An Explosion of NP Practices
Around town, recently, I have been hearing about a few NPs thinking of branching out and starting their own healthcare businesses.
A PNP is thinking of opening a behavioral health clinic to work with children who have sensory processing disorders, including those that fall within the autism spectrum. One of my colleagues is putting together a model for a satellite clinic, using the NP model of healthcare delivery as part of a larger health system. A couple of NP educators are trying to open a primary care clinic downtown which would eventually serve as a residency clinic for future NP students.
One of my classmates is considering opening a pediatric mental health clinic, focusing on school failure and ADD/ADHD issues. There are a couple of NPs interested in opening a physical medicine and rehabilitation clinic with their PT and OT colleagues. Another NP is hoping to start a home visiting business where she will provide preventive health services to children with special needs.
"Up North" in rural Minnesota, an NP is trying to open a primary care clinic in her area where there is currently only one other clinic and it is part of a larger health care system. She felt that the residents of her community and surrounding area should have a choice in healthcare providers.
I am very excited about the interest in NP clinics, especially in our area where NP-owned businesses are rare. My goal is to form a network of NP clinics. Instead of Kaiser, Mayo, Baylor, Health Partners, Fairview, etc... we could be NP Health or Nurses R US!
On a more personal note, May's production numbers were the worst I have seen since 2007. That being said, June is taking off with a bang! We are one of, if not the only, clinics in our county that will see patients who do not have insurance. We are shortening our hours for summer, but that doesn't seem to be a big issue. Our providers are able to get to the clinic after hours if need be. Our MA staff will be working Saturdays as "on call" status instead of regular hours. If the provider feels an MA is needed in clinic, they can call them in, but a receptionist will be in the office to answer phones and make appointments as necessary.
It is difficult to be so near break-even and have it continue to elude us. My partner said "it's always something..." I feel it's like running the marathon in Duluth - you cross the highway and you can see the finish line, it looks so close, but then you still have to wind around the convention center before you actually get there!
I guess I will continue my "marathon training."