When specialty practices expand their operations, they often run into challenges as they work to capture market share, bring in new physicians and increase revenue. The most successful organizations do some upfront planning as part of their expansion strategies to anticipate and address possible hiccups. Here are three tactics to keep in mind during planning to sidestep common growing pains.

As highlighted in our previous blog, bringing innovation that constantly seeks to be more effective while holding patients at the center of the care experience is a key factor in a successful practice; something that Nextech user, Colorado Retina Associates has been able to achieve. Although the idea of transforming your practice into a forward-thinking, high-achieving entity may seem daunting, these goals are closer than you may realize. Here are a few ways you can apply some of Colorado Retina’s philosophy and passion to take your practice to the next level.

Driven by a growing need for change, in 2007 three prominent retina practices in the Denver metropolitan area merged to form Colorado Retina Associates (CRA)—the largest retina practice in the Rocky Mountain Region with six locations, including two satellite offices in Kansas and South Dakota. The impetus for the merger was to maintain a strong and progressive organization and effectively compete in an increasingly managed care marketplace; focusing on treating several ocular conditions. This includes macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, eye tumors and uveitis.

As specialty practices begin to embrace value-based care models, many providers are considering technology that allows them to better capture information about the patient encounter, streamline financial operations and meet reporting requirements. Although this is a smart strategy, practices must be careful to not just bolt on solutions that operate in silos. Instead, they should look for technology that seamlessly integrates with other solutions, facilitating information exchange, enabling smoother processes and limiting the likelihood that key information will slip through the cracks.

A solid reputation is a key part of any sound marketing strategy. Favorable impressions and positive word of mouth can go a long way in attracting new patients and driving referrals—particularly for specialty practices. One method for boosting a practice’s reputation is to cultivate happy patients. Engaging in your patients’ care, along with positive clinical and financial experiences, they are more likely to return and even share opinions with friends and family.

Conference optimizes use of health care technology built by Nextech and powered by specialty providers

For years, dermatologists, like all physicians, have been hammered with mandates, such as meaningful use and now value-based care. Trying to keep up with the constantly changing regulations may at times seem like a distraction away from the patients for which these policies were intended to benefit.

The end of the year presents a prime opportunity to reflect on the challenges and accomplishments of the past 12 months and consider new opportunities for the coming year. When thinking about health information technology (HIT), there are many factors to consider, specifically around trends impacting the industry and how this year’s market shifts will impact our work in 2018.