I thought it would be helpful to create a resource page that you can always come to for all of your private patient needs. I’ll add to it as I learn more, but you’ll notice that in the future I will reference this page quite often. I recommend bookmarking it for your reference and convenience. Enjoy!
Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links to products that will earn me a commission. These are all things that I have experience with that I am recommending because they are helpful and are companies that I trust, not because of the commissions that I may earn from you using these products.
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AVAILABLE NOW!
The Independent Clinician Guide to Private Patients will walk you step-by-step through the process of learning to successfully start your own private therapy business.
From documentation to liability, marketing to taxes and becoming a health insurance provider, this book will give you the knowledge and confidence you need to get started!
You’ve always wanted to have your own private practice. Here’s the information you need!
COMING SOON!
The Independent Clinician Guide to Creating a Web Presence will take you step-by-step through creating a professional website, making sure it’s found in search engines like Google and effectively using social media to connect with referral sources and build your brand.
Private patients are looking for you online. Will you be there for them?
Every week a new article related to developing and maintaining a successful private patient business will be posted. Make sure you don’t miss the next article by signing up and entering your e-mail address!
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Weebly: Even if you’re not computer savvy- you can create a great looking site quickly, easily and cheaply with Weebly. “Website creation made easy” is Weebly’s tagline; for good reason. Weebly is an easy drag & drop interface that is the easiest way to create a professional looking website. While you can do a free site/domain with them, it will be for example, www.jenacasbon.weebly.com. I highly recommend spending a few extra dollars and actually purchasing a domain name. It’s much more professional looking!
FatCow: If you’re a bit more computer savvy, I recommend FatCow (which is what I use) Athough they have a funny name, FatCow has been a great company to work with. They have tons of easy to follow “how-to” videos and templates so that your site will look great in no time. Oh- and they have tools to help your site be easily found by patients who are looking for services in their area.
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Bookkeeping
Whether you have one private patient or thirty, you need to keep track of your income and expenses. If you’re
anything like me, numbers give you a headache and the thought of doing your own bookkeeping seems overwhelming. I recently found a fantastic solution to keep my income, expenses and quarterly estimated taxes organized and efficient: Outright. I was getting very close to hiring a bookkeeper- but now I don’t have to. Outright has a Free Trial, after which is is $9.99/month (MUCH less than a bookkeeper and just as good!)
Billing
Freshbooks:A simple way to send invoices to your patients. Add the service dates and your hourly rate and then either print, e-mail or snail mail the invoice to your patient. Quick, easy AND both you and your patient have records of service for tax purposes.
With Pragmatic Practice, you can create insurance claims and bills in minutes.
Easy to use, affordable and HIPAA compliant.
Finances
ING Direct: High interest savings accounts are key to help get ahead. While interest rates aren’t what they used to be, you still want to get the highest one you can.
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VistaPrint: I order all of my business cards, flyers, postcards, return address labels, etc. from VistaPrint. They have high quality products that are easy to design yourself and ship quickly. Save up to 80% on custom printed products at Vistaprint. Order today!
Angela P., Speech-Language Pathologist commented, “I ordered my new business cards from them and they are BEAUTIFUL!!”
CareResourcesLocator.com: An online directory of nursing homes, hospice care, Alzheimer’s Care, assisted living, convalescent homes, and caregivers which assists with the needs of ill and those with special needs.
OnePlaceForSpecialNeeds.com:Acts as a bridge between families that are looking for resources and professionals/organizations that offer programs and services to the disability community. Create a free profile to promote your services and programs!
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Electronic Medical Records
Interested in going paperless? There are several different options out there
for using electronic medical records for your private practice. My favorite? Practice Fusion. Practice Fusion is quickly becoming a leader in helping both small practices and large clinics make the transition to electronic health records. It’s easy to learn, intuitive and the best part?
It’s FREE. Sign up now!
Books
Deduct It!: Lower Your Small Business Taxes
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Uncertainty: Turning Fear and Doubt into Fuel for Brilliance
1-800 Number & Local Number
Want to promote your practice in a professional way (that also protects your privacy?) There are two services that I suggest for you to use.
Google Voice is a free service from Google that allows you to have a local phone number and voicemail. Voicemails are translated and can even be e-mailed or texted to you. This is probably a better option for solo practitioners vs. larger practices.
Grasshopper is a virtual phone system with either a 1-800 number or local number with a custom greeting. You can have unlimited extensions (great for different employees/staff) and you can get your voicemails on your cell phone. This is a very professional and affordable way to have a toll free or local number (vs. say adding a business line with AT&T). Click here for a $50 discount.
Writing Your Own eBook
- Sticky eBooks: Always wanted to be an author? See a gap in GOOD information available for patients, families, fellow clinicians or the public? If so, check out eBook Evolution by Kelly Kingman and Pamela Wilson. These two women take you step-by-step through writing, creating and launching your own eBook.
For Physical Therapists
- Physical Therapy Marketing Success: Physical Therapy Marketing Success – Proven Step-by-Step Marketing System Designed Specifically For Physical Therapists. Click Here!
Products Available from Independent Clinicians
Developing your own product is a great way to add some non-clinical income to your life. The following clinicians are selling therapy materials that they have created from their sites.
So inspirational!
Linda Hurst from www.KidsLanguageResources.com
Kids Language Resources provides motivating products using real images for more stimulating learning.
You can learn more about Linda’s experience creating her products in her guest post.
Aileen Montag from www.InsightSpeech.com
eBooks for parents, SLP’s and teachers related to improve speech and language development.
Hi Katie!
First of all, thank you so much for your purchase. I'm excited that you and your colleagues are starting a practice together. I'm here to help every step of the way!
In regard to your question, each of you needs to have professional liability insurance. You can either purchase this seperately or as a practice. Liability insurance (aka "malpractice insurace") will provide coverage against damages or negligence from a therapy standpoint. You should also get general liability insurance to help protect you if something should happen in your clinic (ie someone gets hurt, fire, theft, etc.) General liability insurance and professional liability insurance can often be purchased at the same time.
I mention this in the book, but I personally use HPSO.com and I feel very protected by them. It's also only about $100/year for SLP's for liability insurance.
Best of luck and I hope this helps!
Jena
hello I am an OT trying to find course offerings to begin my independent private practice. Are courses available? Thank you!
Hi Juli!
While I do not specifically offer courses, my book The Independent Clinician Guide to Private Patients offers a step-by-step approach to starting your own private OT practice. It is available here. http://www.independentclinician.com/buy-now
Additionally, the http://www.IndependentClinician.com offers tons of free content to help you get started!
Jena
Hi Jena.
I was originally on your email list to receive weekly newsletters, but have not received any in a number of weeks. Can you put me back on your list? I find your articles very helpful.
Thank you.
Hi Nancy!
I'm not sure what happened, but I didn't see your e-mail address in my mailing list. Could you have subscribed under a different e-mail address? Occasionally (sadly) my e-mails go into peoples spam filters- even though they are not spam.
I added you back onto my mailing list with the .biz e-mail address. You'll be back in the loop!
Thanks so much!
Jena
I am soooo thank ful for all your links and step by step instructions. Now if I could just come up with a business name I could get a website and billing site set up....how did you decide? I feel like the most uncreative person when it comes to "catchy names".
Angela,
Don't let a lack of creativity stop you. Answer these questions first: What kind of therapy to do you do? Who is your ideal client? See if you can figure out a good catchphrase or name based on your profession and ideal client. I've heard some very catchy names, but I also know several people who just use their own name.
As far as a website goes, you will likely get more traffic to your site with a specific name such as DallasOccupationalTherapy.com or something that people might actually search for. It's a little boring, but you could get more clients this way. Remember, your domain name and business name do not have the be the same!
Good luck!
Jena
Hi Jena,
I just downloaded your book and had a question regarding the Professional Liability Insurance. I am looking to start seeing private patients with 2 other Speech Pathologists. Do we all need our own liability insurance or do we get insurance together for the business?
Thanks for all your help!
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