15 Jul Tips to Continue Thriving Despite Adversity

It’s no secret that medical practices across the country have had to make drastic changes in order to adapt to the ever-evolving COVID-19 pandemic. 

And many have come to realize it’s about more than adapting for today—sustaining a successful practice also means preparing for what comes tomorrow. 

Jeff Mathis, Practice Manager of DV Pediatrics in Canton, Georgia, explains how his team is doing just that. Below you’ll find some of Mathis’s top bits of advice when it comes to planning for the future at your practice.  

Focus on employees first. 

Serving your employees and recognizing the economic, familial, and mental health struggles they may be facing is essential at any practice. According to Mathis, it’s even more important during a pandemic.  

Communicate with your team members and ensure their needs are being met. Learn how you can be of assistance during their time of need and help them plan for their future. The consequential employee loyalty, says Mathis, will pay off in patient care and team morale. 

Stay fiscally responsible. 

New cases of COVID-19 are popping up in states across the nation. As positive cases peak, medical practices are seeing decreases in-office visits and consequently, a decrease in revenue. 

According to Mathis, it’s why staying financially conservative is imperative to continue thriving despite adversity. As a team, determine the difference between your wants and needs, and ensure you have an appropriate amount of cash assets on hand should the pandemic force another shut down in your area. 

Utilize recall lists and telehealth. 

You don’t have to allow a decrease in office visits to stop you from running a productive business. Run recall reports to make it easy for you to proactively engage with families to schedule services that keep them up-to-date for things like vaccines and well visits.

Once identified, reach out to patients and let them know you’re accessible. Use direct mail, email, phone calls, social media, and other channels to reassure patients about their fears or hesitations surrounding COVID-19. Be sure to look into an all-in-one patient communication platform that can be fully integrated with your EHR solution. 

Additionally, utilizing telehealth visits to “see” patients can help keep a steady flow of revenue from insurances. Not only is telehealth a convenient option for patients and parents, but it’s also a lucrative option for offering healthcare moving forward. 

There is strength in numbers – don’t do it alone. 

For small practices, this may mean reaching out to your alliances or communities when you need help. 

Don’t be afraid to rely on your resources, listservs, and colleagues in the medical community when you have questions. The amount of knowledge that exists in pediatrics is vast, and it’s okay to turn to peers for help or words of encouragement when you face challenges within your medical practice. 

Consider taking out a practice policy on physician owners. 

If physicians become ill, will your team be able to cover patient needs? 

As part of long-term planning, consider your options if physicians can’t work. Look into overhead insurance, estimate disability policies, and research life policies should your practice encounter the worst-case scenario. Realize that preparing for the future is not about one individual—it’s about everyone who steps into the building.