"Association" of therapists?

[out_of_africa56]

A colleague and I have been discussion the possibility of creating a loose "association" of therapists, where we could collaborate on projects and marketing, share/assist with clients as the need arises, and share referrals based on specialties.

We both have our own business name/entity, would keep our own business management separate, etc. This would be more of a collaborative effort than an actual merging of businesses. However, we are hoping to reap the benefits of a multi-disciplinary clinic. The two of us would likely be in charge of web design and advertising, space lease, furnishings, etc. We have in mind several therapists that are reliable and mostly established, that we would like to join our network.

We would have a central, well-placed (SEO) schedule for clients to see availabilities for each therapist. There would also be a central webpage for information on all in the network, with links for any who maintain their own website.

I guess it would be kind of like a cherry-picked portal for manual therapists in our immediate area.

Financial benefit to us would come primarily from having fully booked/rented space, with therapists that we want to collaborate with, thus making sure everyones' practice stays viable and healthy.

Non-financial rewards would be the collaboration itself, and that we both "suffer" from the desire to help our fellow LMTs succeed, so that would fill that need.

Has anyone set anything like this up? Any pitfalls that you could warn of, or advice?

 

[cateaway]

Stacey you always beat me to the good ideas!

I am just in the process of setting up an 'association' in my building. It's 6 stories high, it's the headquarters of the local paper, and almost nobody in town knows that there's anything but The Paper in the building -- in reality, there are about 50 small businesses in there. We have absolutely no foot traffic, for any of the businesses. There are 8 MTs and 6 other CAM practitioners (hypno, homeo, ND, L.Ac., doulas) in the building. I just sent out a letter to all of them, proposing that we give ourselves a name (Health in the Herald, something like that) and do some joint advertising, send out press releases, etc. None of us would move shop, but we could rotate the spotlight in the advertising, etc -- basically establish a presence in the community.

Your project sounds much more comprehensive. I'll be interested to hear what others have done as well.

 

[cutie pie]

"Association" of therapists?

We both have our own business name/entity, would keep our own business management separate, etc. This would be more of a collaborative effort than an actual merging of businesses. However, we are hoping to reap the benefits of a multi-disciplinary clinic. ...We have in mind several therapists that are reliable and mostly established, that we would like to join our network.

I guess I am a little confused...everyone would work out of the same space (multiple rooms, one location) or you refer folks to their existing locations? I guess the word "network" threw me...

I will save future comment until further clarification.

 

[blue eyed blondie]

Very interesting concept. 8)

With proper advertising something like that could draw in a lot of clients. Drawbacks: Hmmn. . . . the "usual suspects " I would guess, ie. getting the right people together to make a co-operative network like that fly. And of course finding the proper location and doing a good bit of advertising.

A great idea though. Keep us posted on developments.

 

[brenda]

Maybe a co-op is the way to go -

here's a link

http://www.agecon.uga.edu/~gacoops/info5.htm

 

[flower2008]

"Association" of therapists?

I guess I am a little confused...everyone would work out of the same space (multiple rooms, one location) or you refer folks to their existing locations? I guess the word "network" threw me...

I will save future comment until further clarification.

There are 7 of us already who do a little bit of networking. Three of the 7 work pretty closely together. Between us, we have two suites in the same building, one upstairs and one downstairs, with a total of 4 treatment rooms. 5 of us maintain a schedule of less than 20 sessions per week (or would like to work at that level,) and 2 have the goal of 30(ish) sessions/week.

Among the 7, we have most of the insurance networks covered, as well as a number of distinct modalities. We have our eye on a couple more healthcare practitioners that we might like to invite/recruit. There is an acupuncturist who is interested.

There is the opportunity to acquire more space at a competitive rate, in the same building.

I don't know that anyone wants to 1) give up their own business ID, or 2) leave massage to run such an enterprise as a single business entity.

At this point we are brainstorming on the idea of a "network" or association of some sort, rather than a single corporate ID clinic. And I think we all realize that there is more money to be made for someone if we were interested in a different business model, but nobody seems inclined to take that on.

 

[Tom Odda]

"Association" of therapists?

There are 7 of us already who do a little bit of networking. Three of the 7 work pretty closely together. Between us, we have two suites in the same building, one upstairs and one downstairs, with a total of 4 treatment rooms. 5 of us maintain a schedule of less than 20 sessions per week (or would like to work at that level,) and 2 have the goal of 30(ish) sessions/week.

Sounds like we need a Venn Diagram to keep track of the cast of characters!

There is the opportunity to acquire more space at a competitive rate, in the same building.

Danger, Danger, Will Robinson!!! Signing a lease is a huge obligation. If you are not all on the lease, then someone is shouldering disproportionate risk. Risk = Reward, which basically puts someone (or more than one) in the position of being landlord to the other members. What if someone decides this is not for them? What if a parent in another state suddenly falls ill and they leave for six months?

Business dealings should be kept on a business basis, not a loose association of networked anything. Everyone needs to share in the financial responsibilities of keeping things running. Share in a legally binding sense.

From your earlier post, it sounds like what you are describing is a co-op. Very few coops make money for anyone involved. Magnum had the most talented photojournalists ever in their cooperative. They ran it into the ground -- no one wanted to put down the camera to do the hard work, not that being good with a camera makes you good at running the business.

But someone has to run the business side. If you hire it out, up go your expenses, and now members have to pay an admin assessment. Then there is the advertising and website assessment, blah blah blah and now they feel like they have a boss

Among the 7, we have most of the insurance networks covered, as well as a number of distinct modalities.

I am not sure having one MT blessed by a given insurance network confers the ability for others to treat and bill to that network. If not, then if you have X insurance you can only see Y practioner, which means they really aren't bringing anything to the network. You still have the same scheduling restrictions as your individual practices have. If they do, then you have the fun of cross billing each other - since your businesses are all separate. Different Insurance Co's pay at different rates and on different schedules -- it will be tough getting everyone to agree to one set of pay and work standards. It will favor some and disfavor others. Without a common procedure, you have 7 people having to track 7 different payment schemes.

I don't know that anyone wants to 1) give up their own business ID, or 2) leave massage to run such an enterprise as a single business entity.

I think 2 is more compelling than 1. If your concept is sufficiently viable / attractive, you will attract the right practitioners. The problem is who will run this thing -- and there is a LOT to do to make it work -- how does this person get paid and what happens when that person decides this doesn't really work for them?

At this point we are brainstorming on the idea of a "network" or association of some sort, rather than a single corporate ID clinic. And I think we all realize that there is more money to be made for someone if we were interested in a different business model, but nobody seems inclined to take that on.

Please don't think I am raining on your parade. Sounds great. The reality of pulling it all together as a network is very daunting.

The devil you know vs. the devil you don't know...I can see why people are reluctant to take it on. Change is a scary thing.

But few people succeed by being timid...

 

[LEAH.]

"Association" of therapists?

Please don't think I am raining on your parade. Sounds great. The reality of pulling it all together as a network is very daunting.

I don't see "rain", I think when it comes to business, it pays (sometimes literally) to get input from people who are running a business larger than your own and still making money.

The devil you know vs. the devil you don't know...I can see why people are reluctant to take it on. Change is a scary thing.

But few people succeed by being timid...

I know just enough about managing a company to be dangerous. I did office management and dispatch for a smallish construction company once upon a time. Not my favorite kind of work, that's for sure.

I can definitely manage a "crew." During my time there, and due largely to my guys' reliability on small jobs (paid immediately,) I reduced overdue notes with suppliers by 75% (the suppliers had all but one, cut them off) and squirreled away about $8000 for the last massive back-debt. Bossman found the reference to the "free" money one day, came back 2 hours later with a new $45k "job truck" which really meant his commuter vehicle. I quit the next week.

I tell that to illustrate that, yes I'm capable, but I have a low tolerance for lack of commonsense- even in myself. I think that translates to: "Does not want to be the Boss."

Business dealings should be kept on a business basis, not a loose association of networked anything. Everyone needs to share in the financial responsibilities of keeping things running. Share in a legally binding sense.

I still like the idea of working a little more closely with this group in the building, but yeah, I can see how expanding floor space to accommodate more "networking" is just a financial burden waiting to be destabilized.

I have absolutely NO desire to run a co-op, I've seen too many that were always on the brink of disaster, despite 80 hour weeks and constant solicitation for assistance. blech.

I'll have to remodel my ideas...