Guest guest Posted November 14, 2004 Report Share Posted November 14, 2004 I have been asked to share some info with students about how other practitioners run their practices etc. If you choose to respond please give your city and state country and the number of years practicing. As a beginning partitioner: Did you join an existing practice or go in with a partner to start? Did you have a mentor? What are the most important features for you to look for in choosing a location? What type of networking with other professionals did you find most effect? Networking in the community? On your first visit how long is your intake? Do you also treat on the first visit? How much do you charge for first visit How long are Followups? Price? How much do you charge for injection therapy if legal in your area? How much do you charge for facial and or body rejuvenation (method used mesotherapy, acupuncture, acutonics etc) Mesotherapy for conditions other than facial refreshers. Do you incorporate color, sound, aroma, etc therapies? Kinesiology (muscle testing) pendulums? Electrodermal type machines etc? Favorite modalities? Do you charge extra for modalities or is it all one price no matter how many modalities? What advice do you wish you had had when first starting out? Any suggestions on creative ways to get financial backing? When choosing second and third locations what new things did you look for. For the new person going into a private practice by themselves, how much space is the minimum they should look for? How many rooms do you feel is necessary for a professional image for the new practitioner? Any other questions and answers of things that you wish someone had told you about for starting a practice? Thanks in advance to all who feel like sharing. Sunny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2004 Report Share Posted November 14, 2004 Hi Sunny, See my answers below: As a beginning partitioner: Did you join an existing practice or go in with a partner to start? Both. Did you have a mentor? No What are the most important features for you to look for in choosing a location? Good population base What type of networking with other professionals did you find most effect? Joining a forum such as this. Networking in the community? Not yet On your first visit how long is your intake? About 90mins, depending upon number of clients and the patient. Do you also treat on the first visit? Yes. How much do you charge for first visit ? £10 consultation, £35 acupuncture and £4 a day for herbs How long are Followups? About 60 mins, again depending upon variables. Price? Same as above minus consultation. How much do you charge for injection therapy if legal in your area? N/A How much do you charge for facial and or body rejuvenation (method used mesotherapy, acupuncture, acutonics etc) ? Same as standard acupuncture price above,. Mesotherapy for conditions other than facial refreshers ? N/A Do you incorporate color, sound, aroma, etc therapies? No. Kinesiology (muscle testing) pendulums? No. Electrodermal type machines etc? No. Favorite modalities? AP, herbs, cupping, guasha Do you charge extra for modalities or is it all one price no matter how many modalities? Cupping, guasha, etc are included in the AP price. What advice do you wish you had had when first starting out? Location, location, location. Any suggestions on creative ways to get financial backing? Do a good business plan. When choosing second and third locations what new things did you look for. N/A For the new person going into a private practice by themselves, how much space is the minimum they should look for? Good question, depends upon their target market, cost of location, etc. How many rooms do you feel is necessary for a professional image for the new practitioner? At least 2 Any other questions and answers of things that you wish someone had told you about for starting a practice? Yes, insurance, qualifications, etc. Attilio Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2004 Report Share Posted November 14, 2004 Hi Sunny, I think this is a really great set of questions. My answers are below: Chinese Medicine , SacredQi216@w... wrote: > > I have been asked to share some info with students about how other > practitioners run their practices etc. > If you choose to respond please give your city and state country and the > number of years practicing. > > As a beginning partitioner: > Did you join an existing practice or go in with a partner to start? I have only been in practice 1 year and I opened my own clinic in a small, affordable space. > Did you have a mentor? I have a few former professors that I consult with now and then. I think the more you can get this the better, but its not always easy to come by because people are very busy. I offer to pay a consultation fee whenever I need consultation. > What are the most important features for you to look for in choosing a > location? I hate to say it, but I think its true what they say: you will make about as much as the average income in the area you practice. So if you want to make money, go where there is money. I haven't necessarily done that, and at times I wish I had. I'd like to make a good enough living that I could afford to offer treatments at low cost or even volunteer my time to those in need. Currently I can't afford to. > What type of networking with other professionals did you find most effect? > Networking in the community? > On your first visit how long is your intake? I'm a slow, methodical, perfectionistic person---it can be anywhere from 1 1/2 hours to 3 hours! > Do you also treat on the first visit? Yes, and sometimes I wish I didn't, it can be exhausting to do it all in one visit for the first visit (that will get better with more experience I assume). > How much do you charge for first visit $75 > How long are Followups? Price? 1 to 1 1/2 hours, $65 > How much do you charge for injection therapy if legal in your area? N/a > How much do you charge for facial and or body rejuvenation I've been trained, but I haven't treated anyone yet---so I haven't decided a reasonable. fee. > (method used mesotherapy, acupuncture, acutonics etc) > Mesotherapy for conditions other than facial refreshers. > Do you incorporate color, sound, aroma, etc therapies? sound--included. > Kinesiology (muscle testing) pendulums? > Electrodermal type machines etc? > Favorite modalities? acupuncture, herbs, tuning forks, moxa is great but time consuming > Do you charge extra for modalities or is it all one price no matter how many > modalities? one price > What advice do you wish you had had when first starting out? Be kind and patient with yourself---(I still need that advice). > Any suggestions on creative ways to get financial backing? Hmmmm....I'm not sure my approach was the best (high interest loans and credit cards). But if this is truly your dream, I'd say do whatever it takes. > When choosing second and third locations what new things did you look for. N/A---if I do, I will probably look for a wealthier population. > > For the new person going into a private practice by themselves, how much > space is the minimum they should look for? I just have one treatment room, and after 1 year in practice I am wishing I had 2. On the other hand, my rent is delightfully cheap. > How many rooms do you feel is necessary for a professional image for the new > practitioner? See above > > Any other questions and answers of things that you wish someone had told you > about for starting a practice? > > Thanks in advance to all who feel like sharing. > > Sunny > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2004 Report Share Posted November 14, 2004 Hi, Does anyone have information on claustrophobia what it means in TCM terms, I know it pertains to anxiety/panic attacks also there is some _kidney/heart pathology. Any ideas would be of great help. Also I am planning to relocate to Spain in 2006, anyone who knows or is interested in working in the Costa del Sol let me know. Doing some market research at present. heylaurag <heylaurag wrote: Hi Sunny, I think this is a really great set of questions. My answers are below: Chinese Medicine , SacredQi216@w... wrote: > > I have been asked to share some info with students about how other > practitioners run their practices etc. > If you choose to respond please give your city and state country and the > number of years practicing. > > As a beginning partitioner: > Did you join an existing practice or go in with a partner to start? I have only been in practice 1 year and I opened my own clinic in a small, affordable space. > Did you have a mentor? I have a few former professors that I consult with now and then. I think the more you can get this the better, but its not always easy to come by because people are very busy. I offer to pay a consultation fee whenever I need consultation. > What are the most important features for you to look for in choosing a > location? I hate to say it, but I think its true what they say: you will make about as much as the average income in the area you practice. So if you want to make money, go where there is money. I haven't necessarily done that, and at times I wish I had. I'd like to make a good enough living that I could afford to offer treatments at low cost or even volunteer my time to those in need. Currently I can't afford to. > What type of networking with other professionals did you find most effect? > Networking in the community? > On your first visit how long is your intake? I'm a slow, methodical, perfectionistic person---it can be anywhere from 1 1/2 hours to 3 hours! > Do you also treat on the first visit? Yes, and sometimes I wish I didn't, it can be exhausting to do it all in one visit for the first visit (that will get better with more experience I assume). > How much do you charge for first visit $75 > How long are Followups? Price? 1 to 1 1/2 hours, $65 > How much do you charge for injection therapy if legal in your area? N/a > How much do you charge for facial and or body rejuvenation I've been trained, but I haven't treated anyone yet---so I haven't decided a reasonable. fee. > (method used mesotherapy, acupuncture, acutonics etc) > Mesotherapy for conditions other than facial refreshers. > Do you incorporate color, sound, aroma, etc therapies? sound--included. > Kinesiology (muscle testing) pendulums? > Electrodermal type machines etc? > Favorite modalities? acupuncture, herbs, tuning forks, moxa is great but time consuming > Do you charge extra for modalities or is it all one price no matter how many > modalities? one price > What advice do you wish you had had when first starting out? Be kind and patient with yourself---(I still need that advice). > Any suggestions on creative ways to get financial backing? Hmmmm....I'm not sure my approach was the best (high interest loans and credit cards). But if this is truly your dream, I'd say do whatever it takes. > When choosing second and third locations what new things did you look for. N/A---if I do, I will probably look for a wealthier population. > > For the new person going into a private practice by themselves, how much > space is the minimum they should look for? I just have one treatment room, and after 1 year in practice I am wishing I had 2. On the other hand, my rent is delightfully cheap. > How many rooms do you feel is necessary for a professional image for the new > practitioner? See above > > Any other questions and answers of things that you wish someone had told you > about for starting a practice? > > Thanks in advance to all who feel like sharing. > > Sunny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2004 Report Share Posted November 15, 2004 Vancouver, Washington, USA 7.5 years of practice As a beginning partitioner: Did you join an existing practice or go in with a partner to start? I joined a massage clinic to start and then joined a chiropractor and shiatsu practitioner after 2 years. By then, I had developed enough of a patient base. The clinic I originally was with charged me by the patient and not by a monthly fee. I recommend this for beginning practitioners, but at some point, it becomes financially cumbersome (as you begin to see many patients). To start though, it's much less stressful. Did you have a mentor? Not officially, but I did have a few experienced practitioners I consulted with. The chiropractor I joined later was an excellent business mentor as she had done her own " books " , run her own business, and did her own insurance billing for 20 years. I know most of the " ins & outs " of dealing with insurance and running a business from her. In addition, her excellent musculo-skeletal knowledge and differing perspective was very helpful. We often treated the same patients which has been most beneficial for the patient. What are the most important features for you to look for in choosing a location? Central locations, high visibility, easy access, ample parking. What type of networking with other professionals did you find most effect? I found wo or three chiropractors who shared similar patient/treatment philosophy. ,Be clear about what I was good and not good (or interested) at treating. I often refer out to other acupuncturists for my weak areas and they refer to me for theirs. Having a good relationship with local acupuncturists is key, and it is best for the patients as they will get the best care for whatever ails them. Try not to have a selfish approach to getting patients and more will come to you (it's weird but true!). Networking in the community? Presentations with NO self-promotion. People are more impressed if you're not " hawking " your wares or self. Don't appear desperate. On your first visit how long is your intake? About 30 minutes with an hour for the treatment afterwards. Do you also treat on the first visit? Yes. How much do you charge for first visit? $95 - $105 with a discount for patients paying the same day of service. How long are Followups? 60 - 70 minutes. Price? $80 with a 25% discount for patients paying the same day of service. How much do you charge for injection therapy if legal in your area? N/A. It's legal, but I don't do it. How much do you charge for facial and or body rejuvenation (method used mesotherapy, acupuncture, acutonics etc) Mesotherapy for conditions other than facial refreshers. Do you incorporate color, sound, aroma, etc therapies? Kinesiology (muscle testing) pendulums? Electrodermal type machines etc? I do none of the above. Favorite modalities? Electro-stimulation Do you charge extra for modalities or is it all one price no matter how many modalities? One price. I figure they have me for 60 - 70 minutes regardless of what I do. Also, I find it uncomfortable to ask for different prices (since I do my own reception, checking patients in and out, taking money, etc.). People would begin to think you were doing modalities just to make extra money. What advice do you wish you had had when first starting out? (I did get this advice and am SO glad I did). Never treat patients more than two days in a row. Work 2 days, take a day off, then work 2 more days. Personally, I have NEVER worked more than 3.5 days per week and it's been fabulous. I never feel overworked even though I can treat up to 45 people in that time. I don't feel I need vacations, get time off during the week and I don't feel burned out. Many of my colleagues who work 5 days a week get bitter, tired and several have left the profession. I'd rather work 3 long days than spread it out over 5 shorter days. VERY IMPORTANT: I forward my business land line to a cell phone and have it with me 24/7. Patients want to talk to YOU, not a machine and really not even a receptionist (or so many of my patients have stated). I can't tell you how many people have scheduled with me because I either answered my phone (even on a Sunday) or returned their call within 30 minutes. Yes, it is sometimes an intrusion into my " private " time, but you have to remember that this is a business and it is your job to serve and help people. If you have an answering machine at work and you don't check into it frequently, people will just move onto the next person in the phone book or their list. Any suggestions on creative ways to get financial backing? No. When choosing second and third locations what new things did you look for. I only did this a short time, but I wanted a completely different demographic that didn't overlap with the first location. For the new person going into a private practice by themselves, how much space is the minimum they should look for? 2 treatment rooms, a space for your private area and a small waiting room. How many rooms do you feel is necessary for a professional image for the new practitioner? 2 treatment rooms. One is grown out of too quickly and doesn't offer enough options for scheduling patients. And in my opinion, 3 rooms are too many. I did that for awhile, but I felt I wasn't giving enough personal attention to my patients. Perhaps if I had a receptionist/assistant, I might feel differently. I'd rather " know " my patients (as in get to talk to them about their families and lives) than make more money. Any other questions and answers of things that you wish someone had told you about for starting a practice? Yes. Consider keeping your overhead low. As I've said, I do not have reception, do my own billing, laundry, cleaning, ordering supplies, mixing herbal formulas, etc. I feel less pressure to " find business " with a low overhead. Some people, though, can't stand to do any of these things. Be prepared, however, to treat 10-15 additional patients per week just to cover higher overhead. Thanks in advance to all who feel like sharing. Sunny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2004 Report Share Posted November 15, 2004 Joanna, I have a place down Marbella and know an acupuncturist who operates out of Estapona. Contact me off-list if you want to discuss. Kind regards Dermot - " Joanna Riddell " <joannaeriddell <Chinese Medicine > Sunday, November 14, 2004 11:12 PM Re: Re: Ofc Procedure and Practice > > > Hi, > > Does anyone have information on claustrophobia what it means in TCM terms, I know it pertains to anxiety/panic attacks also there is some _kidney/heart pathology. Any ideas would be of great help. > > Also I am planning to relocate to Spain in 2006, anyone who knows or is interested in working in the Costa del Sol let me know. Doing some market research at present. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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