Query: Model for Efficiently Run Office
I have been a podiatrist for over 20 years, most of which was in the employ of another podiatrist. Given the changes in technology and income, I and a few other podiatrists are looking to branch out. What I am looking for is if there is a model for how to establish the most efficient and innovative office given present/future technologies, utilizing both physical and virtual office staff. Is there such a model, or might you be able to offer direction?
Also, I’m wondering if given the present environment, whether a collaboration with primary care or other specialties (versus a free-standing practice) makes more sense.
Name Withheld
Query: Problems with No-Show First Appointments
Recently, we have noticed an increasing number of appointments for new patients, mostly who are cash-paying patients, who do not show up for their “urgent” appointments. These patients do not call to cancel their appointments. When we try calling them back, we usually get their voice mail, leave a message, and they do not return the call. I have found this to be a problem with other podiatrists as well as other medical specialists. Interestingly, many of these patients are frustrated with their coverage through the Affordable Care Act.
My question to the community is whether others are finding a similar problem and, more importantly, what ideas can incentivize these patients to either keep their appointment or at least to call and cancel it.
Joshua Kaye, DPM, Los Angeles, CA
Query: Missed Appointments
I recently started an advertising campaign for Hispanic patients. They are very responsive but many fail to show up. We make reminder calls 2 days in advance and recently started sending reminder texts (when able), but the no-show rate is alarming. On the flip side, the ROI is tremendous for the patients who do show up. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
David Kahan, DPM, Sacramento, CA
Query: Bleomycin Injections
Injections of Bleomycin is used by many podiatrists for the treatment of recalcitrant verrucae. It’s also expensive and its use is obviously off-label. For those who use this method for treating verrucae, how have you managed the financial aspects of it?
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
