Let’s get you ready, even before insurance kicks in!
Let’s make sure you’re ready!
By: Melissa Tijerino
Congratulations!! You’ve completed the process by navigating and completing the applications for insurance companies with your credentials, this is huge!
But now what? What could you do while waiting for the insurance companies to approve your request? It may feel like you’re at a standstill at the moment, but trust me, this is just the beginning!
In this blog post, we will go over some of the things you can do to build your practice, brand and clientele while waiting for insurance to finally process. After reading this blog, you should feel confident and fully ready to start seeing clients as soon as everything is set!
Don't start too early!
Typically, credentialing takes 3 to 6 months and sometimes even longer as insurance companies aren’t motivated enough to put more clinicians on their network and increase their payment exposure
You shouldn’t start the process of scheduling clients too soon as payers won't accept the application (especially if you don’t have your practice in place) and by the time payers will accept your application to begin credentialing, the provider is already on board and ready to see clients
Divert Self-pay & Medicare Patients
Clinicians can start seeing Medicare clients right away. The reason for this is that Medicare will let clinicians retro-bill back 30 days from the date their medicare application was received.
If you are enrolling the new clinician in Medicaid, check on your state’s rules (each state is different). They are usually so hungry for clinicians taking Medicaid that they will allow retro-billing as well. Be sure to save all communications with insurance companies so that if they do try to deny a claim you will have proof to fight the claim.
Schedule Client Meet & Greets
Offer complimentary Meet and Greets (no professional advice provided) to potential clients who might want to see you when credentialing is complete. This is not appropriate for every specialty, but works well for many who are just starting out.
Social media is a great place to share information about your meet and greet, you could set up a link for potential clients to easily click and schedule a date and time that works for them, this will also show your clients that you are flexible in your schedule and willing to accommodate to their needs by offering a broad range of time and dates
Offer virtual and in person sessions, this way you will be able to learn what kind of sessions your clients prefer moving forward
Set up your Social Media Accounts
This is such a huge part of your business growth, of course YOU are the star of your business, but putting yourself out there to potential clients on a constant weekly basis is bound to catch the eye of clients who would have already been looking into therapy.
Website - Building your website will give you 24/7 online presence, your clients will always be able to find you - anytime, anywhere
Facebook - Linking your Facebook and Instagram together will drive double the traffic to your website, which means more potential clients! A win-win
LinkedIn - Utilizing LinkedIn for your business will not only give you a professional look, it will also ensure trust within your clients who might have an interest in booking a consultation with you
Instagram - Instagram is a wonderful tool to use to give your existing and potential clients more information about your business and what services you offer, examples such as infographics on “How to cope with Anxiety and Depression” “What may trigger your Anxiety” and “Why I Became a Therapist” to get to know you, what you specialize in and who you serve! You can also link your business page and booking link to your Instagram account, which makes everything that much more easier for your clients to book with you
Google Business - Keeping your Google Business updated and constantly monitored for things such as Reviews, Analytics, & SEO. Along with allowing you to appear on the map, and not to mention it's free and easy to use!
Psychology Today - By using this platform, you’ll be able to reach millions of therapy seekers, most people find their perfect therapist using Psychology Today. This platforms matches you up with ideal clients who are looking for the specific services you offer
Hiring a Consultant
This is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your business. Do yourself one of the biggest favors by taking off the load off everything that comes with running a business.
Let’s be real here, running a business no walk in the park, ESPECIALLY if you are going at it alone!
That’s where Growing Your Private Practice Virtually comes in, we literally take the entire load off of your shoulders so you can focus your time and energy into what matters most, your clients.
We make sure we focus on the process and procedures first, by getting a closer look on how you want things running, we are able to see what needs improvement.
Some of the most common areas practice owners choose to seek guidance in are as follows:
Process and Procedures
Client retention
Value based offer
Marketing
Practice expansion
Billing guidance
Additional income
So if you are motivated, willing to accept the guidance I have to offer and serious about making your practice a priority then I just may be the right consultant for you!
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