Key Learnings from My Journey in Private Practice

Starting a private practice as a dietitian is both an exciting and challenging endeavor. When I opened NW Pediatric & Family Nutrition in September 2015, I embarked on a journey that has taught me invaluable lessons. Here are some key learnings from my experience over the past nine years.

1. Embrace Technology Early On

In the beginning, I managed with a small office and paper files. Quickly realizing the need for efficiency, I adopted Kalix as my electronic health record (EHR) system. This decision simplified many processes, allowing me to focus more on patient care and less on administrative tasks. I am now using Simple Practice, which I feel is a better fit for where I am now, with a larger team and more claims to process. 

2. Outsource Strategically

My first foray into outsourcing was billing and credentialing. Although I filed my first claim myself and felt proud when the check arrived, I soon recognized that outsourcing would enhance efficiency. Initially, I used a billing company, but after experiencing delays, my administrative assistant took over all billing responsibilities. This move not only improved efficiency but also ensured more reliable cash flow.

3. Streamline Insurance Verification

Early on, we struggled with insurance verifications, particularly with understanding deductibles. This often led to misunderstandings about coverage. To address this, we developed a cheat sheet for clients, listing questions they needed to ask their insurance providers. This shift saved us time and placed responsibility on clients, though we continued verifying Medicaid benefits ourselves to ensure compliance.

4. Hire with Your Niche in Mind

My first hire was an individual not aligned with my niche, which resulted in reduced referrals and inefficiencies. When this person left, I refocused on my niche and saw an increase in referrals. Subsequently, I hired team members with similar specializations, making it easier to fill their schedules and maintain a steady stream of referrals.

5. Assess and Adjust Marketing Strategies

A pivotal moment came when a client mentioned they found me through Instagram—the first in three years. Realizing that social media wasn’t a key referral source for me, I redirected my efforts toward local networking and building relationships with local pediatricians and other healthcare providers. This approach significantly boosted referrals and was a more effective use of my time.

6. Leverage Local Networking

Investing time in local networking proved invaluable. Joining local groups, attending professional meetings, and setting up coffee dates with potential referral sources became crucial strategies. These efforts not only increased referrals but also solidified my practice’s presence in the community.

7. Keep Your Website Updated

Maintaining an up-to-date website with relevant blog posts greatly enhanced our search engine optimization (SEO). This ensured that when potential clients searched for pediatric dietitians in our area, we appeared at the top of search results, driving more traffic to our practice.

Embracing Advancements and Changes

A lot has happened in the almost nine years I’ve been in private practice. The advancements in EHR systems tailored for dietitians have been game-changing. Additionally, the shift to virtual consultations during COVID-19 allowed me to move to Bend, Oregon, a long-held dream, while continuing to serve clients effectively.

Download My Free Guide

To help you on your journey, download my free guide: “10 Tips to Market and Grow Your Private Practice.” It’s packed with actionable advice and insights to help you thrive in your practice.

Starting and growing a private practice involves continuous learning and adaptation. By embracing technology, strategic outsourcing, and focused marketing, you can navigate the challenges and achieve your professional goals. If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help you elevate your practice to new heights.