How to Handle Having Too Many Patients in your Healthcare Practice
Usually, when we start out in private practice, we're worried about not having enough clients but in my experience, and many of my client experiences, very quickly the pendulum swings the other way. Having lots of demand is nice in theory but can create a few issues:
It places increased stress on you, the clinician- increasing your risk for illness and burnout.
Longer wait times for assessment- obviously this one is often a patients choice to make but in waiting longer for an assessment it may lead to worsening symptoms and overall lengthen rehab timelines
Reduced ability to manage follow ups- it can become challenging to provide timely care to everyone
Impacts on other aspects of care and back end business operations- things like charting, follow up letters and day to day aspects of running your practice can start falling by the wayside
Yes, you COULD alter your schedule and increase your availability but if you've been here for a minute you know that this will never be my solution for you.
Here are 6 ways you can adjust your practice if you're feeling overwhelmed with clients:
No new friends- sometimes you've just gotta stop the leak. Take new assessments off your online booking, notify people you aren't currently able to take on new clients and give yourself some breathing room. This can be an important temporary measure to give you some breathing space to re-evaluate.
Groups- this is one of my favourite ways to continue to provide high level care while impacting more people. Especially if you find yourself repeating similar information to clients or serve a niche population, creating groups rehab offerings are a fantastic way to ease your 1-1 demands. Think birth prep, low back pain, osteoarthritis, motor milestones, ACL- all the options are options!
Add virtual options- let's be real, not everyone needs to see you for 30 or 60-minutes of your time but can really benefit from a quick check-in or exercise progression. This is where I love to offer quick 15 or 20-minute virtual check-ins! Not only does it ensure clients are still getting the accountability and care they need but it also frees up more time in your calendar.
Increase your prices- supply and demand is real. If everyone is a heck yes and no one is turning away from your services, it might be time to look at your pricing...
Hire- this could be a PTA/kinesiologist or another therapist all together! You are only one person and only have so much capacity. If your utilization rate is even 85% (let alone 110%) then perhaps it's time to consider the option of hiring.
Delegate- Similar, yet different from the last point. If you aren't wanting to hire for client care support, you could look at hiring an assistant or virtual assistant for practice support. If you're booked and busy working IN your practice, look at receiving support to help you work ON your practice. We can't do it all.
Lots of things to consider AND it's important for your long-term sustainability to make some shifts and changes so that your practice feels good for both you and your clients!