A superbill is a crucial document for cash-based therapy practices, helping patients submit claims for reimbursement to their insurance providers. This comprehensive guide explains the key benefits of offering superbills, what essential information to include, and how to streamline the process using an EMR system like HelloNote. By creating accurate superbills, therapists can support their patients’ reimbursement efforts, reduce administrative burdens, and improve overall patient satisfaction. Learn how to make the most out of superbills in your therapy practice today!

If you own a therapy practice, especially a cash-based one, you’ll likely encounter a patient asking for a bill they can submit to their insurance for potential reimbursement. A simple invoice works if they’re just looking for a receipt, but for reimbursement, insurance companies typically require something more comprehensive: a superbill. I remember when I first started in a cash-based practice, it was easy to feel unprepared when a patient requested a document for reimbursement. But over time, I learned the ins and outs of superbills and found that having a template ready can be a lifesaver. Here’s what I’ve learned about superbills and why they’re valuable tools in a cash-based setting.

What Exactly is a Superbill?

In short, a superbill is a detailed document that includes everything an insurance company needs to determine if a patient’s health expenses are eligible for reimbursement. Think of it as a claim, only in this case, the patient submits it directly to their insurance rather than the clinic doing it on their behalf. This distinction is crucial for cash-based practices, as we often need to provide patients with this option while not directly handling the claims ourselves.

A superbill can make all the difference when it comes to patient satisfaction. Not only does it show we’re supporting their reimbursement efforts, but it also opens the door to a broader patient base—especially those with insurance coverage but who prefer the flexibility of cash-based services.

Why Offer Superbills? Key Benefits

Patients Feel Supported and More Likely to Continue Therapy.

From my experience, many patients appreciate knowing they might receive partial reimbursement for their therapy. When patients are confident they can recover some out-of-pocket costs, they tend to be more comfortable committing to their treatment plan.

Expands Client Base in Cash-Based Practices.

By providing superbills, you can attract insured patients who might otherwise hesitate to pay out-of-pocket. This has helped many therapists, myself included, expand their client base and retain patients who want quality care with a possibility of reimbursement.

Saves Time on Claims Processing.

Creating superbills means therapists like us spend less time on the nitty-gritty of insurance submissions, freeing us up to do what we love—caring for patients! Let the patient handle the insurance submission, while we focus on patient care.

Allows for Upfront Payment and Reduces Reimbursement Wait Times.

One of the great things about superbills is the option to request payment after each session. By giving patients the superbill, they’re in charge of their reimbursement process, avoiding the wait that’s common in traditional insurance billing.

What to Include in Creating a Superbill

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Superbills are not your everyday invoice. They need to meet specific criteria to be valid for insurance purposes. Here’s what I make sure to include every time:

• Clinic Information: Your clinic’s name, address, and phone number should appear at the top.
• Tax ID Number (TIN): This is essential for identifying your clinic for tax and insurance purposes.
• Patient Information: Include the patient’s name, date of birth, phone number, and address.
• Diagnosis Codes (ICD-10): Every diagnosis must be coded with the correct ICD-10 classification.
• Detailed Service List (CPT Codes): List each service provided as separate line items, including costs, and if relevant, include any equipment purchased, like therabands or cold packs.
• Payment Details: Total amount charged, amount paid, and any remaining balance.
• Therapist Information: Include your name, credentials, license number, clinic address, and NPI number.
• Place-of-Service Code: This code indicates where the session took place, whether in-clinic, telehealth, etc.
• Signature and Date: Don’t forget to sign and date each superbill to validate it.

When I first started, I realized that missing even one of these elements could lead to a rejected reimbursement. Since then, I’ve created a template that I use for every superbill. If you’re using an EMR like HelloNote, it can generate superbills for you, saving you even more time and stress.

Patient’s Next Steps: Submitting the Superbill

Often, patients are unfamiliar with the process of submitting superbills, so I take a few moments to explain the next steps. After receiving the superbill, the patient needs to complete any additional forms required by their insurance, attach the superbill, and send it to their insurance provider. Each insurer may have a slightly different process, so it’s worth advising patients to check with their provider for exact instructions.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Over time, I’ve noticed some recurring issues that can prevent patients from receiving reimbursement. Here are a few things to watch out for:

1. Incomplete Information: Leaving out details, such as the Place-of-Service Code or patient diagnosis, can result in rejected claims.
2. Incorrect Codes: Ensure all ICD-10 and CPT codes are accurate, as any mistakes here can lead to denial of reimbursement.
3. Missing Signature: Every superbill needs to be signed to be valid. It sounds simple, but I’ve forgotten this on more than one occasion!

How an EMR Can Streamline Superbill Creation

I can’t emphasize enough how much time I save with an EMR like HelloNote. Instead of manually filling out superbills, an EMR auto-populates critical fields, like CPT and ICD-10 codes, and even the Place-of-Service Code. This has greatly reduced errors in my superbills and has streamlined my workflow overall. HelloNote also stores templates, making it easy to create superbills on the fly whenever a patient requests one. Plus, the software ensures that each superbill meets insurance requirements, so I don’t have to worry about errors leading to rejections.

Conclusion

Creating superbills has become a key part of my practice, especially when it comes to supporting patients in a cash-based setting. With the right superbill in hand, patients are empowered to seek out-of-network reimbursement on their own, which makes them more likely to commit to therapy. The benefits are clear: satisfied patients, streamlined processes, and, ultimately, a more thriving practice. And when superbills are made easy with the help of an EMR like HelloNote, everyone wins.

Start simplifying your superbill process and enhancing patient satisfaction. HelloNote’s EMR system is here to help generate superbills with ease. Request a demo today and see how Hellonote can support your practice’s growth.

Check HelloNote EMR in Action!

Building an efficient front office team is vital for the success of your clinic. From scheduling appointments to managing billing and insurance verification, the front office plays a key role in creating a positive patient experience and keeping operations smooth. This guide provides essential tips on hiring the best front office staff, determining roles, and structuring your team for success. Discover how to attract top talent, set clear expectations, and create an inviting and professional face for your clinic.

When hiring for your front office team, it’s simple…you want the best. The individuals in your front office can make or break how successful your clinic is. After all, they are responsible for leaving a great first impression with patient’s, making sure your schedule is full, starting the billing cycle and handling insurance verification, if applicable. Your front office sets the tone and is the face of your clinic, so you want to make sure you’re hiring professionals who best align with you and your business.

First, how do you determine how to properly staff your front office? That’s a great question and will vary based on the stage of business you are in. To start, you need to consider all of the tasks that the front office will be responsible for. These tasks may include, but are not limited to:

• Scheduling and confirming patient appointments
• Checking patients in and out of the clinic
• Verifying insurance benefits
• Accepting and processing copays at time of session
• Submitting insurance claims
• Responding to emails and voicemails
• Answering phone calls
• Processing new patient paperwork
• Maintaining and pulling patient files
• Compiling and explaining new patient paperwork at patient’s initial visit
• Managing practice marketing (if you do not have a separate marketing team)
• Accepting and processing feedback and satisfaction surveys
• Filling out superbill templates (specifically for cash-based clinics)

Next, you will have to sit down and consider how much time these tasks are likely to take. If you are a new practice and this is something you, as the therapist, has been doing up until this point, you can approximate the time these tasks will take, based on your own experience.

Once you have figured out how many hours it will take, you can then use that to determine how many staff members you will need. Remember to add in additional time (i.e. 15-25%) to your final number to allow for breaks, emergencies and anything else that may arise unexpectedly. Then divide the daily hours you determine by 8 (for a full time employee) or 4 (for a part time employee) and that will tell you the number of front desk staff you need on a daily basis!

The number of front office staff will vary from practice to practice, depending on what stage of business growth you are in, but a lot of times roles are broken down into receptionist, billing clerk, and office manager. If you are a newer practice and you are not making a lot of profit yet, then you can hire one person to perform all three roles, but it is imperative that you make sure they have the appropriate experience, in order for them and your clinic to be successful.

If you can afford to hire more than one person for your front office, then you absolutely should because as we said before, the front office staff are quite literally the face of your clinic. When hiring more than one person, you have some flexibility with the necessary experience each person should have, as the roles of the receptionist, billing clerk, and office manager, while sometimes may overlap, in general are vastly different.

Once you’ve figured out exactly how you want your front office structured, you are ready to post an ad for the job(s) and see who applies! Below are a couple of tips for how to ensure you are attracting the best talent for the position:

• Make your job descriptions interesting: No one likes a boring or cliche job description. Instead your job description should be clear and contain something that sets your office apart, such as your clinic’s personality or culture. This will also help weed out candidates who won’t be a good fit, before they even have an interview.

• Be upfront and clear about who you are looking for: Being honest and transparent from the beginning will save you so much time and potential headaches when it comes to interviewing your candidates. Be honest about the kind of front office member you want on your team, include the day-to-day expectations of the role, and your plan for measuring performance. As long as these are clearly communicated, there should be no misunderstanding about what you are looking for in your practice.

• Make an offer they can’t refuse: Be sure you make an offer that communicates the value you know this person is going to bring to your clinic. The best way to do this is to do research on the market value in your area and consider other benefits (health insurance, 401k, etc.) to improve your offer. Most importantly, make sure your offer is within your price range and aligns with where you see your clinic going!

Hiring front office staff can be nerve wracking and scary, but there’s no reason to fear as now you have all the tips and tricks for building your own front office staff without all of the added stress.

For added efficiency in managing your front office, consider using HelloNote. This practice management software streamlines scheduling, insurance verification, billing, and patient intake, helping your front office run smoothly while reducing administrative workload. It’s an ideal tool for supporting your team as they handle essential tasks, allowing you to focus more on patient care.

Resources:

How to Hire the Best Front Office Staff for Your Practice

How many office staff does my healthcare practice need?

How to Hire a Medical Receptionist

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) is quickly becoming a key tool for physical therapists (PT), occupational therapists (OT), and speech-language pathologists (SLP) who are looking to enhance patient care and increase their practice’s revenue By understanding how to implement RTM effectively and navigating the complexities of billing, therapists can provide better care while also taking advantage of reimbursement opportunities.

What is Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM)?

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) allows therapists to monitor patient progress remotely through digital tools and technology, making it easier to track outcomes, adjust treatments, and maintain consistent patient engagement. This practice is particularly useful for conditions that benefit from regular check-ins but do not require in-person visits.

RTM integrates the use of sensors, wearable devices, and mobile apps to collect patient data outside of the clinic. It enables therapists to analyze this data, interact with patients and caregivers, and provide feedback—all without the need for the patient to visit the office.

Why RTM is a Game-Changer for PT, OT, and SLP

For physical, occupational, and speech-language therapists, RTM can offer several benefits:

• • Increased Patient Engagement: RTM keeps patients connected to their treatment plans between appointments. By tracking progress remotely, therapists can keep patients engaged in their rehabilitation process.
  • Improved Outcomes: With continuous monitoring, therapists can make timely adjustments to treatment plans, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.
  • Increased Revenue: RTM allows therapists to bill for remote services, leading to additional reimbursement opportunities. This can help private practices increase their monthly earnings without requiring extra in-office visits.
  • Flexibility: RTM also helps manage patient load more effectively by offering a flexible approach that works well for both high- and low-acuity patients.

Understanding the Difference Between RTM and RPM

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) and Remote Physiologic Monitoring (RPM) are both crucial tools in modern healthcare, but they serve different purposes and target specific patient needs. Below is a breakdown to help PTs, OTs, and SLPs understand their distinctions.

RTM vs. RPM: Key Differences at a Glance

Aspect	RTM	RPM
Primary Focus	Therapeutic care (adherence, progress)	Chronic condition management (physiological)
Data Type	Non-physiological (exercise compliance, etc.)	Physiological (vital signs, glucose, etc.)
Primary Users	PTs, OTs, SLPs	Physicians
Purpose	Optimize therapy outcomes	Monitor and manage chronic illnesses
Typical Use Case	Tracking home exercises and therapy routines	Managing hypertension, diabetes, COPD, etc.

Which One Should You Use?

• • Choose RTM if you are a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or speech-language pathologist aiming to track therapy-related compliance and progress.
  • Choose RPM if you’re managing physiological metrics for chronic conditions, such as blood pressure or glucose levels, under a physician-led care plan.

RTM Codes and Billing

Understanding how to bill for RTM is crucial to fully leveraging its financial benefits. There are several codes available that can be used depending on the service provided. The key codes to know are:

• • CPT 98975: Used for initiating remote monitoring.
  • CPT 98977: Used for monitoring the patient’s progress remotely.
  • CPT 98980: Used for providing 20 minutes of interactive services (e.g., virtual meetings with patients or caregivers).

Breakdown of Potential Profits Using RTM Codes in Your Private Practice

One of the key benefits of implementing RTM in your practice is the opportunity to increase revenue through the proper use of billing codes. Here’s a breakdown of how RTM codes can directly contribute to your earnings:

1. Initiating a Remote Monitoring System for a Patient

• • Bill Code: RTM 98975
  • When to Bill: On day 17 after initiating the program.
  • Potential Earnings: You could earn roughly $20 per patient for each patient you initiate this program with and monitor for at least 16 days.

2. Submitting a Progress Note After 30 Days of Monitoring

• • After tracking the patient’s progress and engaging in remote monitoring, you’ll need to submit a progress note.
  • Bill Codes: CPT 98977 and CPT 98980
  • When to Bill: Submit after 30 days of working with the patient, including tracking 16 days of remote monitoring and interacting at least 20 minutes with the patient or caregiver.
  • Potential Earnings: You may earn $50 for CPT 98980 (for the first 20 minutes of interaction) and $55 for CPT 98977.

3. Repeating Billing for the Next 30 Days

• • You can continue to bill for CPT codes 98977 and 98980 after the first 30 days, as long as monitoring and patient interactions continue.
  • Potential Earnings: Another $105 for the second 30-day period.

Example of Monthly Earnings with RTM:

• • If you treat 10 Medicare patients per month, your total earnings for RTM services could reach an additional $1,200 per month. (This includes the $125 for the first 30 days and the $105 for the next 30 days per patient).

Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing RTM in Your Practice

If you’re looking to incorporate RTM into your practice, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

• • Step 1: Assess Your Current Practice and Patient Needs Evaluate whether RTM is a good fit for your patient population. Consider conditions where remote monitoring could benefit the patient’s rehabilitation progress.
  • Step 2: Choose the Right Tools and Technology Invest in the right devices and software that will allow you to monitor patient progress remotely. This may include wearable devices or mobile apps that can track patient data such as range of motion, vital signs, or speech therapy progress.
  • Step 3: Educate Your Patients Explain the benefits of RTM to your patients and get their consent to use remote monitoring tools. Clear communication about how it works will help ensure smooth integration.
  • Step 4: Integrate RTM into Your Workflow Incorporate RTM into your regular therapy sessions. Make sure that you are using the codes correctly and submitting progress notes in a timely manner to avoid billing delays.
  • Step 5: Monitor and Adjust as Necessary Regularly check the data gathered through RTM and adjust the treatment plan as needed. Ensure that you are meeting the criteria for billing and provide ongoing feedback to patients.

Frequently Asked Questions About RTM for PT, OT, and SLP

1. What types of patients can benefit from RTM? RTM is most beneficial for patients with chronic conditions or those who are in need of ongoing monitoring but don’t require in-person visits. This includes patients with musculoskeletal injuries, neurological conditions, and those undergoing speech therapy.
2. How do I know if I can bill for RTM? Ensure that you are meeting all the necessary criteria for billing. For example, CPT code 98975 can only be billed after 16 days of monitoring, and CPT codes 98977 and 98980 require at least 20 minutes of interaction with the patient or caregiver.
3. How do I get reimbursed for RTM services? Reimbursement rates vary depending on the payer, but RTM offers a solid opportunity for increasing revenue through proper coding. Keep track of patient progress and billing requirements to maximize reimbursement.

Conclusion

With solutions like HelloNote, implementing RTM becomes even more efficient. HelloNote simplifies the process by streamlining documentation, tracking patient progress, and ensuring compliance with billing requirements. By adopting this robust practice management software, you can focus on providing high-quality care while maximizing the financial potential of RTM.

Take the time to integrate RTM into your practice today with the support of HelloNote, and start experiencing the benefits. Whether you’re remotely monitoring progress or billing for the services provided, RTM combined with the right tools can elevate your practice and empower your patients to achieve their goals.

Learn how to ensure HIPAA compliance in your rehabilitation practice with practical strategies for secure telehealth services, patient data protection, and seamless integration of EMR software like HelloNote. Stay compliant while growing your practice with these actionable tips.”

Making sure you are following all the rules and regulations regarding HIPAA compliance as a new therapy practice owner can be stressful and confusing! In this article, we’ll go over the main policies of HIPAA compliance and the tools you can use to make sure you maintain HIPAA regulations within your physical, occupational or speech therapy practice.

What is HIPAA and Why Is It Important:
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was created in 1996 and requires covered entities to comply with certain rules to help protect patient’s health information on apta.org.

As therapists and assistants, we are subject to HIPAA requirements and you can face penalties for noncompliance, so it is important to try your best to follow HIPAA standards.

What penalties could you face?
“The minimum fine is $100 per violation and that is for those covered entities that were unaware of a breach and are deemed reasonably compliant with HIPAA ” according to the APTA. However, if you are willfully neglecting HIPAA and refuse to make corrections if you are notified of a breach, then you could be fined $50,000 per violation! I wanted to share this to highlight that government organizations understand HIPAA regulations can be complex and so they do give you time to correct anything that may not be following HIPAA standards before giving you a penalty. So just try your best!

Key HIPAA Compliance Steps:
According to the APTA, here are some key steps to take:

• Risk Assessment Plan: It is mandatory to create a plan in protecting your patients your information.
  • Document your risks
  • Document your procedures
  • Document your policies
  • Document your breaches
  • Document your routine assessment of risks
  • Document you employee education of HIPAA

What are some examples of things to document include where are your patient files stored, who has access to your patient files, can your employee’s access your internet, and so much more according to VGM Insurance (www.vgminsurance.com/blog/post/how-to-manage-hipaa-risks-for-your-physical-therapy-practice-5-best-practices-you-can-begin-today).

• Try to encrypt your computer, email and test messages – basically any communication according to Security Rules 164.312 needs to be encrypted. How can you perform encrypted communication?  Often an EMR will include the ability to safety communicate with your patient in the form of texting and email. HelloNote includes secure messaging within it’s EMR platform.
• Store your records securely.  You can store your records securely several ways:
  • Locked cabinet – although this is not as secure as the other methods below.
  • Securely save your documents on an encrypted and password-protected computer or external drive.
  • Keep your records in an EMR, such as HelloNote which is HIPAA compliant and securely saves your files.
• Create and store secure passwords.  I recommend using LastPass to help secure your passwords. It has a great chrome extension that automatically with 1 click will store any new password and allow you to share your passwords securely with a virtual assistant or other employees without them being able to see your password.  There are many more password software’s, but LastPass is very affordable, widely used and user friendly.
• Data Backup Encryption:  Any data you are storing or using must be encrypted. The best way to comply with this is to use an EMR system that can help securely store and encrypt your patient files. HelloNote is a great example of an EMR that offers HIPAA compliance including data encryption and encrypted backups.
• Privacy Notice: This is an easy step. Simply make sure you have a privacy notice on your website as well as on any paperwork and if you are a brick and mortar location, a sign visible for your patient without requiring them to request this information (https://bcmscomp.com/2018/09/12/physical-therapy-hipaa-compliance/).

What to do if you discover that you’ve had a breach of privacy?
If you have had a breach of information, then a notification within 60 days (or the limit specified by your state law) is required.  It is required that you mail notification by first class mail or email if your patient’s have indicated that they preferred email contact.

You should include a “description of the breach, description of type of unsecured PHI involved, if the PHI was acquired or viewed, whether the PHI was acquired or viewed, to whom the PHI may have been disclosed, the nature and extent of the PHI involved, the extent to which risk to the PHI has been mitigated, the steps the individual should take to protect him or herself, and the entity’s contact information.

Summary
HIPAA compliance is important, and this article is really an attempt to overview and simplify the main points of HIPAA . Please continue to keep up to date on HIPAA regulations as these policies are changing every year. Good news is that many HIPAA compliant standards can be met easily with an EMR system and HelloNote is happy to answer your questions as to how our EMR system can help maintain your HIPAA compliance.

Learn how to start a podcast as a therapist or assistant and amplify your impact! This guide covers the benefits of podcasting, from building your clinic’s reputation to reaching a global audience, and provides step-by-step instructions to start your podcast for free. Perfect for therapists looking to share expertise and grow their practice.

How To Start a Podcast

Are you a therapist or assistant looking to learn how to start a podcast? Starting a podcast has many benefits, including reaching patients on a global scale, establishing yourself as an expert in your field, and creating an inexpensive way to promote your clinic. In this article, we’ll guide you through why, as a therapist or assistant, you should start a podcast and provide you with the exact steps on how to start a podcast today!

Why Should You Learn How to Start a Podcast?

There are many reasons why you should start a podcast. Below are the top 5 benefits for therapists and assistants:

1. Create a Greater Impact on Society
   Podcasting allows you to reach a global audience at little to no cost. Learning how to start a podcast gives you the opportunity to educate, share your expertise, and provide valuable information to patients and professionals worldwide.
2. Grow Your Clinic for Free
   By learning how to start a podcast, you create an inexpensive marketing tool. Once your podcast is published, it becomes available on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify, giving your clinic global visibility. Even better, podcast episodes remain online indefinitely, allowing you to attract clients continuously from one-time efforts.
3. Position Yourself as an Expert
   Starting a podcast showcases your expertise in your niche. Telling patients and colleagues that you host a podcast helps establish credibility and sets you apart as a knowledgeable professional in your field.
4. Build a Referral Network
   Learning how to start a podcast can help you create meaningful connections with other healthcare professionals. Inviting physicians, chiropractors, and other experts onto your podcast not only gives them free exposure but also establishes a bond that may lead to referrals.
5. Share Your Passion and Knowledge
   Podcasting allows you to communicate directly with your audience. Whether you want to educate patients or inspire your peers, starting a podcast helps amplify your message and make a lasting impact.

How to Start a Podcast for Free

If you’re ready to learn how to start a podcast, follow these simple steps to get started without spending a dime:

1. Define Your Niche or Topic
2. Choose a Podcast Name
3. Design Your Podcast Cover Art
4. Plan Your First Episode
5. Record and Edit Your Episode
6. Upload to a Podcast Host

Let’s dive into each step in detail.

1. Define Your Niche or Topic

When learning how to start a podcast, the first step is identifying your niche. For therapists, this often means focusing on the type of therapy you practice. For example:

• If your clinic specializes in sports therapy, your podcast could center on sports recovery strategies.
• If you’re an occupational therapist, you could focus on topics like ergonomics at work or managing chronic pain through therapy.

Having a clear and focused niche makes your podcast more engaging and easier to market.

2. Choose a Podcast Name

The name of your podcast should reflect its purpose and niche. For example, if your podcast focuses on mental health, consider a name like “Mind Matters Therapy Podcast” or “Clinictalk.” Remember to include keywords that make your podcast easy to find.

When learning how to start a podcast, research other podcast names within your niche for inspiration. A clear and descriptive name improves your chances of being discovered by listeners.

3. Design Your Podcast Cover Art

Your podcast cover art is the first thing potential listeners see. Use free tools like Canva.com to create professional-looking artwork that reflects your niche. As of 2022, the recommended dimensions for podcast cover art are 3000×3000 pixels.

When designing your cover art, keep it simple and professional. If your podcast is about therapy, incorporate calming colors and therapy-related imagery.

4. Plan Your First Episode

Now that you know how to start a podcast, it’s time to plan your first episode. Decide on the format:

• Solo Episodes: You present the content yourself.
• Interview Format: Invite guests to share insights and experiences.
• Co-Hosting: Partner with a colleague to create engaging conversations.

Write an outline or bullet points to guide your episode. Planning ensures you deliver valuable content that keeps listeners engaged.

5. Record and Edit Your Episode

To record your podcast, you’ll need software:

• Mac Users: Use GarageBand (free).
• PC Users: Use Audacity (free).

Record your episode, edit out any mistakes, and save the final version as an MP3 file. If you’re unsure how to use these tools, YouTube offers free tutorials to help you get started.

6. Upload to a Podcast Host

The final step in learning how to start a podcast is uploading your episode to a podcast hosting platform. Anchor.fm is a free and user-friendly option that distributes your episodes to major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.

Anchor.fm also allows you to monetize your podcast through advertising. While there are many paid hosting platforms, Anchor is a great starting point for beginners.

Final Thoughts on How to Start a Podcast

By following these steps, you can start a podcast that helps grow your clinic, builds your reputation, and connects you with a broader audience. Whether you’re a seasoned therapist or just starting out, podcasting is a powerful tool for sharing your expertise and making a difference.

We hope this guide on how to start a podcast inspires you to take action and launch your first episode today!

Explore how to expand your occupational therapy practice by adding specialized OT niches like home modifications, ergonomics, low vision, and more. Learn how to integrate Electronic Medical Records (EMR) to streamline patient care and enhance the efficiency of your practice. Discover the benefits of niching down and how EMR can support your efforts in offering personalized, high-quality services for patients with specific needs.

There is a common saying, “the niches are in the riches,” and this is no exception in the occupational therapy (OT) profession. As an OT, COTA, or OTA, you have a wealth of knowledge that can be translated into numerous OT niches. Each niche can not only help grow your business but also enable you to deliver targeted care to a variety of patient populations. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the most lucrative OT niches you could add to your occupational therapy practice and how using an EMR system can streamline these services.

Home Modifications:

If you’ve ever wanted to help seniors live safer and longer within their home, offering home modifications is an ideal OT niche. By offering this service, you can recommend safety adjustments such as chair glides, second stair rails, tub benches, raised toilet seats, and ramps.

This is an easy niche to integrate into your practice. For instance, during a routine evaluation, if a patient reports difficulty going up stairs or has fallen while transferring in the bathroom, you could suggest a home safety evaluation. From there, you can assess their home, provide recommendations, and document the process using your EMR system to track progress and follow-up.

While certifications are not required to offer home modifications, many OTs choose to pursue the Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) certification to provide more comprehensive service and gain visibility through the CAPS provider directory.

Ergonomics:

Another profitable OT niche is ergonomics, especially for patients who suffer from chronic neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, or carpal tunnel symptoms—common issues among those who sit at a desk for long hours.

Like home modifications, no certification is required to offer ergonomic assessments, but specialized training, such as that provided by the Back School, can improve your skills in evaluating posture and recommending ergonomic solutions.

Ergonomics services can be offered to corporate clients as well as individuals. For example, during patient evaluations, if you identify signs of poor workstation setup, you could suggest an ergonomic assessment to reduce or prevent further symptoms. The EMR system will allow you to document each assessment and provide customized follow-ups.

Low Vision:

Low vision is a significant issue that can compromise safety and daily activities for individuals. As an OT, you can assist these patients by providing therapy focused on balance, strength, daily planning, caregiver training, and home modifications.

If you are passionate about working with individuals with low vision, you can pursue certification as a Low Vision Specialist to deepen your knowledge and improve your ability to serve this niche. Additionally, your EMR system will be essential in documenting patient progress, tracking goals, and coordinating care effectively.

Driver Rehabilitation:

Helping patients regain the ability to drive after a stroke, major surgery, or other medical events is a highly specialized OT niche. Few therapists hold the Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist certification, making this a unique and valuable service that can help your practice stand out.

By using an EMR system, you can streamline the evaluation process, monitor progress, and keep track of necessary follow-up actions for driver rehabilitation patients. This integration will enhance the quality of care provided and ensure the safety of patients as they return to driving.

Lymphedema and Cancer Recovery:

Lymphedema and cancer recovery are rapidly growing areas where OT services can make a significant impact. In fact, in 2010, there were over 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States, and the rates of cancer are only increasing. OT can play a vital role in rehabilitation, offering strengthening, flexibility, home modification adjustments, assistive devices, caregiver training, and emotional support.

Lymphedema is often associated with cancer recovery, and treating these conditions requires specialized knowledge. Many OTs choose to pursue the Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) certification to provide higher-quality care.

With the right EMR system, you can ensure that treatment plans for lymphedema and cancer recovery patients are well-documented and tracked efficiently, helping you deliver better care and improve patient outcomes.

Women’s Health:

The field of women’s health is a rapidly expanding OT niche, particularly in areas such as post-natal rehabilitation, pelvic floor therapy, and pregnancy-related care. Many OTs and assistants are finding success by providing specialized services to this population.

While you don’t need additional certifications to treat women’s health conditions, certifications like those for pelvic health can enhance your ability to serve this niche. EMR systems help you maintain detailed records, track patient progress, and ensure comprehensive care for women’s health patients.

Memory Deficits:

Memory deficits, particularly in cases of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, are becoming a growing concern in healthcare. OTs can provide crucial services such as cognitive training, daily memory exercises, caregiver support, and home modifications.

While specialized education is not required to address memory deficits, certifications like the Certified Dementia Specialist can provide you with the tools to deliver more effective care. With the help of an EMR system, you can maintain detailed documentation, track progress over time, and collaborate with other healthcare providers to offer the best care possible.

Conclusion:

Expanding your practice by adding specialized OT niches such as home modifications, ergonomics, low vision, driver rehabilitation, lymphedema, cancer recovery, women’s health, and memory deficits can significantly enhance the care you provide to patients. Each niche offers a unique opportunity to serve specific populations while expanding your therapy practice. By integrating an EMR system into your workflow, you can streamline patient management, track progress, and deliver more personalized care, all of which will contribute to the growth and success of your occupational therapy business.

The No Surprises Act protects patients from unexpected medical bills. Therapy practices need to understand its key provisions, including rules on balance billing, good faith estimates, and patient disclosures. Stay compliant and avoid surprises in billing for emergency and non-emergency services in your clinic.

As a therapy clinic owner, navigating the ever-changing rules and regulations of CMS can be daunting. With HelloNote’s comprehensive practice management tools, you can stay on top of compliance requirements, including the new No Surprises Act, and focus on running your therapy practice with confidence.

What is the No Surprises Act?

Ironically called the No Surprises Act, these rulings were one of the biggest surprises to therapists and assistants in 2021. In July 2021, “The Requirements Related to Surprise Billing Part 1” and then on September 30, 2021, “The Requirements Related to Surprise Billing: Part II” were released by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Labor, and the Department of the Treasury (collectively, the Departments), along with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

• Part I was created to “restrict surprise billing for patients in job-based and individual health plans who get emergency care, non-emergency care from out-of-network providers at in-network facilities, and air ambulance services from out-of-network providers,” according to CMS. The purpose of this rule is to help patients understand the costs of medical care upfront.
• Part II provided additional rules and protections to prevent surprise medical billing, including:
  • A dispute resolution process for out-of-network payment amounts
  • The requirement for good faith estimates of medical services and items
  • A way to appeal certain decisions

On November 17, 2021, a third rule was issued, called the “Prescription Drug and Health Care Spending” rule, which implements new requirements for group health plans and issuers to submit certain information about prescription drug and health care spending.

It is important to note that you have until January 1, 2022, to comply with these new rulings, so if you are reading this, it’s crucial to digest and take action to stay in compliance.

Key Exemptions

The No Surprises Act does not apply to federal programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, Indian Health Services, Veterans Affairs Health Care, or TRICARE as these programs have other protections against high medical bills.

What Do You Need to Know as a Therapy Clinic Owner?

As a therapy clinic owner, it’s important to understand the key provisions of the No Surprises Act that directly affect your practice. While rules on emergency medicine and air ambulances are excluded, here’s what is most relevant to physical, occupational, or speech therapy practices:

1. No balance billing for out-of-network emergency services:
   • You cannot bill patients who received emergency services at a hospital or an independent freestanding emergency department for amounts greater than the in-network cost-sharing requirement.
2. No balance billing for non-emergency services by nonparticipating providers:
   • You cannot bill patients for non-emergency services at participating healthcare facilities by nonparticipating providers for amounts greater than the in-network cost-sharing requirement unless proper notice and consent requirements are met.
3. Disclose patient protections against balance billing:
   • Providers must disclose the balance billing protections to patients and explain how to report violations. This must be done on your website, within your facility, and in a timely manner.
4. Provide a good faith estimate of expected charges:
   • If a patient is uninsured or self-paying, you must provide a good faith estimate of the expected charges in advance of scheduled services or upon request. This estimate should include charges for services expected to be provided alongside the primary service.
5. Ensure continuity of care when a provider’s network status changes:
   • If a provider’s network status changes, you must inform the patient, provide them with a good faith estimate of expected charges, and include details like expected services and diagnostic codes.

How to Stay Compliant

It’s essential for therapy clinic owners to stay on top of compliance requirements. Below are a few resources from CMS and HelloNote to further understand the impact of the No Surprises Act on your practice:

• Federal Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) guidance for certified IDR entities (Download Guidance)
• Guidance on good faith estimates and the Patient-Provider Dispute Resolution (PPDR) process for uninsured patients (Download Guidance)
• Standard notice & consent forms for nonparticipating providers regarding consumer consent on balance billing protections (Download Surprise Billing Protection Form)
• Overview of Public Health Service (PHS) Act Provider and Facility Requirements: CMS PHS Act Overview

Learn the top ways to gather impactful testimonials and patient reviews to enhance your clinic’s reputation and attract more patients. Discover actionable strategies like in-office requests, automated emails, social media outreach, and more to boost trust and grow your practice effectively.

If you’re a private practice owner, one of the best ways to attract new patients and grow your clinic is through testimonials and patient reviews. These valuable pieces of feedback not only showcase the quality of your services but also help establish trust and credibility for your practice.

But when was the last time you actively sought out patient testimonials or asked for reviews? If it’s been a while, don’t worry—we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 ways to gather testimonials and patient reviews to enhance your clinic’s reputation and attract more patients.

Distinguishing Testimonials and Patient Reviews

Before diving in, it’s important to understand the difference between testimonials and patient reviews.

• Patient reviews: These represent a patient’s true opinion and are often posted on third-party platforms like Google, Yelp, or Facebook. You have little control over their content.
• Testimonials: These are curated quotes or feedback you can feature on your website and marketing materials. They are always positive and showcase the best aspects of your services.

Although they differ, the two often overlap—many testimonials can be pulled directly from patient reviews.

Top 5 Ways to Gather Testimonials and Patient Reviews

1. Ask During the Appointment

A great time to gather a testimonial or a patient review is during the patient’s visit. Direct feedback during an appointment allows you to express your gratitude and address any concerns they may have.

If a patient shares positive feedback, ask if they’d be willing to turn it into a testimonial or leave a review online. Remember, according to BrightLocal, 7 out of 10 people will leave a review if asked!

2. Send Automated Emails

Automated emails are an excellent way to request testimonials and patient reviews. Use email platforms like MailerLite or Mailchimp to personalize your messages and include direct links to your review page.

Make it easy for patients to leave feedback by providing instructions and examples. For instance:

• “We’d love to feature your testimonial on our website!”
• “Your feedback in a patient review helps us grow and serve you better.”

3. Add Review Features to Your Website

Incorporate a dedicated space for testimonials and patient reviews on your website. A call-to-action (CTA) button placed on frequently visited pages can direct patients to a landing page where they can submit their feedback.

This ensures you’re gathering both testimonials for marketing and reviews for third-party platforms in a streamlined way.

4. Leverage Social Media

Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are perfect for requesting testimonials and patient reviews. Post regularly to encourage followers to share their experiences. Include direct links to your review page to make the process seamless.

5. Use Text Messages

Text messaging is another effective way to collect patient reviews and testimonials, especially for patients who prefer quick communication. A short, friendly text with a direct link can result in more reviews than you’d expect.

For instance:

• “We’d love your feedback! Click here to leave a quick testimonial: [Insert Link].”
• “Help us grow by sharing your experience in a patient review: [Insert Link].”

Why Testimonials and Patient Reviews Matter

Patient reviews and testimonials are essential for growing your practice. They highlight your clinic’s strengths, establish trust, and encourage potential patients to choose your services.

As motivational speaker Dr. Wayne Dyer once said, “Your reputation is in the hands of others.” By actively gathering testimonials and patient reviews, you ensure your clinic’s reputation reflects the excellent care you provide.

Conclusion

Start implementing these strategies today to collect more testimonials and patient reviews. Whether through direct conversations, automated emails, or social media, your efforts will pay off as your clinic’s reputation grows.

H

Learn how to improve home exercise program adherence in your clinic with practical strategies like patient education, realistic goals, and leveraging EMR systems to boost outcomes and streamline processes.

As therapists, we know that the one thing patients struggle with is…completing their home exercise program (HEP). In fact, research shows that for those with musculoskeletal conditions, non-adherence to a home exercise program has been shown to be as high as 50-65%. Why is this number so high? There are many reasons, but the most common ones given by patients are pain, lack of self-efficacy, and perceived barriers to exercise, such as lack of time or simply forgetting.

Patients who do follow through and complete their home exercise program are significantly better at achieving their goals and tend to demonstrate better outcomes. While the intrinsic factors of a patient definitely play a role in home exercise adherence, there are ways that you, as the physical therapist, can contribute to helping the patient be more likely to complete their home exercise program. The question then becomes…how can you do that?

Let’s take a look at 4 ways you can improve your patients’ adherence to their home exercise program:

• Educate your Patients

Time and time again, you hear about the importance of patient education when it comes to physical therapy services and in this case, it’s probably the best way for you to encourage your patients to complete their home exercise program. Why? Because much like patient education is the key to getting your patients to buy-in to attending therapy, it’s also the key to helping your patients understand the importance of their home exercise program. HEPs provide many benefits for the patient, the main one being that typically they lead to better outcomes and help patients achieve their goals faster which is why it’s imperative that you explain and help your patients understand these benefits. Not only that, but you’ll also want to relate their home exercises back to the patient’s specific goals and motivation for attending therapy. When you educate on the benefits and incorporate the patient’s own specific goals and motivations, you’ll likely increase the patient’s buy-in to their home program, from the start.

• Understand your patient’s schedule

Unless your clinic specializes in sports orthopedic or treating athletes, chances are the majority of your patients are not regular exercisers meaning they probably don’t have the necessary behavior strategies in place to follow through with their program. The easiest way to address this barrier is through talking with your patient and learning their schedule. By doing this, you’ll have a better understanding of what kind of the time the patient has to complete their exercises. You can also encourage your patients to note down this time in their planner, phone or on their calendar at work as a reminder to help them stay on track.

• Make the Home Exercise Program Realistic

Similar to understanding your patient’s schedule, you also have to make sure that the home exercise program you are prescribing your patient will work for them. One of the biggest factors is the number of exercises you are prescribing. Do you typically provide 6-8 exercises for your patient? If so, that might be a major factor as to why your patient’s adherence is so low. Oftentimes when you prescribe a large number of exercises, patients are less likely to complete them due to time constraints and having an all or nothing mentality.

This all or nothing mentality leads to our next point which is, regardless of the number of home exercises you prescribe, you need to let your patient know that it’s okay to not complete all of their exercises at one time. Make sure your patient understands that breaking their exercise routine up throughout the day will still give them improved outcomes and that 10 or 15 minutes of exercise at home is better than no exercise. This understanding can often lead to increased HEP compliance as the patient doesn’t feel that they need to wait for an extended break in their day.

• Focus on Short-Term, Attainable and Measurable Goals

When initially prescribing the home exercise program, make sure you’re encouraging your patient to set short-term, attainable, and measurable goals. Not only will this improve the patient’s sense of control and accomplishment, but it will likely lead to improved self-efficacy and compliance. This is also an excellent way to make sure you are continually updating the patient’s HEP and that it stays inline with the patient’s goals and motivations as they progress through therapy.

Through implementing these 4 techniques, you are likely to see an increase in your patients HEP compliance; however, remember that every patient is unique so what works for one, may not work for another. One common theme, with all of the above techniques, is that they emphasize improving the patient-provider relationship. When you treat the patient as a whole and really understand their life outside of therapy, you have a greater chance of helping your patient overcome their barriers, increase adherence to their home exercise program and overall achieve better outcomes.

Unlock your KPI’s full potential for your physical therapy clinic with actionable strategies that will supercharge its growth and success. This guide covers top key performance indicators (KPIs) and proven methods to optimize patient care, increase revenue, and streamline operations. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, these insights will help elevate your clinic’s performance to new heights

Starting and running a successful physical therapy clinic involves much more than providing quality care; it’s also about tracking the right metrics to measure your progress. KPIs, or Key Performance Indicators, are secret weapons that can elevate your clinic’s efficiency, patient care, and profitability. Whether you’ve just launched your clinic or are looking to enhance its operations, knowing and using the right KPIs can give you a competitive edge.

In this guide, we reveal the top 7 KPIs every physical therapy clinic needs to track in order to thrive. From managing patient visits to understanding financial health, these secret insights will help you optimize operations and keep your clinic on the path to long-term success.

1. Visits per New Patient: The Power of Patient Retention and Care

One of the first KPIs you need to track in your physical therapy clinic is the number of visits per new patient. This metric gives you a clear picture of how much care each new patient requires. For outpatient clinics, aiming for 10-12 visits per patient is a general goal. For specialty clinics like those treating chronic pain or sports medicine, the number might be higher.

This KPI helps you evaluate the effectiveness of your treatment plans and identify if your clinic’s EMR system is supporting patient care properly. The right EMR can streamline your documentation, allowing you to monitor patient progress and adjust treatment plans as needed to improve outcomes.

2. Arrival Rate: Tracking Patient Attendance for Better Productivity

The arrival rate, calculated as the percentage of patients who show up for their scheduled appointments, is a critical KPI. Missed appointments can disrupt your clinic’s schedule, affect your therapist’s productivity, and decrease overall revenue. To improve this KPI, invest in systems like automated reminders through your EMR system, ensuring that patients know when their appointments are and reducing the chance of cancellations.

Tracking your arrival rate regularly gives you the data to make informed decisions, such as introducing new patient policies or enhancing communication with your patients.

3. Visits per Full-Time Equivalent (FTE): Maximizing Therapist Productivity

This KPI is calculated by dividing the total number of visits by the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) employees. It helps you gauge whether your clinic is operating at full capacity or if you need to hire more staff. With this metric, you can analyze therapist performance and determine if additional hires are needed to meet patient demand.

For clinics utilizing EMR, this KPI can be even more impactful, as an efficient EMR system can streamline scheduling, documentation, and data analysis, ultimately improving therapist productivity.

4. Cost per Visit: Understanding the Financial Health of Your Clinic

Understanding the cost per visit is crucial for managing your clinic’s finances. This metric calculates the average cost to treat a patient, including overhead like payroll, equipment, insurance, and utilities. Tracking this KPI ensures that you’re not overspending and that your clinic is operating efficiently.

Your EMR system plays a key role here by simplifying billing processes, which can reduce errors and administrative costs, ultimately lowering your cost per visit. The better your EMR, the easier it will be to track and optimize your clinic’s expenses.

5. Revenue per Visit: A Direct Link to Profitability

Revenue per visit is a vital KPI to determine how much income your clinic generates for each patient treated. This metric not only provides insight into your clinic’s financial health but also helps to assess if your therapists are maximizing the time and resources available during patient sessions.

A high revenue per visit indicates that your clinic is operating profitably. Using an advanced EMR system can help track billing, appointments, and payments more accurately, ensuring that you’re maximizing revenue potential without the risk of missed charges or coding errors.

6. Net Income: Assessing Overall Profitability

Net income is perhaps the most telling KPI of your clinic’s financial health. By subtracting your expenses from your total income, net income shows whether your clinic is making a profit or running at a loss. This is crucial for long-term planning and financial forecasting.

Tracking net income helps you assess whether your clinic is on the path to success or if adjustments need to be made. EMR systems can be used here too, providing financial insights through integrated billing tools and helping streamline the financial management of your clinic.

7. Patient Satisfaction: Keeping Your Clients Happy and Loyal

Although not a traditional KPI from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), patient satisfaction is one of the most important metrics to track in your physical therapy clinic. Satisfied patients are more likely to return and refer others, which directly impacts your clinic’s growth and profitability.

Patient satisfaction can be easily measured through surveys and feedback forms. With your EMR system, you can collect and analyze patient feedback directly, ensuring that your clinic provides the highest level of care and patient service possible.

Why Tracking KPIs is Essential for Your Physical Therapy Clinic’s Success

Incorporating these KPIs into your clinic’s routine management is not just about improving patient care—it’s also about streamlining operations and boosting profitability. By closely monitoring each of these metrics, you can make informed decisions on how to optimize your clinic’s operations and ensure that you’re meeting both patient needs and business goals.

Utilizing an efficient EMR system will significantly aid in tracking and managing these KPIs. From improving patient data management to streamlining billing and documentation, an EMR can be the backbone of a successful physical therapy clinic. By adopting these KPIs and making data-driven decisions, your clinic will be well-positioned to succeed in an increasingly competitive market.

Conclusion

Running a successful physical therapy clinic requires more than just excellent care—it requires measuring success through clear, actionable data. By keeping track of the top 7 KPIs, your clinic can remain financially healthy, provide excellent patient outcomes, and grow effectively. Whether you are a new clinic or have been in business for years, incorporating these KPIs into your management strategy will help you stay on top of your clinic’s health and performance.