The Health Hub Practice Model.
By Gene Shirokobrod, PT, DPT; Ryan Smith, PT, DPT; and Ben Fung, PT, DPT, MBA
Innovation is often associated with creating something novel. Rarely is innovation associated with the connections of multiple perspectives or a combination of ideas; typically, business strategists refer to this as “disruption.” A new approach that places “health” first and “care” second is emerging as a blue ocean space to an increasingly savvy base of health literate consumers, a space where disruption can open the way to innovation for private practitioners.
GOLF AND THE PRIVATE PRACTICE PHYSICAL THERAPIST.
By Brian R. Hoke, PT, DPT
The sun creeps over a rugged mountain in the distance accompanied by the smell of freshly cut fairways. The golfer leans over to put his ball on a tee as his three golfing buddies watch to see how the day will begin. He makes a few low-speed practice swings and then sets himself up for his first shot of the day. His backswing is slow and deliberate, and his body coils until there is a brief pause and the club stops momentarily. As the downswing begins, there is a rapid release of energy as the club travels down to the ball with a crisp impact. The ball accelerates and rises over the morning mist, arcing upward then descending back to earth to a spot in the middle of the soft green grass hundreds of yards away.
What exactly is professional development and why is it important?
By John Lowe, PT
Managing any business entails being responsible for certain aspects of the business that are essential to its continued operation. These typically include making sure employees and bills are being paid in a timely manner, following up on the status of accounts receivable, dealing with landlords and other vendors, and in the case of health care facilities making sure that the facility is prepared to pass audits. Physical therapy managers are also frequently required to generate revenue. And last but definitely not least they have a responsibility to and for their employees.
The right technology can improve operations and your bottom line.
By Brian J. Gallagher, PT*
In today’s world, we could not imagine running our private practice without the proper electronic medical record (EMR) system in place. Not that long ago many therapists’ documentation of sessions consisted of handwritten notes that were often illegible and/or incomplete. This made it difficult for coworkers and payers to review notes and get the accurate information needed about a patient’s care. We not only needed an improved system for documentation, but we also needed enhanced technology that could bring together multiple systems of control into one area. As a result, we now have a wide range of EMR systems available to us that offer scheduling, billing, and practice management solutions in one product. Another technology tool that can help us in our day-to-day practice is the use of virtual or video technology. But first, let’s start with EMR.
How physical therapists can thrive in tomorrow’s market.
By Brett Roberts, PT, DPT
“Your economic security does not lie in your job; it lies in your own power to produce—to think, to learn, to create, to adapt…”1 —Stephen Covey
Our profession is in need of a change in focus. Specifically, the focus of our professional training, which has been too clinically based, much to our unintended detriment. Unless we recreate our profession to include understanding of the economics of health care and best business practices, we run the risk of becoming obsolete in the ever-changing health care market. As patient responsibility for health care decisions increases, our ability to accurately discuss our value in that system will provide us with the economic security that Covey mentions.
