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Ever think that cash-based practices can only work and be successful in larger metropolitan areas? With lots of wealthy people? Today’s interviewee, Brenda Shelton PT, is a great example why that’s just not true. She is one of a growing number of successful out-of-network clinics in smaller communities and rural areas, and discusses how referral sources and marketing change when you move from the insurance-based realm into the cash-based model. She’s been a PT for nearly 40 years, has had her private-pay practice for 10 years, and plans to treat patients for many years to come because her practice is so enjoyable and accommodating to the life she wants to lead.
In this episode, we discuss these cash-practice topics:
- Her entry into private practice after nearly 30 years in the PT field
- What skills she has acquired to make her practice successful
- The characteristics of the people in her small community that make a cash-based practice viable there (hint: it’s not wealth. AND she’s not the only cash practice in town)
- How she ended up getting more physician referrals over time even though she struggled to do so when starting out
- Medicare and her newfound clarity on its regulations and her ability to see beneficiaries
- An often omitted piece of info for self-claim receipts that will cause reimbursement denials
- How she utilizes orthotics to add to her revenue and add to the value she can bring to her patients
Resources and Links mentioned in this episode:
- My interview with Nancy Beckley on HIPAA and Medicare regulations
- The Mulligan Concept – fantastic manual therapy continuing education
Interested in the cash-based private practice model?
Click Here to learn how to start your own Cash-Based Practice
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Cracks me up listening to this the day it published because we just came out of 2+ weeks of cold (sometimes freezing) rainy weather. I guess I was bragging about Austin weather a little too soon when I recorded the episode!
Brenda i really enjoyed hearing your approach to private practice cash based. It reminds me if a small Yoga practice who converted her house to be her studio and she resides in a very rural part of southern west Miami Fl. Her clients have no problem paying to attend her classes because of her expertise and passion for what she gives them.
I find your orthotic making to be a great approach to improving patient outcomes and longevity of recovery. I’ve had some interest in the past but difficulty finding any vourses for PT’S.
Do you know of any CEU courses designed for a physical therapist wanting to learn your approach of orthotic making?
Matthew,
I’m so glad you enjoyed the podast. It was quite fun to do. Jarod is great
facilitator. I learn a lot from his podcasts.
In answer to your question, I have not come across any CE classes that teach how to make orthotics, except ones that show you how to mold for the kind that you send away to have made. I am very fortunate to know the lady who started making these kind, and she was willing to train me. Sorry.
Brenda Shelton PT, MP
Thanks for sharing your experiences! I am particularly interested in how you were able to continue your education, specialize orthotics, and open this cash based practice while being a mother of 3. I am a 15 year practicing PT in an orthopedic setting and have been mulling over this cashed based practice idea for a year now. I am going to be a mom of 3 at the end of the year and find it difficult to find time to enrich myself the way I would like to. (Sleep deprivation plays a role…) Any words of wisdom for someone like me to get started?
Thanks!
Jenny
Jenny,
It sounds like your children are still real young. You have a right to feel over-
whelmed. I guess my suggestion to you is timing. You will know when it is the right time to go out on your own. When my kids were young i only worked two days a week. When they were in JR.High/High School, i went to three dyas a week. I could get away 2-3 weekends /year to go to Continuting Ed courses as my husband helped a lot. When I started my own private practice, my two oldest were in college and my daughter in high school, so I had a lot more free time. Keep your dream alive and it will happen. Also, the fact that we had space at our home to have a nice size office for me that was seperate of the house, i didn’t have to pay rent. My husband has a good full time job so as it took me awhile to build up a good patient load, we still had a good income. I am very fortunate and greatly appreciate all that I have. I wilsh you good luck and patience. Brenda Shelton PT, CMP
My hat goes off to both of you and any other practice owner out there with a spouse and children. I don’t know how you do it all!!
Thank you both for your encouragement and insight! This all helps me in my reality! All of you who have helped share all your wisdom has helped those of us with all those questions in various situations in the PT world!
You are most welcome!
Matt,
I took a course by Brian Hoke, who, also partnered with vasyli orthotics. During the course we learned how to biomechanically evaluate the foot and ankle and screen for proximal effects on the ankle/foot complex. He also has a prefabricated orthotic that you can add posting too, if yoy learned and applied what he taught in class well. Another great podcast, thanks Jarod!
Thanks for sharing, Gary, and thanks for the kind words.