Private Equity in Healthcare: A Candid Conversation - Special Snack Episode, EP 159

Tracy Cherpeski 2/14/25 Tracy Cherpeski 2/14/25

SEO Secrets for Healthcare Providers: Optimize Your Website to Reach More Patients Featuring Samantha Mabe, EP158

In this episode of Thriving Practice, host Tracy dives into the world of digital marketing for healthcare and wellness practices with web design expert Samantha Mabe, founder of Lemon and the Sea. Samantha shares her wealth of knowledge on creating effective, patient-attracting websites specifically tailored for health practitioners. From the crucial elements of a professional medical website to the nuances of healthcare SEO, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Discover why your website is more than just an online brochure - it's your practice's digital front door and often the first point of contact for potential patients. Learn how to optimize your site for both search engines and user experience, ensuring it not only attracts visitors but converts them into patients. Whether you're building your first website or looking to revamp your existing online presence, Samantha's expert advice will help you create a digital strategy that aligns with your practice goals and resonates with your target audience. This episode is a must-listen for any healthcare or wellness provider looking to thrive in the digital age.

Key Topics Covered:

- The importance of a professional website for healthcare and wellness practices

- Website accessibility and its legal implications

- SEO strategies for healthcare providers

- Mobile optimization for medical websites

- Balancing aesthetics with functionality in web design

Key Takeaways:

1. Your website is your digital front office - it needs to make a great first impression.

2. Start any website refresh by clearly defining your main goal (e.g., booking appointments, growing email list).

3. Ensure your website is accessible to all potential clients.

4. Check how your website looks on different devices, especially mobile.

5. SEO is crucial for helping the right clients find you online.

Memorable Quotes:

"Do not put your practice name as the headline on your website because very few people are actually searching for the name of your practice." - Samantha Mabe

"We want to make sure that the user journey... makes sense for people and that they're following to the end point you want them to get to." - Samantha Mabe

Resources Mentioned:

- Page Speed Insights (Google's free tool for website analysis)

Thank you for listening to Thriving Practice. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.

Samantha’s Bio:

Samantha Mabe is a creative director and website designer specializing in custom Squarespace and Kajabi websites for healthcare professionals and wellness entrepreneurs. Through her signature One-Week Website Design process, she helps practitioners like naturopathic doctors, chiropractors, and therapists transform their online presence into powerful marketing tools. A Pittsburgh native with a background in design and architecture, Samantha now calls Richmond, Virginia home, where she balances her creative work with family time alongside her husband and child.

Find Samantha:

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Tracy Cherpeski 2/12/25 Tracy Cherpeski 2/12/25

Becoming Your Own Banker: Infinite Banking to Build Wealth for Practitioners Featuring Dr. Rob Scranton, EP 157

Dr. Rob Scranton introduces us to the concept of Infinite Banking, a 200-year-old strategy that could revolutionize how practitioners approach wealth building and financial security. Learn how you can become your own banker, recapture expenses, and create a stable financial future.

Key Points Discussed:

• Introduction to the Infinite Banking Concept (IBC)

• The benefits of creating your own banking system

• How to recapture expenses for major purchases like cars or practice equipment

• The historical success of this method among wealthy families

• Comparing IBC to traditional banking and investment strategies

• The importance of practitioners being in two businesses: their practice and banking

• How IBC can provide financial stability and growth

Highlights:

Dr. Rob explains the concept of Infinite Banking
Discussion on the legal aspects and history of whole life insurance policies
How practitioners can benefit from creating their own banking system
The importance of financial education and support in implementing IBC

Memorable Quotes:

"I believe everybody should be in two businesses: whatever it is that they do on a daily basis to pay their bills... and I believe they should also be in the banking business." - Dr. Rob Scranton

"Nobody ever lost money in a whole life insurance contract in the history of this industry." - Dr. Rob Scranton

Visit YourFinancialIQ.org to register for Dr. Rob's free masterclass and learn more about how you can implement the Infinite Banking Concept in your financial strategy.

Dr. Scranton’s Bio:

Dr. Robert Scranton is a former financial executive who teaches people how to use their current debts and expenses to grow their wealth outside of the traditional approaches. With his experience in accounting and finance, as well as his experience as the former chief financial architect of a cutting-edge financial firm, Dr. Robert has been able to help people all over the United States take advantage of the Infinite Banking Concept. He hopes to teach people how to recapture, reuse and recycle their own money over and over again so it stays inside of their family, instead of making other people rich.

Find Dr. Rob:

TikTok

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Tracy Cherpeski 2/7/25 Tracy Cherpeski 2/7/25

How to Stop Leaving Money on the Table: Medical Coding Secrets Featuring Sherry Elliott, EP 156

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of medical coding and revenue cycle management with Sherry Elliott, founder of Elliott Health Information Professionals (EHIP). Sherry shares invaluable insights about how proper medical coding impacts healthcare providers, patients, and the broader healthcare system.

Key Topics Discussed:

- The importance of professional medical coding vs. provider-done coding

- How incorrect coding can lead to significant revenue loss for healthcare practices

- The ripple effects of proper coding on healthcare research and policy

- Success stories of helping healthcare providers optimize their revenue

- The broader impact of coding on healthcare accessibility and quality

Key Highlights:

• Sherry explains how providers often unknowingly leave money on the table by doing their own coding

• Discussion of a case study where millions in revenue were being lost due to incorrect coding

• A success story of helping a pain management practice recover $60,000 in denied claims

• How medical coding data contributed to COVID-19 research and treatment approvals

• The importance of accurate coding for future healthcare policy and reimbursement rates

Notable Quotes:

"Getting paid doesn't mean you're doing it correctly." - Sherry Elliott

"The viability of the organization matters not only to you, the provider, but to your whole patient population." - Sherry Elliott

Resources Mentioned:

- Website: optimizeyourrcm.com

- Free Resource: Top 10 Coding Errors Guide available at optimizeyourrcm.com/top10

About the Guest:

Sherry Elliott is the founder of Elliott Health Information Professionals (EHIP), a company specializing in medical coding, auditing, and revenue cycle management. With 17 years of experience, she has helped numerous healthcare providers optimize their revenue while maintaining compliance and contributing to broader healthcare research.

Action Steps for Listeners:

1. Review your current coding practices

2. Consider professional coding support for your practice

3. Download the free Top 10 Coding Errors guide

4. Book a consultation call through the website to discuss potential revenue optimization

Bio:

Sherry Elliott is the founder of Elliott Health Information Professionals (EHIP), specializing in medical coding, revenue cycle management, and healthcare compliance. With over 17 years of experience, including work as a CMS contractor, she helps healthcare providers optimize their revenue while maintaining regulatory compliance. Sherry's expertise has contributed to major healthcare research, including published studies on COVID-19 treatments. Her company provides comprehensive coding, auditing, and educational services to healthcare organizations across the country, helping them maximize reimbursement while improving operational efficiency.

Find Sherry:

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https://nationalpartnership.org/report/black-womens-maternal-health/

Tracy Cherpeski 2/5/25 Tracy Cherpeski 2/5/25

Why Dismantling DEI in Healthcare Kills People, EP 155

In an era where DEI initiatives are under unprecedented attack, healthcare stands at a critical crossroads. This episode cuts through the political noise to expose a stark reality: dismantling DEI programs in healthcare settings isn't just about politics – it's about survival.

Drawing from extensive research and real-world data, we explore how implicit bias directly impacts medical decisions, treatment options, and ultimately, patient survival rates. From cancer treatment disparities to maternal mortality rates, the evidence is clear and devastating. We'll examine why current political pushback against DEI programs poses an immediate threat to patient care, and why healthcare providers – especially private practice owners – have both an opportunity and obligation to stand against this dangerous trend.

This isn't just another conversation about diversity – it's about preventing needless deaths and ensuring every patient receives the care they deserve.

Episode Overview

This episode explores the profound impact of implicit bias in healthcare settings and provides evidence-based insights into why maintaining and strengthening DEI initiatives is crucial for patient survival and care quality.

Key Points Discussed

The scientific foundation of implicit bias and its early development
Real-world impacts of healthcare disparities on patient outcomes
Why dismantling DEI programs directly threatens patient care
Evidence-based solutions for addressing healthcare inequities
Specific actions private practice owners can take to create more equitable healthcare environments

Important Statistics Highlighted

Implicit bias development begins in children as young as 3-5 years old
Over 4.5 million Implicit Association Tests conducted between 1998-2006 demonstrated the pervasiveness of implicit bias
Black women face higher mortality rates after breast cancer diagnosis
Non-white patients consistently receive fewer interventions
Black men are less likely to receive chemotherapy and radiation for prostate cancer

Resources Mentioned

National Institutes of Health definition of implicit bias
Transformative Learning Theory
Prejudice habit-breaking approach research
MLK's 1966 speech to the Medical Committee for Human Rights

Action Steps for Different Audiences

For Private Practice Owners:

Examine hiring practices and intake procedures
Assess marketing materials for inclusive representation
Review physical space accessibility and welcoming atmosphere
Evaluate sliding scale fee structures

For Healthcare Providers:

Stand up for equity initiatives
Document disparities
Advocate for patients
Examine personal biases

For Patients:

Know your rights
Document experiences
Share stories
Support equity-focused healthcare providers

Resources for taking action

Anti-Oppression Leadership Academy https://nadifantastic.com/

Black Women’s Maternal Health

Mandated Implicit Bias Training for Health Professionals—A Step Toward Equity in Health Care

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2795358

National Institutes of Health Implicit Bias Training

Diversity Science

Teach-Back Method

https://www.ahrq.gov/patient-safety/reports/engage/interventions/teachback.html

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Tracy Cherpeski 1/31/25 Tracy Cherpeski 1/31/25

The Parent-Leader Connection - A Special Snack Episode, EP 154

In this intimate snack episode, Miranda Dorta interviews Tracy Cherpeski about the profound connections between parenthood, leadership, and building lasting organizations. This unscripted conversation offers a candid glimpse into how Tracy approaches both parenting and business leadership.

Key moments from their conversation:

- Tracy emphasizes that while she sees parallels between parenting and leadership, this doesn't mean infantilizing team members. Instead, she views her role as a guide who shows what's possible while allowing for growth through trial and error

- She discusses the challenge of balancing control with letting go, acknowledging that true organizational growth often happens when leaders step back

- Tracy shares a powerful insight about asking "just because I could, should I?" - drawing parallels between delegating in business and allowing children to develop independence

- She reflects on making ripples of positive impact that extend beyond her immediate influence when discussing legacy

- In a touching moment, Tracy becomes emotional discussing what she hopes others learn from her: the power of humility, authenticity, and standing firm despite fear and shame

- The conversation concludes with Tracy expressing pride and gratitude for her role as a parent to both her children and step-children, whom she considers a privilege to support

Memorable Quotes:

"The way I view my role as a parent is as a guide... to show what's possible and then allow for that to open up and trial and error, grow forward." - Tracy Cherpeski on leadership philosophy

"We grow better when I let go. That doesn't in any way mean that I'm abdicating my responsibility for the success of our company, for the success of our clients, and for the success of our members." - Tracy Cherpeski

"When we take a stand for something, we can do almost anything... even in the face of fear, even in the face of a lot of unknown." - Tracy Cherpeski

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Tracy Cherpeski 1/31/25 Tracy Cherpeski 1/31/25

Beyond the Stethoscope: A Cardiologist's Journey to Heal Physician Burnout Through Coaching Featuring Ben Reinking, EP 152

This conversation offers valuable insights for physicians looking to enhance their careers, combat burnout, and explore new avenues within medicine. Dr. Reinking's approach emphasizes the power of small changes and developing often-overlooked skills to create more fulfilling medical careers.

In this episode, we explore the world of physician coaching with Dr. Ben Reinking, pediatric cardiologist and founder of The Developing Doctor. Key highlights include:

• Dr. Reinking's personal journey from burnout to discovering the power of coaching

• The importance of developing "soft skills" like communication and leadership for physicians

• How small changes can have a big impact on combating burnout and finding joy in medicine

• The value of finding trusted colleagues to connect with authentically about work challenges

• Transitioning from a performance mindset to a growth mindset in medical careers

• Creating a coaching business as a side venture while maintaining clinical practice

• The benefits of coaching for both coach and client in the medical field

• Recognizing early signs of burnout and the importance of self-care for physicians

• Practical tips for physicians looking to explore coaching or make positive changes

Listeners can learn more about Dr. Reinking's coaching services at thedevelopingdoctor.com.

Dr. Reinking’s Bio:

Dr. Ben Reinking is a board-certified general pediatrician and pediatric cardiologist with over 20 years of experience in academic medicine. His expertise includes interpreting echocardiograms and caring for children with complex congenital heart disease. Dr. Reinking has held leadership roles such as medical director and program director, and has a passion for patient care and teaching.

After experiencing burnout due to increased workload, Dr. Reinking discovered the transformative power of coaching. This experience helped him align with his values, leverage his strengths, and enhance his communication skills. Recognizing coaching's potential to address developmental gaps in medical education, he now shares these valuable insights with students, residents, fellows, and physicians.

Find Dr. Ben Reinking:

The Developing Doctor LinkedIn

Dr. Reinking LinkedIn

Instagram

YouTube

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Tracy Cherpeski 1/29/25 Tracy Cherpeski 1/29/25

Designing Prosperity in Your Practice and Life Featuring Dan Romance, EP 152

In this episode, Tracy talks with Dan Romance about his unique approach to helping healthcare professionals design prosperity across all areas of their lives. Dan shares insights on balancing personal and professional success, making incremental improvements, and planning for a fulfilling future.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. The concept of "prosperity design" and its holistic approach to success

2. The five key areas of life: self, family, business, finances, and future

3. The importance of incremental improvements in achieving goals

4. Balancing the roles of practitioner and business owner (the "player-coach" analogy)

5. Planning for the future beyond just retirement

6. The impact of personal well-being on patient experience

7. Strategies for preventing burnout and maintaining work-life balance

Notable Quotes:

- "If you can make a 1% improvement per week, by the end of the year, all of your goals can be met and life can be grand."

- "We start today on our future."

- "If the doctor is doing something in the practice that doesn't require a license to practice medicine, then he's not spending his time doing the right things."

Resources Mentioned:

- Prosperity Design website: www.prosperitydesign.com

- Prosperity Assessment for dental professionals, medical professionals, and business owners

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Thriving Practice. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast to help other healthcare professionals discover these valuable insights!

Find Dan:

Website:

Email: Dan@prosperitydesign.com

Phone/Text: 772-766-4637

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Tracy Cherpeski 1/24/25 Tracy Cherpeski 1/24/25

Digital Health Solutions for Osteoporosis: Combining Strength Training with Medical Care Featuring Jenni Tarma, EP 151

Tracy and guest Jenni Tarma dive deep into how healthcare providers can better support patients with osteoporosis through comprehensive, evidence-based care that goes beyond traditional pharmaceutical approaches. Jenni shares how her company, Kaari Prehab, is transforming osteoporosis treatment through digitally-delivered strength training programs that achieve remarkable adherence rates.

We explore why the standard advice of "gentle exercise" isn't enough, how to empower rather than restrict patients, and why strength training is crucial for women's health as they age. This episode is particularly valuable for healthcare providers working with women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond who want to offer more comprehensive support for their patients' bone health and overall wellbeing.

Episode Highlights:

- The meaning behind Kaari Prehab's name ("Kaari" is Finnish for "arc")

- How the pandemic transformed their in-person training model into a highly effective digital program

- Why traditional "gentle exercise" advice isn't sufficient for maintaining bone density and muscle mass

- The importance of proper loading and strength training for women over 50

- How Kaari Prehab achieves 80% program adherence through coaching and community support

- The treatment gap in osteoporosis care and why exercise options are often overlooked

- Partnership work with the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation and International Osteoporosis Foundation

Key Insights:

- Exercise is a crucial but often missing component in osteoporosis treatment

- The two-year wait between DEXA scans makes it crucial to provide ongoing support and feedback

- Digital delivery can actually increase program compliance compared to traditional in-person training

- Many active women (including endurance athletes) may still be at risk due to insufficient bone-loading exercise

For Healthcare Providers:

- How to discuss osteoporosis with patients in an empowering rather than limiting way

- Resources available for determining patient suitability for strength training programs

- The importance of comprehensive care combining medical treatment with exercise

- Recent Medicare billing code changes supporting more personalized, preventative care

Notable Quote:

"An osteoporosis diagnosis is not the end of anything. It's a call to action and a reality check... there are absolutely things you can do to take control of the situation." - Jenni Tarma

Jenni’s Bio:

Jenni Tarma is the founder and CEO of Kaari Prehab, a company providing specialized strength training services for people with osteoporosis and osteopenia. With multiple advanced certifications in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, she has spent over a decade coaching everyone from elite athletes to weekend warriors. A senior teacher in the Yoga Medicine 500hr program where she mentors new yoga teachers and creates continuing education courses, Jenni is also a prolific writer whose work has appeared in publications like Yoga Journal, Healthline, Weight Watchers, and Thrive Global, and she has self-published an ebook on hamstring tendon injuries.

Find Jenni:

Jenni’s LinkedIn

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Download Your Energy Audit Here

Tracy Cherpeski 1/22/25 Tracy Cherpeski 1/22/25

The Practitioner's Paradox: Why Clinical Excellence Might Be Holding Your Practice Back, EP 150

In this solo episode, Tracy explores the critical mindset shifts healthcare providers need to make to transform their practices from survival mode to thriving businesses. She introduces the concept of the "practitioner's paradox" - where the very mindset that makes someone an excellent healthcare provider can actually hinder their success as a business owner. Through real-world examples and practical frameworks, Tracy explains how practitioners can transition from working in their business to working on their business, without sacrificing the quality of patient care.

Episode Snapshot:

Key Concepts:

The Practitioner's Paradox: How clinical excellence mindset can limit business growth
The hidden costs of burnout on business decision-making
The Owner's Mindset Shift: Moving from "how can I do this better?" to "how can this be done better without me?"

Practical Tools Introduced:

The Energy Audit: A simple weekly tracking system marking activities as energizing (+) or draining (-)
The Owner's Hour: Dedicated time for high-level strategic thinking
Imperfect Delegation: Learning to accept 80% perfect execution from team members

Case Study Highlight: The episode features "Sarah," a neuropsychologist struggling with perfectionism and overwhelming workload, illustrating how mindset shifts can transform both practice management and quality of life.

Key Takeaways:

Success in healthcare practice has less to do with clinical expertise than business mindset
Burnout is not the inevitable price of success
The most profitable practices are often led by owners who maintain work-life balance
Delegation and systems thinking are crucial for sustainable practice growth
Moving from "working harder" to "working smarter" requires intentional mindset shifts

Energy Audit Resource:

Tracy’s Bio:

Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC, is an executive coach and leadership development expert. Her mission is to unlock the potential for success in every individual and organization she works with. With a background in operations and a passion for driving growth, she approaches each engagement with professionalism and a keen eye for optimizing structures, processes, and productivity to boost profitability.

Tracy's coaching, consulting, and training programs are designed to provide a holistic experience, integrating leadership development, executive coaching, and mindset mastery. Her expertise has been sought after by small business owners, industry groups, networking organizations, government agencies, and corporations alike.

Originally hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Tracy now calls Chapel Hill, North Carolina, her home. Wherever she goes, her commitment to helping people and organizations reach their full potential remains unwavering.

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Miranda Dorta 1/17/25 Miranda Dorta 1/17/25

Snack Episode: Turning the Tables - A Candid Chat with Host Tracy Cherpeski, EP 149

In this unique "snack" episode, we're turning the tables as Miranda Dorta, Operations and PR Manager, interviews Tracy Cherpeski about her experiences hosting the Thriving Practice Podcast. This candid conversation offers listeners an intimate look at the stories and moments that have shaped our community.

Episode Highlights:

Tracy shares one of her most memorable interviews with Kara Hartl, an optometrist who served remote communities in Alaska. The touching story of how Troy Medical came to be—named after a patient who inspired an innovative hybrid telehealth model—showcases the profound impact healthcare providers can have in underserved areas.

The conversation explores how these interviews have challenged Tracy's assumptions, particularly about healthcare accessibility. She reflects on the privilege of having readily available telehealth options, while many Americans lack basic internet access or smartphones—a stark reminder of the healthcare disparities that still exist in the United States.

Tracy reveals a surprising interview moment with Sam Heller, a fractional CFO, whose passion and heart-centered approach to numbers completely defied her expectations. This led to an enlightening discussion about how business ownership transcends mere number-crunching to embrace mindset and clarity of vision.

Common Threads:

Throughout our many episodes, two unexpected themes have consistently emerged:

The widespread frustration with the current insurance system
Concerns about private equity in healthcare and its impact on practice owners and patients

Behind the Scenes:

As we approach our 200th episode milestone and near 6,000 downloads, Tracy shares insights into her interviewing style. She emphasizes the importance of allowing conversations to venture "into the weeds," where some of the most valuable insights often emerge. Her signature closing question—"Is there anything we didn't talk about that you want to make sure our listeners hear?"—has led to countless golden nuggets of wisdom.

The episode concludes with Tracy expressing deep gratitude to the podcast's guests who volunteer their time and expertise, maintaining the show's commitment to being a free, accessible resource for all.

Connect with us: Visit thrivingpracticecommunity.com to schedule a consultation with Tracy.

This special snack episode offers an authentic glimpse into our podcast's mission of supporting healthcare providers while building meaningful connections within our community.

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Tracy Cherpeski 1/17/25 Tracy Cherpeski 1/17/25

Digital Revenue Streams for Healthcare Providers: Expert Tips Featuring Robin Massey, EP 148

In this episode of Thriving Practice, host Tracy sits down with Robin Massey, founder of SkipTheBox. Robin shares her expertise on how healthcare providers can expand their practices into the digital realm, creating additional revenue streams through online courses, self-published books, and virtual workshops. This insightful conversation offers practical strategies for leveraging your medical expertise in the online space, with a focus on starting small, testing ideas, and overcoming technical challenges.

- Introduction to Robin Massey and SkipTheBox (00:09)

- The importance of creating additional revenue streams for healthcare providers (00:30)

- Strategies for self-publishing books in the healthcare field (10:51)

- Benefits of self-publishing vs. traditional publishing

- Key steps in the self-publishing process

- Importance of professional editing and cover design

- Developing online courses for healthcare professionals (19:45)

- Starting with a small-scale test run using simple tools

- Gradually scaling up based on audience response

- Addressing potential liability concerns

- Creating virtual workshops as a low-risk entry point (22:26)

- The value of starting small and gathering data before major investments (23:21)

- Overcoming tech overwhelm and the importance of outsourcing (29:06)

- Robin's advice on long-term thinking for online business growth (30:33)

- Where to find Robin and SkipTheBox online (27:27)

Key Takeaways:

- Start with simple tools like Google Docs to outline your ideas

- Test your concepts with your existing patient base before major investments

- Consider outsourcing technical aspects to focus on content creation

- Remember: "It's not one day, it's day one" when starting your online journey

For more tips on growing your healthcare practice, subscribe to Thriving Practice and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform!

Bio:

Robin Massey is the Founder of Skip the Box LLC, supporting business owners in health and wellness fields who are looking to build out online programs and services. With over 15 years of experience in behind-the-scenes support, she loves helping folks get out of the details, on top of their workload, and into their zone of genius. Because who wants to live with their hair always on fire? Project management, execution, and “how can we simplify this?” are Robin’s jam, and it delights her to help business owners get out of the weeds so they can focus on the important things that will increase their impact and revenue.

Find Robin:

Instagram

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Tracy Cherpeski 1/15/25 Tracy Cherpeski 1/15/25

74 Million Underserved: One Doctor’s Innovative Solution to America's Specialist Shortage Featuring Dr. Kara Hartl, EP 147

In this powerful episode, Dr. Kara Hartl shares how she's revolutionizing rural healthcare through Troy Medical, a pioneering telehealth company born from her experiences as an ophthalmologist in rural Alaska. After witnessing patients struggle with limited access to specialist care, Dr. Hartl developed an innovative hybrid model that combines telemedicine with on-the-ground clinical support to bring world-class specialists directly to underserved communities. From endocrinology to rheumatology, Troy Medical is bridging critical gaps in healthcare access while breathing new life into struggling rural hospitals and transforming patient outcomes across America.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

The stark reality of healthcare access: 74 million Americans (nearly a quarter of the population) live in physician shortage areas, with even greater scarcity of specialists
How Troy Medical's unique model works: Combining telehealth specialists with local clinical support staff to provide comprehensive care coordination and patient navigation
Core specialties include rheumatology, neurology, endocrinology, dermatology, pulmonology, and cardiology, with plans for expansion
Impact on rural hospitals: The model helps keep revenue local through labs, imaging, and infusion services, supporting struggling community hospitals
Beyond rural areas: Expanding to serve other underserved communities, including inner-city neighborhoods where transportation and technology barriers create similar access challenges

NOTABLE QUOTE: "Until that pill, that medication actually gets into the body and changes that disease state, nothing actually changed. That's what we do - we follow them and walk them through the entire process so that their actual disease state does get mitigated." - Dr. Kara Hartl

Dr. Hartl’s Bio:

Dr. Kara Hartl, educated at Harvard University and UC San Diego Medical School with training at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, has dedicated her career to expanding access to world-class healthcare. After establishing Alaska's most technologically advanced multi-specialty medical center, she founded the international non-profit Gift of Sight and co-created the Prevention of Global Blindness fellowship to combat blindness worldwide. Drawing from her 14 years of experience serving rural Alaska and recognizing the potential of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Hartl launched Troy Medical, an innovative telehealth company that partners with local clinics to deliver specialty care to underserved communities, setting new standards for rural healthcare delivery across America.

Find Dr. Hartl:

Troy Medical Website

Gift of Sight NonProfit

Email: cara.hartl@troymed.com

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Tracy Cherpeski 1/10/25 Tracy Cherpeski 1/10/25

Balancing Great Medicine with Smart Business Featuring Monica Capelli, EP 146

In this enlightening episode of Thriving Practice, host Tracy speaks with Monica Cappelli, founder of Rev Billing Systems. Monica shares her expertise on managing revenue cycles and building thriving healthcare practices. From setting clear visions to implementing effective systems, this conversation is packed with valuable insights for healthcare providers looking to improve their business acumen without compromising patient care.

Key Topics Discussed:

- The importance of having a clear vision for your practice

- Communicating effectively with your team and patients about finances

- Implementing systems and training to maximize revenue collection

- The benefits of outsourcing certain aspects of practice management

- Balancing clinical excellence with business savvy

- Creating a positive ripple effect in your practice and community

Notable Quotes:

"Don't be afraid to be a business person." - Monica Capelli

"You can be the nicest doctor in the world and be fair to everybody while taking care of your business as well." - Monica Capelli

Bio:

Monica Cappelli is a dental practice management expert with over 26 years of experience as a COO in the dental industry. Married to a general practice dentist for 37 years, she brings a unique insider's perspective to her work. Monica specializes in accounts receivable management, helping practices across the USA optimize their billing and collections processes. As an Accounts Receivable Consultant and coach, she offers personalized strategies to streamline revenue cycle operations and maximize financial performance. A sought-after speaker, Monica is known for her engaging style and ability to deliver actionable tips for immediate implementation in dental practices.

Find Monica:

Facebook

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Tracy Cherpeski 1/8/25 Tracy Cherpeski 1/8/25

Why You Need a Lawyer on Speed Dial Featuring Michelle Bomberger, EP 145

In this episode of Thriving Practice, host Tracy sits down with Michelle Bomberger, an innovative attorney and entrepreneur who's revolutionizing how small businesses, particularly healthcare practices, approach legal counsel. Michelle, founder of Equinox Business Law Group, shares her unique perspective on why having a strategic legal partner is not just about avoiding trouble, but about empowering practice owners to make confident decisions and seize growth opportunities. This conversation challenges the traditional view of legal services and offers a fresh, proactive approach that could transform how you manage risk and strategy in your healthcare practice.

Episode Highlights:

• The concept of a "risk profile" for healthcare practices and how understanding it can lead to better decision-making

• Why having a generalist legal approach, similar to a primary care physician, can benefit your practice

• The importance of regular legal "check-ups" and how they can prevent major issues down the line

• Michelle's innovative fixed-price model that removes barriers to seeking legal advice

• The three-pronged framework for evaluating and managing risk: contracts, insurance, and entity structure

• How a proactive legal strategy can actually drive growth and opportunity in your practice

• The value of having a legal partner who understands both the healthcare industry and the entrepreneurial mindset

• Practical tips for finding and building a relationship with the right legal counsel for your practice

• Why it's okay (and important) for practice owners to admit when they don't know something about the business side of healthcare

• How the right legal support can empower not just owners but also practice managers to make better decisions

Bio:

Michelle Bomberger is the Founder and CEO of Equinox Business Law Group, bringing a unique blend of legal expertise and entrepreneurial insight to her role. With dual graduate degrees in law (J.D.) and business (M.B.A.) from Northwestern University, Michelle has a background that spans business consulting, corporate management, and law firm experience. Her approach combines pragmatic legal counsel with a deep understanding of the emotional and practical aspects of business ownership.

Michelle's innovative legal service model focuses on providing strategic, proactive guidance to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Her work encompasses a wide range of business law areas, including strategic planning, ownership and governance, transactions, and employment matters. Recognized as one of Puget Sound Business Journal's "40 Under 40" and a King County Executive's Woman Small Business of the Year, Michelle is also actively involved in community service, serving on boards of local non-profits and business organizations.

Born in Panama and now based in Seattle, Michelle balances her professional life with family time, cooking, traveling, and reading.

Find Michelle:

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Tracy Cherpeski 1/3/25 Tracy Cherpeski 1/3/25

Value-Based Care in Healthcare: How Private Practice Owners Can Boost Profits While Improving Patient Outcomes EP 144 Featuring Katherine Evans

In this episode of Thriving Practice, we dive deep into the world of value-based care with Katherine Evans, President of Novocardia, a division of Cardiovascular Associates of America. Katherine shares her expertise on how value-based care models are transforming cardiovascular healthcare delivery, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing provider experiences.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Understanding value-based care and its importance in modern healthcare

2. The role of technology in streamlining care delivery and reducing provider burnout

3. Implementing comprehensive care models for chronic conditions like heart failure

4. Strategies for improving patient access and experience

5. The importance of interdisciplinary teams in healthcare delivery

6. Balancing fee-for-service and value-based care models

7. The future of healthcare reimbursement and quality metrics

Notable Quotes:

"Value-based care really sits on a continuum." - Katherine Evans

"My goal ultimately is to have providers when they finish their day, it's done." - Katherine Evans

"It's really important for all of us to continue to stop and slow down so that we can move faster." - Katherine Evans

Takeaways:

1. Value-based care models focus on quality outcomes rather than transactional healthcare, creating win-win scenarios for patients and providers.

2. Technology plays a crucial role in improving care delivery, from remote patient monitoring to AI-assisted triage systems.

3. Effective implementation of value-based care requires a prescriptive model and careful planning.

4. Improving provider experience directly translates to better patient care and outcomes.

Katherine’s Bio:

Katherine Evans is the President of Novocardia, a division of Cardiovascular Associates of America, the largest network of private practice cardiologists in the United States. With over 20 years of experience in cardiology and value-based care, Katherine is at the forefront of transforming cardiovascular care delivery in the country.

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Tracy Cherpeski 1/2/25 Tracy Cherpeski 1/2/25

Season 8 Launch: Double Episodes, New Community, and What's Next for Thriving Practice, EP 143

Join us for the Season 8 premiere as Tracy unveils exciting changes, including the Overachiever's Intensive with double episodes in January and February. Learn about our new global Thriving Practice Community, meet the team behind the scenes, and discover how our evolving format will deliver more actionable insights for practice owners. Whether you're a longtime listener or new to the show, this episode maps out how we'll support your sustainable growth in 2025.

In this episode:

Overachiever's Intensive: Double episodes in January/February covering essential topics from legal considerations to revenue cycle management, designed for practice owners ready to accelerate their growth
Thriving Practice Community Launch: A global membership platform offering expert business consulting, comprehensive workshops, and executive coaching for healthcare practice owners
Meet the Team: Introduction to Miranda (Operations), Ciara (Research), and Aaron (CFO) who make the magic happen behind the scenes
New Format: Bi-monthly "snack" episodes featuring unscripted conversations with Miranda, sharing real client success stories and practical insights
Growth Strategy: How weekly episodes and peer stories will help you implement sustainable growth strategies in your practice

Resources mentioned:

ThrivingPracticeCommunity.com
Founding member enrollment (closes Feb 14, 2025)

Tracy’s Bio:

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Tracy Cherpeski 12/23/24 Tracy Cherpeski 12/23/24

Save $100,000+ on Your Healthcare Practice Lease: Expert Real Estate Strategies Featuring Colin Carr, EP 142

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of commercial real estate for healthcare providers with expert Colin Carr. Learn how to make informed decisions about your practice location, whether you're leasing, purchasing, or renewing your current lease.

Key Points:

1. Introduction to Carr, a nationwide commercial real estate firm specializing in healthcare

2. The importance of representation in real estate transactions

3. Why talking directly to landlords during lease renewals can weaken your position

4. The benefits of exploring multiple options before making real estate decisions

5. Factors to consider when deciding between leasing and purchasing

6. How to evaluate your current lease against market rates

7. The potential savings and benefits of working with a commercial real estate expert

8. Why most healthcare providers don't have to pay for commercial real estate services

Notable Quotes:

"If you are having conversations with your landlords directly, you have lost your posture to start with." - Colin Carr

"You should never be talking to your current landlord on a lease renewal until you've gone to market." - Colin Carr

"There's a couple $100,000 that are on the line." - Colin Carr on the financial impact of real estate decisions

Actionable Advice:

1. Always go to market and explore multiple options before making real estate decisions

2. Use a professional representative for lease negotiations

3. Consider both leasing and purchasing options, even if you're leaning one way

4. Take advantage of free resources and evaluations offered by commercial real estate firms

Resources Mentioned:

- Carr website: carr.us

- Free lease evaluation tool on Carr website

- Resources tab on Carr website with articles, blogs, FAQs, and glossary terms

If you're considering a new location, expansion, or lease renewal for your healthcare practice, visit carr.us to find an agent in your area or request a free lease evaluation.

Bio:

Colin Carr is the founder and CEO of CARR, the nation’s leading provider of commercial real estate services for healthcare tenants and buyers. Every year, thousands of healthcare practices trust CARR to help them achieve the most favorable terms on their lease and purchase negotiations. Colin has been involved in commercial real estate for over two decades and has personally completed over 1,000 transactions.

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Tracy Cherpeski 12/11/24 Tracy Cherpeski 12/11/24

2024's Most Impactful Healthcare Practice Growth Strategies (Year in Review + 2025 Preview) EP 141

In this special year-end episode, Tracy reflects on the transformative journey of Thriving Practice and previews exciting changes for 2025. Discover how successful practice owners are growing their businesses without sacrificing wellbeing.

Show Notes:

Key Highlights:

- Evolution of Thriving Practice podcast and its focus on healthcare practice owners

- Success stories featuring Dr. G (30% revenue growth while reducing clinical hours) and Dr. B (successful multi-service expansion)

- Top episodes from 2024:

- EP 119: Carla Titus: Practice Ownership Blueprint

- EP 120: Hally Brooke: Whole-Person Wellness

- EP 124: Jessica Martin: Enhancing Patient Experience with Psychology

- EP 136: Carolyn Boldt: Beyond Gray Walls

2025 Announcements:

- Return to weekly episode format

- January/February "Overachievers Intensive" with 2 episodes per week

- Launch of Thriving Practice Community (TPC)

- Call for practice owner success stories

Resources Mentioned:

- ThrivingPracticeCommunity.com

- Book a strategy call: ThrivingPracticeCommunity.com/call

- Guest application link in show notes

Tracy’s Bio:
Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC, is an executive coach and leadership development expert. Her mission is to unlock the potential for success in every individual and organization she works with. With a background in operations and a passion for driving growth, she approaches each engagement with professionalism and a keen eye for optimizing structures, processes, and productivity to boost profitability.

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Tracy Cherpeski 11/27/24 Tracy Cherpeski 11/27/24

EHR Efficiency Secrets: Guide to Thriving in the Digital Health Era Featuring Dr. Craig Joseph, EP 140

Dr. Joseph shares insights from his extensive experience in healthcare IT and his book "Designing for Health," offering practical advice on making technology work for healthcare providers rather than against them. From tackling the challenges of "note bloat" to creating more intuitive user interfaces, we discuss innovative strategies to enhance workflows, reduce physician burnout, and ultimately create a more thriving practice.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Craig Joseph, pediatrician and Chief Medical Officer at Nordic Global, as we explore the critical role of intentional design in healthcare technology. In this episode, we dive deep into how thoughtful implementation of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and other digital tools can transform medical practices, improving both provider efficiency and patient care. Dr. Joseph shares insights from his extensive experience in healthcare IT and his book "Designing for Health," offering practical advice on making technology work for healthcare providers rather than against them. From tackling the challenges of "note bloat" to creating more intuitive user interfaces, we discuss innovative strategies to enhance workflows, reduce physician burnout, and ultimately create a more thriving practice.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The importance of intentional design in healthcare technology

• How to make Electronic Health Records (EHRs) more efficient and user-friendly

• The evolution of medical note-taking and the problem of "note bloat"

• Strategies for implementing technology changes in medical practices

• The balance between automation and human interaction in healthcare

• How to approach change management in healthcare settings

• The concept of "actionable alerts" in clinical decision support

• The impact of patient portal access on medical documentation

• Tips for streamlining workflows and improving practice efficiency

• The importance of focusing on outcomes rather than processes when implementing new technologies

Key Takeaways:

1. Intentionality is crucial when designing or implementing healthcare technology

2. Good design can significantly reduce physician burnout and improve patient care

3. Consider the end goal before reconfiguring existing processes into new technology

4. Involve all stakeholders, including non-physician staff, in technology implementation decisions

5. Balance automation with maintaining valuable human interactions in healthcare

Thank you for listening to Thriving Practice! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast.

Craig Joseph, MD serves as the Chief Medical Officer of Nordic Consulting Partners. He is a board-certified pediatrician and clinical informatician. Craig practiced primary care pediatrics for nine years before moving to Madison, WI to work for Epic. After seven years there, he served as Chief Medical Information Officer for several hospital systems using both Epic and Cerner electronic health records. At Nordic, Dr. Joseph works with hospitals and healthcare systems to help them improve clinician happiness and efficiency. He’s recently co-authored a book about applying the principles of human-centered design to healthcare.

Find Dr. Craig Joseph:

Nordic Global Thought Leadership

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