l0LXR0/SIG=12hqieud9/**http%3a/leisure.t > > ravelocity.com/Promotions/0,,YHOE%7c1381%7cvacs_main,00.html> great > > deals to the top 10 hottest destinations! > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 26, 2006 Report Share Posted March 26, 2006 n- Sorry I'm so late to post about this. I've gotten way behind in my emails. I also agree about word of mouth. I think in terms of my own time line, the practice really began to pick up steam from the word of mouth effect at about 300-325 patients (took me about 11 months to go from 0 - 325). I think it is slow going until you have that critical mass of about 250 -300 patients, though. What helped me a lot in the beginning were the phlebotomists in the free standing laboratory in the next suite. All of the women that work there have switched over to me; as satisfied patients in my ideal micropractice, they are my best proselytizers. Whenever their clients come and and complain about their own doctors (happens quite often), they just give out my card and send them over to meet me. I think the way the practice is growing is very cool- I have the seed patient 'nidus' effect - one patient brought sequentially both his in-laws, then both his mother and her husband, then his wife, then their son and his wife...., I have an entire connected little neighborhood- all of the five mixed households on a cul de sac, also groups of 3-8 workers from certain local and even non-local businesses. The word of mouth express is fantastic, just takes a while for the momentum to build. As a single mother sole wage earner, I would definitely recommend having a 'day job' while the momentum is building though. Good luck, hang in there, it just seems to take a little time... Lynn Ho > >Reply-To: >To: < > >Subject: RE: Re: Marketing >Date: Thu, 16 Mar 2006 20:43:28 -0500 (EST) > >I will echo the feeling that word-of-mouth is the best way to go. I'm >less than two weeks into the new office, had about 100 patients registered >and have more than 10 people have never met registered because my other >patients suggested it. Two others were recommended to me by a colleague. >It's been a few years since I took the patients at my old job so I forgot >the joy of having the people approach me based on a positive word. > >Nothing can replace a healthy relationship. So work to build them with >all our patients and others will follow. > >Tim > > > n Bobb-McKoy - > > > > > > > > Congrats on the recognition! > > > > > > > > I agree with Pam - word of mouth is your best marketing. Having your > > smiling face at the Health Fair is a great idea. Have your business > > cards and other info (brochure?) ready to give out. Even doing people's > > BPs will help open the door. You already have some great ideas going. > > > > > > > > A. Eads, M.D. > > > > Pinnacle Family Medicine, PLLC > > > > phone fax > > > > P.O. Box 7275 > > > > Woodland Park, CO 80863 > > > > _____ > > > > From: > > [mailto: ] On Behalf Of n > > Bobb-McKoy Sent: Monday, March 13, 2006 10:13 PM > > To: > > Subject: Re: Re: Marketing > > > > > > > > Hi All, > > > > Reading the current thread with utmost intrigue. I am 2 months into > > start up of my solo/solo practice about 10 miles from my " day job " that > > I still work at part time in to cover my living expenses. I live 10 > > minutes from my office.I take no insurances ...for now..(except will > > contract with medicare because I fell a duty to) mostly because of the > > hassle factor and because of what was so eloquently put forth. I feel > > insurance companies handcuff us. I am totally word of mouth. My " day > > job " does not know of my start up, therefore I cannot let patients know. > > It has been a financial struggle as the star up cost was 35K and my > > expenses are $1500/month and I am not busy. I work out of one > > room...with a window...and a bathroom ..in a womens center. I use > > Alteer. I need assistance with marketing. I was recently mentioned in > > a trade magazine, The Network Journal as one of the best Black docs in > > the NY metro area (Family Practice). I am trying to capitalize on this > > by having the local paper run an article. I also have visited local > > establishments with practice brochures and business cards....including > > my hair salon, a vitamin/herbal store, art store, massage therapists/ > > churches/civic groups. There is also a local health fair at the end of > > April I found out about today that I will get more information on. I am > > trying to keep costs to a minimum. Any idea where I could get free give > > aways for the health fair? I don't see pharaceutical reps. Also anyone > > out there know how to get a low cost website up and running? Any > > assistance would be > > appreciated. > > > > n Bobb-McKoy,MD > > > > Ideal Family Health, P.C. > > > > Englewood, NJ 07631 > > > > > > > > P.S. > > > > Pam Wibble, you are an inspiration! > > > > Greg & Amy Hinson wrote: > > > > Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement. Really some good > > advice out there and I knew I could count on this group for help. > > > > A few comments. It doesn't sound like there is a lot of enthusiasm out > > there for the idea of changing to a cash-based practice (in spite of > > this month's FPM journal). And, the more I think about it, I really > > think that it would create much more anger in my current patient > > population then actual inconvenience or hardship, enough that I am > > beginning to see that this is not the best option. I really like the > > idea of having a cash practice that charges a nominal yearly > > membership (e.g., maybe $200/yr) and in return for this giving away a > > yearly wellness visit (to discourage patients from thinking of the > > practice as a use-only-when-you-need-it urgent care clinic). But, I > > would upset too many people with the change. > > > > Slowing down, in any other way, is going to be tough. I do not have a > > bad plan to drop, with the exception of Medicare and Medicaid. Opting > > out of Medicare seems so drastic and I need to learn more about what > > happens during the following two years if you change your mind. And my > > Medicaid is primarily obstetrics and well child care. Both make up maybe > > 30% of my practice. Most of the rest is fee for service BCBS. I am only > > contracted with two payors, and they both pay fairly well. > > > > The problem is demand. The only way I can get by with only seeing > > 25-30 people/day (and another 15 for my NP) is by spending another 1-2 > > hours a day answering phone messages and email messages (and providing > > shoddy care in doing it). Not that the patients are demanding this free > > service; they'd all be willing to come in if given a slot. > > > > So it seems like the only answer is going to be to ramp up the > > practice. The local hospital is recruiting and has someone in mind > > they'd like to join me. We could hire a manager. Bring the billing > > in-house. Hire a nurse or two. > > > > But my instincts are telling me that this will all just fuel the fire. > > It feels like I should be getting smaller, not bigger. > > > > Although I love where I live, and want to stay, I love the idea of > > starting over and doing it right from the beginning. Maybe finding the > > right area that would support a cash practice, or even a cash > > housecall practice. And, as long as I am dreaming, use our savings as a > > safety net while the practice grows by word of mouth alone, by > > providing the absolute best possible care! > > > > Anyway, thanks for the advice, I'll keep you all updated as I explore > > the option of hiring another physician and trying to tame this beast. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _____ > > > > Yahoo! Travel > > Find > > ><http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylc=X3oDMTFscDlocTFiBF9TAzMyOTc1MDIEX3MDMjcxOTQ4MQ > > >Rwb3MDMgRzZWMDbWFpbC1mb290ZXIEc2xrA3l0LXR0/SIG=12hqieud9/**http%3a/leisure.t > > ravelocity.com/Promotions/0,,YHOE%7c1381%7cvacs_main,00.html> great > > deals to the top 10 hottest destinations! > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 29, 2006 Report Share Posted March 29, 2006 Many thanks to everyone for their marketing input. BTW someone wanted to know how my "day job" doesn't know about my solo/solo office and they are only 10 miles apart. Well, my solo/solo office is in another state(suburbanNJ) and my "day job" is in New York City(separated by a bridge). Worlds apart on many levels. Although eventually I will be "found out." I am ok with that now. nlynn ho wrote: n-Sorry I'm so late to post about this. I've gotten way behind in my emails.I also agree about word of mouth. I think in terms of my own time line, the practice really began to pick up steam from the word of mouth effect at about 300-325 patients (took me about 11 months to go from 0 - 325). I think it is slow going until you have that critical mass of about 250 -300 patients, though. What helped me a lot in the beginning were the phlebotomists in the free standing laboratory in the next suite. All of the women that work there have switched over to me; as satisfied patients in my ideal micropractice, they are my best proselytizers. Whenever their clients come and and complain about their own doctors (happens quite often), they just give out my card and send them over to meet me.I think the way the practice is growing is very cool- I have the seed patient 'nidus' effect - one patient brought sequentially both his in-laws, then both his mother and her husband, then his wife, then their son and his wife...., I have an entire connected little neighborhood- all of the five mixed households on a cul de sac, also groups of 3-8 workers from certain local and even non-local businesses. The word of mouth express is fantastic, just takes a while for the momentum to build.As a single mother sole wage earner, I would definitely recommend having a 'day job' while the momentum is building though.Good luck, hang in there, it just seems to take a little time...Lynn Ho>>Reply-To: >To: < >>Subject: RE: Re: Marketing>Date: Thu, 16 Mar 2006 20:43:28 -0500 (EST)>>I will echo the feeling that word-of-mouth is the best way to go. I'm>less than two weeks into the new office, had about 100 patients registered>and have more than 10 people have never met registered because my other>patients suggested it. Two others were recommended to me by a colleague.>It's been a few years since I took the patients at my old job so I forgot>the joy of having the people approach me based on a positive word.>>Nothing can replace a healthy relationship. So work to build them with>all our patients and others will follow.>>Tim>> > n Bobb-McKoy -> >> >> >> > Congrats on the recognition!> >> >> >> > I agree with Pam - word of mouth is your best marketing. Having your> > smiling face at the Health Fair is a great idea. Have your business> > cards and other info (brochure?) ready to give out. Even doing people's> > BPs will help open the door. You already have some great ideas going.> >> >> >> > A. Eads, M.D.> >> > Pinnacle Family Medicine, PLLC> >> > phone fax> >> > P.O. Box 7275> >> > Woodland Park, CO 80863> >> > _____> >> > From: > > [mailto: ] On Behalf Of n> > Bobb-McKoy Sent: Monday, March 13, 2006 10:13 PM> > To: > > Subject: Re: Re: Marketing> >> >> >> > Hi All,> >> > Reading the current thread with utmost intrigue. I am 2 months into> > start up of my solo/solo practice about 10 miles from my "day job" that> > I still work at part time in to cover my living expenses. I live 10> > minutes from my office.I take no insurances ...for now..(except will> > contract with medicare because I fell a duty to) mostly because of the> > hassle factor and because of what was so eloquently put forth. I feel> > insurance companies handcuff us. I am totally word of mouth. My "day> > job" does not know of my start up, therefore I cannot let patients know.> > It has been a financial struggle as the star up cost was 35K and my> > expenses are $1500/month and I am not busy. I work out of one> > room...with a window...and a bathroom ..in a womens center. I use> > Alteer. I need assistance with marketing. I was recently mentioned in> > a trade magazine, The Network Journal as one of the best Black docs in> > the NY metro area (Family Practice). I am trying to capitalize on this> > by having the local paper run an article. I also have visited local> > establishments with practice brochures and business cards....including> > my hair salon, a vitamin/herbal store, art store, massage therapists/> > churches/civic groups. There is also a local health fair at the end of> > April I found out about today that I will get more information on. I am> > trying to keep costs to a minimum. Any idea where I could get free give> > aways for the health fair? I don't see pharaceutical reps. Also anyone> > out there know how to get a low cost website up and running? Any> > assistance would be> > appreciated.> >> > n Bobb-McKoy,MD> >> > Ideal Family Health, P.C.> >> > Englewood, NJ 07631> >> >> >> > P.S.> >> > Pam Wibble, you are an inspiration!> >> > Greg & Amy Hinson wrote:> >> > Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement. Really some good> > advice out there and I knew I could count on this group for help.> >> > A few comments. It doesn't sound like there is a lot of enthusiasm out> > there for the idea of changing to a cash-based practice (in spite of> > this month's FPM journal). And, the more I think about it, I really> > think that it would create much more anger in my current patient> > population then actual inconvenience or hardship, enough that I am> > beginning to see that this is not the best option. I really like the> > idea of having a cash practice that charges a nominal yearly> > membership (e.g., maybe $200/yr) and in return for this giving away a> > yearly wellness visit (to discourage patients from thinking of the> > practice as a use-only-when-you-need-it urgent care clinic). But, I> > would upset too many people with the change.> >> > Slowing down, in any other way, is going to be tough. I do not have a> > bad plan to drop, with the exception of Medicare and Medicaid. Opting> > out of Medicare seems so drastic and I need to learn more about what> > happens during the following two years if you change your mind. And my> > Medicaid is primarily obstetrics and well child care. Both make up maybe> > 30% of my practice. Most of the rest is fee for service BCBS. I am only> > contracted with two payors, and they both pay fairly well.> >> > The problem is demand. The only way I can get by with only seeing> > 25-30 people/day (and another 15 for my NP) is by spending another 1-2> > hours a day answering phone messages and email messages (and providing> > shoddy care in doing it). Not that the patients are demanding this free> > service; they'd all be willing to come in if given a slot.> >> > So it seems like the only answer is going to be to ramp up the> > practice. The local hospital is recruiting and has someone in mind> > they'd like to join me. We could hire a manager. Bring the billing> > in-house. Hire a nurse or two.> >> > But my instincts are telling me that this will all just fuel the fire.> > It feels like I should be getting smaller, not bigger.> >> > Although I love where I live, and want to stay, I love the idea of> > starting over and doing it right from the beginning. Maybe finding the> > right area that would support a cash practice, or even a cash> > housecall practice. And, as long as I am dreaming, use our savings as a> > safety net while the practice grows by word of mouth alone, by> > providing the absolute best possible care!> >> > Anyway, thanks for the advice, I'll keep you all updated as I explore> > the option of hiring another physician and trying to tame this beast.> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > _____> >> > Yahoo! Travel> > Find> > ><http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylc=X3oDMTFscDlocTFiBF9TAzMyOTc1MDIEX3MDMjcxOTQ4MQ> > >Rwb3MDMgRzZWMDbWFpbC1mb290ZXIEc2xrA3l0LXR0/SIG=12hqieud9/**http%3a/leisure.t> > ravelocity.com/Promotions/0,,YHOE%7c1381%7cvacs_main,00.html> great> > deals to the top 10 hottest destinations!> >> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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