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The Six Most Common Roadblocks To an Extraordinary Practice
Time after time, while consulting with clients, I have the chance to observe what makes a practice extraordinary. Universally, patterns emerge. Almost always, there are six basic tools employed the most successful, modern practices that are almost always missing in the office that fails to reach its full potential.
The good news is that these tools are available those who want to invest time and effort into properly structured foundation of modern private health care practices. The fact of the matter is, change has occurred so rapidly that what worked even five years ago now, in many cases is obsolete and quite likely ineffective.
The first most common roadblock in today's office is the absence of a cyclical calendar of events and promotions. I consider this a core system in every office. Realistically, the competitive nature today's private practice makes a detailed calendar of events and promotions mandatory. This enables staff and the doctor both know exactly what's expected daily, weekly and monthly to provide effective execution of the plan.
Now, this can be something as simple as a pencil taken to a paper. The good news is, that once this is effectively developed, with minor modifications, it can be used as a template year after year.
The second roadblock that most doctors encounter, or more accurately create, is staffing with antiquated systems or no real systems at all. Doctors do not perform background checks, and perhaps most importantly fail to provide guidelines for their employees. The fact is that any modern office will not tolerate waste in time or actions.
Skills testing today must include rapid keyboarding skills, accurate filing and effective communications and time management. It is your responsibility to other team members to make sure the inherent capacity is there to perform as a team player as the practice expands.
The third area that also requires a substantial attention today's practices is the Finance Department. If you choose to participate in any third-party plans, you must thoroughly understand what constitutes covered and non-covered services, and exactly what expected reimbursement will be, and how long it will take. Also you need to be sure that participation in these plans does not automatically include you in other plans, without your knowledge and consent.
Perhaps the biggest mistake is not having a comprehensive system in place to collect on non-covered services as well as self-paying patients. This is where you really need to do your homework, and understand thoroughly what to today's patients are looking for in their doctor's well what they will gladly pay for.
The fourth area that needs significant attention is how the patient report of findings and care plans are performed and administered. Right from the start, your entire team needs to communicate that patient compliance with your recommendations is going to be essential to achieve results they are seeking. Explanations as to why a particular treatment plan is suggested, need to be simple, yet adequate, and always is based upon truth, and not fiction.
Within this area of practice, I find the most overlooked impact on a patient's compliance is thoroughness of the patient's first visit. As I tell all my clients, simply is a good doctor first. Perform any Essential diagnostic tests before treating your patients, regardless of third-party incentives not too. Patients and their Families, long remember the doctor who makes an accurate diagnosis, and presents a care plan that gets the patient better within reasonable time frames and finances.
The fifth roadblock, and a component of practice that is all too often missing today are giving patients the big picture of health. I believe that for today's doctors effective, they must live the message they are attempting to communicate. This includes practicing, and advocating the lifestyles and systems of health care that promotes long-term health, fitness, and overall life satisfaction and personal fulfillment.
Some of these components may very well include the practice of well patient care, dietary supplements, massage, fitness programs and physical therapy. Also essential, is that today's doctors and their teams are effective at sharing this extraordinarily valuable information with their family and friends, as well as their children, and the community at large
Lastly, one of the biggest factors that leads to burn out and dissatisfaction in practice is doctors is not having enough time away from the office. The realities are that to maintain a private practice requires extreme physical demands, and taxes your mental, well as emotional capacities. There is no way that you or I, will ever perform near our capabilities, without being adequately rested and completely healthy.
In order to do this, it is essential to be as effective as possible while in the office, as well with your financial management. Indeed, your goal should be to increase your efficiency and effectiveness in the office more to each passing year so that you in fact see more patient visits in less time.
This balanced approach to your lifestyle allows you to pursue new and other interests in your time off that keeps you fresh, and passionate about what you do, for many years to come.
In summary, failure to think critically about all these issues, and their long-term impact on your personal goals and lifestyle will have a significant impact on so many areas of your life.
This is why, we advocate the doctors of the future only continue to Practice by Design ™, not by default.
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