Don Pelto, DPM - Podiatry Practice Mastery

Not all patient visits in podiatry are equal in value. This episode explains how identifying high-value patients can transform your practice revenue. Learn how podiatry practice management depends on treatment planning, not just patient volume. Discover the concept of the most valuable patient (MVP) and how it impacts production. Understand how comprehensive treatment plans improve both outcomes and profitability. This episode focuses on systems, efficiency, and smarter clinical decision-making. It’s essential for podiatrists aiming to reach $1M in production.

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KEYWORDS

podiatry practice management

most valuable patient podiatry

increase podiatry revenue

podiatry treatment planning

patient value healthcare

podiatry production growth

medical practice profitability

podiatry systems and processes

healthcare business strategy

podiatry patient care optimization

average visit value podiatry

podiatry workflow efficiency

high value treatments podiatry

private practice growth

podiatry procedures revenue

clinical decision making podiatry

podiatry business systems

practice growth healthcare

patient treatment acceptance

podiatry revenue strategies

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HASHTAGS

#Podiatry

#PracticeGrowth

#HealthcareBusiness

#MedicalPractice

#PracticeManagement

#ClinicEfficiency

#MedicalEntrepreneur

#RevenueGrowth

#PrivatePractice

#PatientCare

#HealthcareSystems

#PodiatryPractice

#BusinessOfMedicine

#PhysicianLife

#ClinicalExcellence

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DESCRIPTION

Are all patient visits in your practice actually contributing equally to growth?

In this episode, Don introduces the concept of the most valuable patient (MVP) and explains why some visits generate significantly more value than others. Using real examples, he breaks down how comprehensive treatment plans—like shockwave therapy, orthotics, and regenerative treatments—can dramatically increase both patient outcomes and practice revenue.

You’ll learn how to identify high-value diagnoses, structure better treatment plans, and shift your mindset from volume to value. Don also shares the “patient value pyramid” and a simple daily habit to track MVP patients. This framework helps you recognize opportunities, improve care, and consistently increase production without adding more patients.

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TIMESTAMPS

[00:00] Why not all patient visits are equal

[00:50] The moment that changed practice perspective

[01:40] Comparing low vs high value patient visits

[02:30] Defining the most valuable patient (MVP)

[03:20] The patient value pyramid explained

[04:30] Why most practices stay at the bottom tier

[05:20] Ethical care vs overtreatment clarified

[06:10] Daily habit: tracking MVP patients

[07:00] The “best treatment” mindset shift

[08:00] The 2 MVP per day rule for $1M production

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KEY TAKEAWAY

A $1M podiatry practice isn’t built on more visits—it’s built on consistently identifying and delivering high-value treatment plans to the right patients.

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Conclusion

Take a look at your current schedule—are you recognizing your highest-value opportunities, or just moving from visit to visit? Start identifying your MVP patients and tracking how you treat them. Small shifts in focus can lead to major changes in both patient outcomes and practice growth.

Most podiatrists don’t track the numbers that actually drive practice growth. This episode explains why podiatry practice management is a math problem, not just a clinical one. Learn the key metrics that determine revenue and how to monitor them effectively. Discover how tracking patient visits, treatment acceptance, and visit value impacts profitability. This episode focuses on systems, efficiency, and measurable growth in podiatry. It’s essential for doctors who want to increase production without adding more hours.

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KEYWORDS

podiatry practice management

track podiatry numbers

podiatry revenue metrics

average visit value podiatry

medical practice analytics

healthcare business metrics

podiatry production tracking

increase patient value

podiatry systems and processes

practice growth healthcare

podiatry workflow efficiency

treatment acceptance rate

medical practice profitability

podiatry business strategy

daily tracking sheet podiatry

healthcare revenue systems

private practice growth

podiatry patient management

clinical efficiency metrics

practice performance tracking

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HASHTAGS

#Podiatry

#PracticeGrowth

#HealthcareBusiness

#MedicalPractice

#PracticeManagement

#ClinicEfficiency

#MedicalEntrepreneur

#RevenueGrowth

#PrivatePractice

#HealthcareSystems

#PatientCare

#MedicalMarketing

#PodiatryPractice

#BusinessOfMedicine

#PhysicianLife

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DESCRIPTION

Do you actually know the numbers that drive your podiatry practice—or are you guessing?

In this episode, Don explains why most podiatrists struggle to grow because they don’t track the right metrics. While clinical training focuses on diagnosis and treatment, private practice success comes down to understanding key numbers like visit volume, average visit value, and treatment acceptance. He introduces the “$80K rule” to break annual goals into monthly and weekly targets, making growth measurable and actionable.

You’ll learn how to track daily performance, identify your most valuable patients, and evaluate how well you’re delivering treatment plans. Don also shares a critical shift in approach—starting with the best treatment option instead of working up from minimal care. This simple change improves patient outcomes, increases case acceptance, and drives higher production without increasing patient volume.

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TIMESTAMPS

[00:00] Why podiatry practice is a math problem

[00:50] The mistake of not tracking numbers

[01:30] The $80K rule for monthly and weekly targets

[02:15] The 4 daily metrics to track

[03:10] Identifying your most valuable patients

[04:00] Tracking treatment acceptance rates

[05:00] The mindset shift: start with the best treatment

[06:10] Why low-value visits limit growth

[07:00] Daily reflection: thinking like a $1M doctor

[07:50] How tracking improves decision-making

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KEY TAKEAWAY

If you don’t track your numbers, you can’t grow your practice—consistent measurement of visit value and treatment acceptance drives predictable revenue.

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Conclusion

Start paying attention to what’s actually happening in your practice each day. Track your numbers, reflect on your decisions, and adjust your approach. What would change if you treated your practice like a measurable system instead of a guessing game?

Many podiatrists work full schedules but never break past $700,000 in production. This episode explains why podiatry practice growth is not about seeing more patients. Learn how practice management systems and treatment planning drive higher revenue. Discover the three key numbers that determine podiatry production. Understand how increasing patient visit value impacts profitability. This episode focuses on efficiency, patient outcomes, and scalable healthcare systems. It’s essential for podiatrists looking to grow without burnout.

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KEYWORDS

podiatry practice management

podiatry revenue growth

increase patient visit value

podiatry production formula

medical practice efficiency

healthcare business systems

podiatry treatment planning

increase practice profitability

podiatry workflow optimization

patient value healthcare

podiatry business strategy

medical practice growth systems

private practice podiatry

reduce physician burnout

podiatry metrics tracking

average visit value podiatry

healthcare revenue strategies

clinical efficiency podiatry

podiatry patient care systems

practice growth formula

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HASHTAGS

#Podiatry

#PracticeGrowth

#HealthcareBusiness

#MedicalPractice

#PodiatryLife

#PracticeManagement

#ClinicEfficiency

#PatientCare

#MedicalEntrepreneur

#RevenueGrowth

#PrivatePractice

#PhysicianBurnout

#HealthcareSystems

#MedicalMarketing

#PodiatryPractice

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DESCRIPTION

Why are you working harder in your podiatry practice but not seeing higher income?

In this episode, Don breaks down why most podiatrists never reach $1 million in personal production. He explains how many practices stay stuck between $500,000 and $700,000 despite full schedules and long hours. The problem isn’t effort—it’s focusing on the wrong variable. Instead of increasing patient volume, the real opportunity lies in improving systems and increasing the average visit value.

You’ll learn the three numbers that determine your production and how small improvements in treatment planning can dramatically increase revenue without adding more patients. Don also shares practical steps to calculate your current visit value, track your production metrics, and rethink how you design patient care. This episode gives you a clear framework to grow your practice through better decisions, not more hours.

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TIMESTAMPS

[00:00] Why most podiatrists never reach $1M

[00:40] The myth of working harder for growth

[01:20] Why busy practices still plateau

[02:00] The patient volume ceiling explained

[02:40] The 3-number production formula

[03:20] Example: how visit value changes revenue

[04:10] The mindset shift: better visits, not more visits

[04:45] Action steps to calculate and track metrics

[05:20] Changing treatment plans and patient expectations

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KEY TAKEAWAY

Your income isn’t driven by how many patients you see—it’s driven by how much value you deliver per visit through better treatment planning.

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Conclusion

Take a step back and evaluate your current approach—are you chasing more volume, or improving the value of each visit? Start tracking your numbers and experiment with better treatment design. If this shifted your perspective, reflect on what small changes could create a measurable impact in your practice.

Most podiatrists hit a plateau in production despite working harder each year. This episode explains why podiatry practice growth depends on systems, not effort. Learn how practice management, patient education, and treatment design impact revenue. Discover how podiatrists can increase production by $200,000 to $400,000 without seeing more patients. This introduction outlines the foundation of a scalable podiatry practice. It focuses on efficiency, clinical outcomes, and sustainable growth. If you’re a podiatrist or practice owner, this episode highlights key strategies to improve performance.

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KEYWORDS

podiatry practice management

increase podiatry revenue

podiatry systems and processes

healthcare business growth

podiatry patient education

podiatry production increase

medical practice efficiency

podiatry practice systems

increase patient value podiatry

healthcare systems optimization

podiatry workflow improvement

medical practice profitability

podiatry business strategy

patient visit optimization

podiatry treatment planning

practice growth podiatry

reduce physician burnout

podiatry marketing systems

clinical efficiency podiatry

podiatry revenue growth strategies

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HASHTAGS

#Podiatry

#PracticeGrowth

#HealthcareBusiness

#MedicalPractice

#PodiatryLife

#PracticeManagement

#MedicalEntrepreneur

#ClinicEfficiency

#PatientCare

#HealthcareLeadership

#MedicalMarketing

#PodiatryPractice

#RevenueGrowth

#PrivatePractice

#PhysicianBurnout

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DESCRIPTION

Why do some podiatrists work harder every year but never increase their income?

In this episode, Don introduces the core concept behind the Million Dollar Practice Formula. He contrasts two podiatrists with nearly identical schedules and patient loads—yet dramatically different production. The difference isn’t skill or effort. It’s how the practice is designed. He breaks down the five key drivers of growth: systems, staff, patient education, procedures, and marketing.

You’ll learn why simply seeing more patients has a ceiling, and how redesigning the patient visit can significantly increase production without adding volume. This episode sets the foundation for building a more efficient, scalable, and profitable podiatry practice while improving patient outcomes and reducing burnout.

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TIMESTAMPS

[00:00] Introduction to the Million Dollar Practice Formula

[00:25] Why most podiatrists plateau in production

[01:05] A typical busy day with no revenue growth

[01:45] Meeting a podiatrist producing $1.4 million

[02:20] The key difference: designed practice vs job

[03:00] Why working harder stops working

[03:30] The 5 drivers of practice growth explained

[04:10] What this book will teach you

[04:45] Final takeaway: systems over effort

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KEY TAKEAWAY

You don’t need more patients to grow your podiatry practice—better systems, patient education, and visit design drive higher production.

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Conclusion

If this episode made you rethink how your practice is structured, take a moment to reflect on where your systems may be limiting growth. What would change if you focused less on volume and more on design? Share your thoughts or questions—this is where better decisions start.

In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, we break down real patient cases involving plantar fasciitis and posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Learn how to set expectations with shockwave therapy and improve patient satisfaction. Discover how treatment sequencing impacts outcomes and revenue in a podiatry practice. This episode focuses on orthotics, clinical decision-making, and patient communication. If you want to improve both outcomes and efficiency in your clinic, this episode delivers practical insights. Ideal for podiatrists looking to refine systems and increase case acceptance.

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Keywords

podiatry practice management

plantar fasciitis treatment podiatry

posterior tibial tendon dysfunction treatment

shockwave therapy podiatry

custom orthotics podiatry

podiatry patient expectations

foot pain treatment strategies

podiatry revenue growth

orthotics prescription tips

shockwave therapy results

podiatry case studies

foot and ankle practice systems

improving patient compliance podiatry

podiatry clinical decision making

AFO brace podiatry

flatfoot treatment podiatry

heel pain management

podiatry business strategies

orthotics lab comparison

patient communication podiatry

reducing orthotic returns

clinical confidence podiatry

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Hashtags

#Podiatry

#PlantarFasciitis

#FootPain

#Orthotics

#ShockwaveTherapy

#PTTD

#Flatfoot

#HealthcareBusiness

#PracticeGrowth

#MedicalPractice

#PodiatryLife

#ClinicEfficiency

#PatientCare

#MedicalEntrepreneur

#FootAndAnkle

#PracticeManagement

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Description

Are your patients not improving as fast as they expect—even when your treatment is working?

In this episode, Don walks through two real patient cases to highlight what works—and what doesn’t—in podiatry practice. He breaks down a plantar fasciitis case using shockwave therapy, including how setting expectations led to better patient satisfaction and an orthotic conversion. He also shares a posterior tibial tendon dysfunction case where delayed decision-making impacted treatment efficiency—and what he would do differently.

You’ll learn how to better sequence treatments, confidently recommend orthotics, and avoid common mistakes that reduce outcomes and revenue. Don also dives into orthotic lab selection, managing patient discomfort, and improving follow-up systems so issues are addressed earlier—not weeks later.

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Timestamps

[00:00] New format: learning from real patient cases

[01:05] Plantar fasciitis case: initial treatment approach

[02:10] Using ultrasound to guide shockwave therapy

[03:10] Setting expectations for shockwave success

[04:30] The “touch-up” strategy and value anchoring

[06:00] Converting shockwave patients to orthotics

[07:10] Managing orthotic discomfort expectations

[08:10] Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction case breakdown

[09:00] Missed opportunity: delaying orthotics

[09:40] Confidence and decisiveness in treatment recommendations

[10:20] Orthotic lab challenges and reducing returns

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Key Takeaway

Clear expectations and confident treatment recommendations drive both better patient outcomes and higher case acceptance—hesitation costs results.

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Conclusion

What’s your approach to sequencing treatments like shockwave and orthotics? Are you setting clear expectations—or leaving patients unsure of progress?

If this case-based format is helpful, share your feedback and let me know. And if you’ve had similar cases, it’d be great to hear how you handled them.

Many podiatry practices struggle with unused schedule capacity while trying to grow revenue. Optimizing clinic flow and patient mix is essential for better practice management. This episode focuses on how to turn schedule gaps into high-value visits in a podiatry practice. Don shares real clinical cases involving shockwave therapy, orthotics, and in-office procedures. He explains how to improve patient conversion using clear treatment presentation. The episode also covers referral strategies and multi-location scheduling. This is a practical discussion for podiatrists looking to improve efficiency and production.

podiatry schedule optimization
podiatry practice management
increase podiatry revenue
shockwave therapy podiatry
orthotics conversion podiatry
foot and ankle practice growth
multi location medical practice
podiatry patient flow
practice efficiency healthcare
podiatry marketing strategies
referral marketing podiatry
wound care podiatry revenue
nail procedure podiatry
plantar fasciitis treatment podiatry
healthcare business systems
private practice podiatry growth
patient conversion podiatry
clinic scheduling strategies
medical practice productivity
healthcare operations podiatry

#Podiatry
#PracticeManagement
#PracticeGrowth
#HealthcareBusiness
#FootAndAnkle
#ShockwaveTherapy
#Orthotics
#MedicalMarketing
#PrivatePractice
#PatientFlow
#ClinicalEfficiency
#HealthcareEntrepreneur
#ReferralMarketing
#WoundCare
#Productivity

Are gaps in your schedule limiting your growth more than you realize? And are you directing your highest-value cases to the right place?

In this episode, Don reviews a full week of clinic activity with a focus on MVP (most valuable patient) visits. He explains how he balances patient flow between a busy main office and a newer location by intentionally shifting higher-value services like shockwave therapy and in-office procedures. Through real cases—including plantar fasciitis, PTTD, nerve pain, fractures, and nail care—he breaks down how treatment decisions and scheduling strategy directly impact revenue and efficiency.

Don also shares how to improve case acceptance using a “best to least” treatment framework, along with practical marketing strategies like postcard outreach, QR-based education, and provider referrals. He highlights lessons from both successful and failed treatments, and how to adjust quickly. This episode offers clear, actionable ways to better align scheduling, clinical care, and communication.

[00:00] Introduction and identifying MVP patient opportunities
[01:05] Balancing patient flow across multiple locations
[02:10] PTTD case with orthotics and shockwave planning
[03:10] Increasing orthotic conversions and second-pair strategy
[04:20] Treating nerve pain and complex heel cases with shockwave
[05:40] When treatments fail and transitioning to MRI and PT
[06:40] In-office procedures and scheduling constraints
[07:30] Third-opinion cases and accelerated treatment plans
[08:40] Wound care as a high-value service line
[09:30] Managing lower-value visits like fracture follow-ups
[10:20] Staged nail procedures and long-term scheduling strategy
[11:20] Tracking shockwave outcomes and success patterns
[12:10] Marketing through awareness campaigns and outreach
[13:00] Referral strategies using postcards and QR video content
[13:50] Plantar fasciitis cases converting to shockwave
[14:40] Nail fungus bundles with laser and take-home systems
[15:10] Using “best to least” treatment presentation to improve acceptance

Where are the gaps in your schedule right now—and are they filled with the right types of visits?

If this episode made you rethink how you structure your clinic days, take a closer look at your scheduling, case mix, and treatment presentation. Share what’s working in your practice and keep refining your approach to growth.

Turning consultations into accepted treatment plans is a key skill in podiatry practice management. Many podiatrists see second and third opinions but struggle with patient conversion. This episode focuses on improving case presentation, diagnosis, and treatment acceptance in a podiatry clinic. Don shares real examples from clinic days, including plantar fasciitis, shockwave therapy, and fracture care. He also explains how to increase revenue through better use of routine visits. The discussion includes referral building, patient communication, and clinical efficiency. This is a practical episode for podiatrists focused on growth and better outcomes.

podiatry practice management
podiatry patient conversion
shockwave therapy podiatry
plantar fasciitis treatment podiatry
bone marrow edema foot
podiatry ultrasound diagnosis
foot and ankle practice growth
podiatry revenue strategies
routine visit optimization podiatry
podiatry marketing strategies
medical practice referrals podiatry
orthotics conversion podiatry
wound care podiatry practice
fungal nail treatment systems
private practice podiatry growth
patient communication podiatry
clinical efficiency podiatry
cash pay podiatry services
podiatry business systems
healthcare practice marketing

#Podiatry
#PodiatryPractice
#PracticeGrowth
#HealthcareBusiness
#FootAndAnkle
#ShockwaveTherapy
#PlantarFasciitis
#MedicalMarketing
#PrivatePractice
#PatientConversion
#ClinicalEfficiency
#Orthotics
#WoundCare
#HealthcareEntrepreneur
#PracticeManagement

How do you turn multiple opinions into clear treatment decisions that patients actually accept? And how do you increase value in your schedule without adding more time?

In this episode, Don breaks down real clinic days and highlights the cases that drive momentum in a podiatry practice. He explains how ultrasound supports shockwave therapy recommendations, why bone marrow edema and fracture cases often convert, and how to present treatment options so patients understand the best path first. He also shares how routine visits can uncover additional opportunities like orthotics, procedures, and wound care when approached with intention.

Don also dives into the operational side of practice growth. He discusses building referral pathways, connecting with physical therapy groups, and turning lectures into long-term content. He explains how clearer systems—like fungal treatment kits and bundled plantar fasciitis care—improve both patient compliance and efficiency. This episode focuses on practical implementation that podiatrists can apply immediately.

[00:00] Introduction and international podiatry perspective
[01:30] Building referral flow from nail care and self-pay patients
[02:35] Billing strategies: retro-onychia, nail avulsion, I&D
[03:35] Plantar fasciitis case and same-day shockwave planning
[05:20] Bone marrow edema and adjusting treatment protocols
[06:45] Fourth-opinion cases and limits of early ultrasound
[08:35] Shockwave follow-ups and repeatable treatment patterns
[10:00] Treating Sever’s disease and post-surgical Achilles pain
[11:20] Increasing value in routine care visits
[12:40] Handling pricing objections and treatment hesitation
[14:00] MRI findings, fracture care, and orthotic conversion
[15:40] In-office procedures and product acceptance strategies
[16:45] Building fungal treatment systems and patient instructions
[18:05] Referral marketing through PT outreach and lectures
[19:10] Repurposing education into long-term content assets
[20:05] Implementation, auditing performance, and growth opportunities

Improving patient conversion in podiatry comes down to clear diagnosis, confident treatment recommendations, and building repeatable systems that turn everyday visits into higher-value care.

Title: Turning Daily Patients Into High-Value Visits

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Description

How do you turn everyday clinic visits into higher-value care without adding more hours to your schedule? And just as importantly—how do you avoid low-value visits that clog your day?

In this episode, Don walks through a real week of patients, breaking down what made certain visits highly productive (MVPs) and others less efficient. From urgent care referral strategies to shockwave utilization, prefab orthotics, and in-office procedures, he shares practical decisions that directly impact revenue, patient outcomes, and workflow.

He also highlights operational improvements—like automated patient recall systems, schedule optimization, and shorter appointment slots—that can significantly increase efficiency without increasing stress. This is a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what’s working, what isn’t, and what’s changing in a modern podiatry practice.

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Timestamps

• ​ [00:00] Introduction and weekly case review approach
• ​ [01:10] Building urgent care referral relationships
• ​ [02:40] Creating educational workshops for referral sources
• ​ [04:10] Friday MVP: fracture + routine care hybrid visit
• ​ [05:30] Using prefab orthotics and the “rollover” technique
• ​ [07:50] Shockwave treatments as recurring MVP drivers
• ​ [09:20] Wart treatment follow-up strategy adjustments
• ​ [10:30] Automated recall systems (Banzai) vs manual workflows
• ​ [12:40] Identifying and managing low-value visits
• ​ [13:50] Using 10-minute slots for non-revenue follow-ups
• ​ [15:10] Expanding shockwave indications (including wounds)
• ​ [16:20] Missed in-office procedures and scheduling risks
• ​ [17:20] Proactively optimizing future schedules
• ​ [18:30] Handling treatment drop-offs (shockwave → PT)
• ​ [19:30] Increasing case acceptance (laser, bundles, options)
• ​ [20:30] MRI vs ultrasound for patient buy-in
• ​ [21:40] Weekly reflections and system improvements

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Key Takeaway

Maximize practice growth by intentionally structuring your schedule, increasing high-value treatments (like shockwave and procedures), and building systems that reduce low-value visits.

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Conclusion

If you’re working to improve efficiency or increase the value of each patient visit, this episode offers practical ideas you can implement right away. If you have questions or want to discuss your own workflow, reach out or join the conversation—your feedback helps shape future episodes.

How do you stay ahead with shockwave therapy when the technology, protocols, and pricing models keep evolving?

In this episode, Don shares practical insights from attending the American Society of Shockwave conference for the second time. He reflects on what worked well, what didn’t add much value, and—most importantly—what he’s changing in his own clinical protocols. From adjusting treatment intensity to reconsidering pricing models, the meeting reinforced how quickly shockwave therapy is evolving across specialties including podiatry, sports medicine, PM&R, physical therapy, and chiropractic care.

Don also explores emerging ideas around athlete recovery, bundled treatment pricing, and how clinicians are communicating the value of shockwave therapy to patients. If you’re using shockwave—or considering expanding how you offer it—this episode provides real-world insights on clinical technique, patient conversations, and practice strategy.

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Timestamps

[00:00] Conference Overview

Don shares his experience attending the American Society of Shockwave meeting and the value of networking with colleagues across specialties including PM&R, sports medicine, chiropractic, and physical therapy.

[01:16] The Biggest Challenge: Explaining Shockwave to Patients

Why patient education—and especially the financial conversation—is often the hardest part of implementing shockwave successfully.

[02:03] Downsides of the Conference

Sessions covering unrelated areas like urology and Alzheimer’s, lack of CME credits, and the time commitment of a full weekend meeting.

[02:55] Equipment Insights: Radial vs. True Shockwave

Discussion on how radial devices are increasingly viewed as pressure waves rather than true shockwave therapy, and why Don values having both radial and focused devices.

[04:00] A Major Clinical Takeaway: Use Lower Intensity

Experienced clinicians tend to treat with lower energy and slower frequencies. Don plans to experiment with lighter treatments and evaluate outcomes.

[05:09] Learning Resources and Training

Mentions communities like Shockwave Hub and other training opportunities, but emphasizes that the best learning often comes from visiting another doctor’s clinic.

[06:02] Choosing Conferences That Fit Your Practice

Why Don is shifting toward sports medicine conferences rather than surgical meetings based on his current practice focus.

[06:35] Pricing Strategies for Shockwave Therapy

Discussion with a colleague charging $400 per session and offering bundled treatments including EMTT, leading Don to rethink his own pricing structure.

[07:56] Considering Bundled Treatment Packages

Idea of packaging shockwave with orthotics and amniotic injections to simplify the patient decision and present a comprehensive care plan.

[08:49] Platelet Lysate and Emerging Biologic Concepts

Overview of platelet lysate and how it differs from traditional PRP.

[09:23] Insurance Reimbursement Challenges

Some insurers are beginning to reimburse shockwave at very low rates, raising questions about whether clinicians should bill insurance at all.

[09:58] Using Medical Image Upload Platforms

An interesting tool that allows patients to upload MRIs for review, potentially creating opportunities for remote second opinions and consultations.

[10:19] The Future: Shockwave for Recovery and Prevention

Emerging use of shockwave not just for injury treatment but also for recovery and injury prevention in athletes, including post-race recovery protocols.

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As clinicians gain more experience with shockwave therapy, protocols tend to shift toward lower energy treatments, clearer patient communication, and bundled pricing models that better reflect the value of care.

Managing VAs, Patient Recall, and Treatment Acceptance

Description

Are your virtual assistants actually producing value—or just filling hours?

Many practice owners turn to virtual assistants for marketing and administrative help, but managing them effectively can be a challenge. When work is billed by the hour, tasks can expand to fill the available time, making it difficult to control costs or ensure meaningful results.

In this episode, Don shares lessons from managing virtual assistants by shifting from hourly expectations to task-based assignments. He also discusses practical patient recall strategies, the role of automation in reactivating past patients, and a communication framework that improves patient acceptance for higher-value treatment plans like shockwave therapy.

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Timestamps

[00:00] The Problem With Hour-Based Virtual Assistants

Why VAs often expand work to fill the number of hours allocated.

[00:50] Moving to Task-Based Management

Assigning specific deliverables with defined time limits to prevent time bloat.

[01:50] Examples of Task Allocation for Marketing VAs

Weekly newsletters, SEO page updates, ad monitoring, and call tracking.

[03:05] Using Automation to Recall Patients

How ModMed’s Clara helps follow up with patients who miss appointments.

[04:05] Combining Clara With Additional Recall Systems

Using automation tools to continue follow-up once the EMR recall system stops.

[04:50] Identifying High-Value vs. Low-Value Appointment Slots

Structuring the schedule to prioritize higher-value visits.

[05:40] Creating 10-Minute “Buffer Slots”

Using shorter appointment slots for quick visits or patients likely to cancel.

[06:20] Using Newsletters to Reactivate Patients

How regular email communication occasionally brings former patients back.

[06:55] Why Manual Recall Systems Are Labor-Intensive

Staff-driven recall processes require significant time and organization.

[07:30] Exploring Automated Recall Platforms

How tools like Banzai can automatically identify and contact inactive patients.

[08:05] Improving Patient Acceptance With Better Communication

Using future pacing and good–better–best treatment frameworks.

[09:00] Presenting High-Value Treatment Plans

How to introduce comprehensive treatment packages like shockwave, injections, and orthotics.

[09:40] Avoiding Discounts While Adjusting Treatment Plans

Instead of discounting, remove components from the treatment package.

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Key Takeaway

Managing systems—not just people—is critical in practice growth. Whether working with virtual assistants, scheduling patients, or presenting treatment plans, clear structure and automation help reduce wasted time while increasing practice revenue.

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Conclusion

What systems are you using to manage virtual assistants or reactivate patients in your practice?

If you’ve implemented automation or structured workflows that improved efficiency, share your experience. Conversations like these help practice owners refine the systems that drive growth.