At Acuhub, we have the bird’s eye view on many clinics across the nation. We have been able to see firsthand what clinics are doing and how Covid-19 has affected their practices. In late July, we began seeing most schedules begin to fill in again and get busier than before.  It’s been interesting to watch the adaptations that many acupuncturists have made in their practices that have helped them remain busy and profitable.
Here are 12 strategies that have helped many clinics get back to full schedules sooner and maintain a steady and consistently booked calendar. One thing is for sure across the board… saving time and money, and having great systems in place is a must for any clinic to stay ahead in 2020.
- Consolidate your schedule and your time: You don’t need to be sitting around the office all day waiting for walk ins anymore. People schedule appts ahead of time. Pick the shifts you want to work and keep them manageable.
- Cut your Costs: Outsource your receptionist or admin services.  We know that the clinics that work with us get busier because we answer their calls 9-5 Monday-Friday. We have evidence on this looking at schedules before and after using our services. Clinics stop missing important calls. Clients are picking up the phone. They have questions about your office and how safe it is. Having your calls answered each time is vitally important.
- Systematize your arrival procedures: Get an easy and clear arrival policy in place. Make sure clients come ON TIME, and have your screening procedures dialed in whether that happens on the phone while they wait in their car, or online via your EHR system. Pick one and put it in place.
- Adopt a good cleaning schedule. Leave ample time between clients to clean the rooms. If you have an overflow room that is the best strategy we have seen.
- Implement Packages or Programs: Put your clients on individualized programs or packages of 6-8 sessions. This way they are committed ahead of time to this idea and will follow through.These can be prepaid or pay as you go.
- Offer Free Consultations: Get people in the door to see your clinic and meet you. This can happen on a Telehealth session or better yet, in person. Once they meet you they most always book a session or buy a package.
- Offer Paid Consultations. For clinics wanting to attract a more serious and committed patient base, charge a minimal fee for your consultation between $30-$50. You can apply this to the cost of first session if you like for a higher sales appeal.
- Choose the right software . We Love JANE! Many of our clinics converted to Janeapp during this year and are very satisfied. There are others but in our opinion Jane is superior in what she can do and how easy she is to use for both practitioners and clients.
- Accept Online payments. No more dealing with CC in house . Yes , it costs more, but in the long run, the convenience you gain by storing cards online and processing with one click is so worth the fees. Many scheduling software programs have this feature . Make sure to look for one that actually stores the card over time, not just for one session.
- Raise your Rates. If you raise rates just 10% you’ll come out ahead even if you loose 3-5% of your client base usually.
- Invest in your Marketing:Â A little money on Google ads and Instagram goes a long way keeping your name and branding out there in your community.
- Keep your eye on your Long Term Goals. Don’t get swamped treading water in the 2020 panic. Visualize what you want your practice to look like in a year and make the changes that will take you there.
If you’d like more information about Acuhub give us a call. We’d be happy to discuss your specific clinic situation and throw ideas around with you. The first call is free. If you use our virtual reception services, mentoring is included and we can help you mold your practice into what you’d like it to be. Reach out to us at 209-322-1600. We love hearing about other acupuncture practice success stories and helping all acupuncturists have happier and healthier practices.
