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08/13/2015 Lawrence Rubin, DPM
Supergroups and/or Niche Practices
What I have to say is just my opinion, but it reflects more that 50 years of past and present involvement in podiatric academics, clinical practice, Medicare and insurance company consulting, and podiatry-related for profit and nonprofit business entities. One of those entities was a foot care IPA with over 125 members that provided the public and payers with a menu of network-wide, "niche" podiatry services not available elsewhere in the area.
In looking forward to surviving and even thriving in the future, some recent PM News posts tout the value of practicing as a member of a "supergroup" network and other posts tout providing "niche" services in your practice. I suggest that everyone reading this post find out all you can can about joining or forming "supergroup" podiatry networks in your area that can develop and market "niche" services. Combining both of these concepts into one practice entity can secure your future.
I propose that in any given community, a supergroup network of participating podiatric practices that provides niche services that are needed and wanted by a large percentage of the community's population -- and can provide these services with more quality features and cost containment controls than other foot care providers in the area -- has the ability to successfully capture large numbers of patients in today's and tomorrow's foot care marketplace. That marketplace includes both the general public, physician networks, and managed "Obamacare" entities such as ACO's and Medical Homes. And, for those individuals and supergroups looking for a good niche to fill -- -- how about a dedicated focus on saving diabetic limbs and lives by preventing foot complications, amputations, and even death? In other words: A niche dedicated to putting a big dent in you local wound care industry by creating public awareness about preventing diabetic foot wounds and their bleak consequences and then providing the necessary services to accomplish this. Once you begin getting the word out, there will be a lot of individuals and groups in your area who will jump on your supergroup's diabetic limb and life saving bandwagon!
We as podiatrists know more about how to prevent foot complications in diabetics and other at risk patients than any other health professional group. So, let's not keep it a secret in our communities. Take a giant step into your future: Become a member of a supergroup or initiate the formation of a supergroup network in your area. Then, create a niche in preventive foot care, and then go out and successfully market your niche services to the public and managed "Obamacare." We're doing it successfully in Las Vegas, and if we can do it here, why not do it in your area?
Lawrence Rubin, DPM, Las Vegas, NV
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