Sep 15 2007
Networking with Nurse Practitioners
Last evening, I had dinner with two other the Nurse Practitioner business owners. One of them has been in her practice for seven years and the other for less than six months. As for myself, I’ve owned my own practice for little over a year now. The focus of all of our practices its primary care.
One of my questions for my colleagues was what was the one thing that they wish that they had known when they got started. The one with the most experience said she wished she knew more about billing in the beginning. She told me that she has been through seven billers in that amount of time. While she didn’t go into detail, I know with my own limited struggle with billing companies, they can really put a damper on your business. Knowing more about billing practices and coding, is frequently one of the top questions asked from NP’s who are considering opening a practice.
Another topic that came up with us is our practice environment. As you can guess, were all in the same geographical area. Washington State has one of the best practice acts in the nation for Nurse Practitioners. However our rural/semi rural location is not very NP friendly as far as the local hospital and physicians go. It seems to be fine, if you work in someone else’s office, but you become somewhat of a outcast having your own office. All of us have been perplexed, as this an area with a shortage of primary care providers, and we are three independent offices offering primary care. Go figure.
All of us acknowledged how difficult primary care can be, especially in our given health care environment. We spoke of way to weather the changes and how we can be prepared for the future.
If you are in a location with other Nurse Practitioners business owners, I highly recommend attending networking events. It felt good to brainstorm, commiserate, and congratulate each other over margaritas. While we acknowledge we may have vented a bit much, we plan to get together again soon and focus on ways to build our visibility and practices.
Barbara, what a great website!!!!!! Did you fashion it yourself?cm
I wish that there was more of an opportunity to have independent practice here in FL. I’m having a difficult time finding a job in my area right now. Getting ready to travel if I can’t find something soon..
I am planning this week to contact the NP that I met several weeks ago so that we can get together. SHe has been in business since 2000 and I know she can teach me a lot… probably can help me save money… I know three other practitioners
in Mississippi but I can only reach one… and she seems to be very busy as far as meeting but usually when I call her and need advice or assitance with something she always tries to help..
It is very important that you all have formed this bond and you plan to keep it going… sometimes our plates are full but in order to survive and balance the stress we have to find time to nuture ourselves…. thank you for sharing..
Ritha from Central Mississippi
Hi I am overwhelmed by reading this site I have been in practice for the past 5 yrs
in a small town. I have so much to share and so many things to ask of all of you.
I am having serious issues with one insurance company which has significantly impacted my business I am currently negotiating for a resolution. Please share your issues I would like to hear about them and offer my support. Thanks so much for being here. I can sure use your support am the only independent NP in primary care in my area. Sher
Hi Sherrie,
Welcome.
Where are you located, and what insurance company are you have problems with?
Barbara