Updating our post here to add in our Podcast Episode on this topic! Happy New Year! Ringing in a new year AND a new decade is so exciting, and this is the time of year our inquiries skyrocket because everyone has that sparkle in their eye and they want to see if they have what it takes to start their own thing. Spoiler alert: YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES! You just need a plan and the work ethic to make it happen.
We've been preaching the 4 Pillars of Success to our students for over a decade. These are the four sections of your business that are required to make it successful. We liken it to the four legs of a table - if any one of them is missing or wobbly, it's going to be very unstable or worse yet...completely fall down.
So, let's dive in and take a look at the 4 Pillars and how they work together to really get you dialed in to the four main segments of the business and what you need to focus on.
Pillar ONE: Clinical Applications
As a tech, this is the one pillar you've got down and know like the back of your hand! We are talking here about ultrasound protocols, patient care, clinical applications, bedside manner, physician interaction, infrastructure, etc. This is the pillar that you can use as your base, and the others will fill in the gaps.
Pillar TWO: Business Development
The Business Development Pillar consists of the items you'll need to have in place to start and grow your mobile ultrasound business. You'll need specific processes in place including best practices for partnering with physicians, managing contracts, and hiring employees to name a few. You'll also need to implement the core business strategies as well including insurance coverage, setting up the appropriate business model, billing & coding, and partner interpreting physicians.
Pillar THREE: Sales & Marketing
Having the skills as a tech is very important, but being able to market those skills to secure contracts with your clients is a whole other ballgame. This is a huge piece of the puzzle and one you'll definitely need to have a handle on. Things to think of here when coming up with a marketing gameplan: how will you market the services specifically? What is the best way to get into the office to actually get face-to-face time with the doc? When you DO get a chance to speak to the physician, what in the world do you say?
Pillar FOUR: Legal Compliance
Quite likely THE most important part of your business. Without this segment either you (if you are the one billing) or your physician (if they are the ones billing) can be prosecuted both civilly and criminally if the required regulations and law are not followed. YIKES! We cannot stress this pillar enough, it is an absolute necessity. Business attorneys will likely not have the specific background to assist in the way you may need - you will need to splurge for a healthcare attorney. They'll need to research the federal laws governing in office imaging services and will need to draft contracts that comply with all of the safe harbors concerning these laws. Shout out to our AIC students that have access to all of this through our courses!
Having each of these segments set is the foundation for your successful business, and working on these four pillars will help propel your business to the next level! Shout out to our students who are using the details of these 4 Pillars to move the needle.
If you're looking for ways to make sure you have your ducks in a row while researching your potential business, make sure you've got our Free Guide in your hands - 6 Things to Consider When Starting a Mobile Ultrasound Business. Check it out HERE - it's a good one!
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