Physical therapy remains an important aspect of health and wellness. Patients with injuries, disabilities, or other health conditions can regain their mobility and muscle strength with proper therapy. People who simply want to live healthier might also consider visiting a physical therapist who can guide their journey.
Seeing the consistent demand for physical therapy, you might want to consider opening your own practice. The process isn’t as complex as it seems. You just need to be familiar with the process.
A Streamlined Guide to Opening the Business
The success of your physical therapy business lies in how prepared you are for it. The process might be but lengthy but the returns will be worth it.
- Conduct market research to identify your patients and what would make them choose you.
- Observe your competitors. Study other practices in the area and how you can be better.
- Develop a business plan. Specify if you will provide cash-based or insurance-based services.
- Explore your financing options to kickstart the business and support your first few months.
- Find a strategic location for your business. Make sure it’s accessible and within your budget.
- Familiarize yourself with your legal responsibilities as a business owner and fill out all paperwork.
- Hire physical therapists and administrative staff who share your mission and excel in their field.
- Create a comprehensive marketing strategy that resonates with your target audience.
- Build your website. Invest in EMR/EHR and scheduling software to streamline the work.
- Make sure your physical therapy equipment is up-to-date.
- Prepare incentives and a loyalty program for your patients.
This may seem like a long list of things to do before you can introduce your new business to the world. But if you follow the guide, you can ensure that the business will run smoothly.
Additional Information to Keep the Business Afloat
It’s not easy to open any business these days. Life has basically returned to normal but the coronavirus threat still looms above everyone. So if you plan to open a PT office, keep COVID-19 measures in mind.
Stay updated with CDC guidelines on how to keep your practice as safe as possible.
- Practice social distancing measures throughout the practice except when the physical therapist is delivering hands-on care for the patient.
- Emphasize the importance of frequent hand washing as well as constant sterilization of all surfaces with medical-grade disinfectants.
- Require all physical therapists, administrative staff, patients, and guests to wear face masks or coverings while they’re inside the practice.
- Screen all patients, clinicians, and staff members for COVID-19 exposure before they are allowed to enter the establishment.
- Schedule older patients and other high-risk individuals to come in when there is low foot traffic.
- Limit the number of people allowed in the practice at any given time.
It’s hard to imagine physical therapy without in-person sessions. But if the need arises, because of the coronavirus or for any other reason, you can use telehealth services to virtually treat patients. Consider setting up online PT appointments for some patients. This helps you maintain a safe environment for all patients, physical therapists, and staff. It also helps minimize the spread of COVID-19 at your location.
Keeping these things in mind, you’re almost ready to open your PT practice!
