Thursday, February 26, 2015

PT Websites

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Physical therapists are having a difficult time getting their clients to walk through the door. There is plenty of demand for physical therapist services and plenty of physical therapists but something is missing. What these doctors don’t learning school is how to market themselves. They can help fix your whiplash or massage you knee to bring you back to functioning but they are not taught how to get patients through the door. So what do you do?
First thing a patient will most likely see is your website. It is imperative to make a good first impression be sure your site is clear and concise. You want your potential patient to know the services you offer and other important information like locations and accepted insurance. Over time you can add patient testimonials to your private practice site to increase credibility and reputation.
It’s important to be creative and think outside the office. Local events can be a great opportunity for you to broadcast yourself to the community. Never underestimate an opportunity to get our name out there or that little rectangular card. A business card is the one physical thing a potential patient can walk away with after meeting you. Hand them out whenever you can and keep ample amount with you at all times.
The little details are very important. Stick to your scheduled times to make the patient feel like their time is respected, and they will respect yours. Provide clear instructions for at home exercises and references they can use to help them in case they forget. Always provide ample resources and contact information if necessary. In the beginning acquiring patients will take some effort but once you are established you can improve your website and pamphlets. The possibilities are endless!

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Physical Therapy Scandals

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Physical Therapy has been known for several years to be something that is helpful, reliable and trustworthy. What would happen if that trust was broken? Well, it certain parts of the country, that is happening. It is illegal for a physical therapist to work for medical corporations. If a physical therapists has their own practice and your primary doctor wants to give you a referral or recommendation, that’s fine. However, once the doctor provides you with a physical therapist that “works” for them, there is trouble. If a doctor owns a physical therapy clinic, then they may over-prescribe patients to the clinic in order to benefit themselves. Doctors who conduct these actions have stacked up millions of dollars from healthcare. Not only are they gaining a handful of money from their patients, but the services they are providing for their patients are extremely poor to many who have experience.
In California, NBC has reported several cases of this type of action. Patients who were suffering from serious pain and injuries believed that their pain would go away quickly after a speedy recovery from physical therapy. Nevertheless, they found that their pain was staying or in some cases, getting worse. Some of the physical therapists that the doctors would reffer their patients to were not even licensed physical therapists. That’s right, unqualified people were handling the bodies and well being of many americans. According to a patient that was shown on NBC, she claimed that she would only have a 15-minute sessions instead of 45 minutes. She also stated that the sessions were not supervised very well and no attention was shown to her during her visits. This same patient explained how she saw the physical therapist’s assistant once, and even saw an intern when the assistant and physical therapists were both out; the patient was still charged the same amount–even for the intern.
Imagine working with an intern who is still currently in school, and probably only has a bachelor’s degree or no degree at all. That person is claiming to be your physical therapists and charging you the same funds as a licensed and well-experienced physical therapists would. Actions against the illegal activities are being put into place very soon, but have yet to be acted upon as of now. In California, press releases and coverage on major news stations is helping in spreading the word on watch to be watchful for when seeking a physical therapist.
It is imperative that your body is the hands of the right individual, a trustful, experienced and honest physician who will provide you with the help you need in order to feel pain-free and healthy. When searching for a physical therapist, do your research. It is always good to do your research before doing anything, but when it comes to your physical well being, it is extra important. Most physicians around the country are highly trustworthy and professional. Therefore, there is no need to worry too much. Just make sure that you are not being taken advantage of when it comes to getting the proper and deserved treatment you need and getting it done at an affordable and appropriate price.

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Develop Your Marketing Strategy

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One of the most important parts of building your business in the world today is the strategy you use in order to build the company of your desire. The first step is setting the foundation, which is letting others know about the practice and the services implemented in your practice. This is then followed by the reassurance that your practice is the best fit when it comes to fulfilling the needs of the clients. It is important to devise a plan that will best fit your business, which ultimately will target future referral sources.
A referral source is very valuable. It develops relationships, lessens marketing costs, and helps gain experience for future wisdom in the direction you’d like to take. You can develop these referrals and relationships by taking a long-term approach and taking the time to understand the needs of the clients that you encounter. It is also important to take the time to understand the needs and ensure quality. A quality relationship is key in building referral sources as well as what they’d like their present and future results to be. Once you can identify their needs, it is your job to accommodate your clients to the best of your ability.
When it comes to taking care of your clients, you must have stable communication, and it is important to give back, whether it is giving back in gratitude, or business opportunity. You can endorse business opportunities such as joining a board that they have or recommend, attending an event, supporting their efforts, and being consistent in acknowledging their motives.
Building a substantial referral source is important for all businesses and the opportunities that can rise. Remember to devise a plan, set goals, and be patient, and always take care of the relationships you build with clients. With patients come virtue; take the initiative to build your business!