When it comes to clinic marketing, most talk digital. But the smart ones don’t forget their roots. In this episode, Michael and Nick welcome back Rachel Davis, the marketing leader behind AFC Urgent Care’s 25 clinics across Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina. With over a decade of experience growing urgent care brands from the ground up, Rachel shares what it really takes to build trust, drive patient volume, and make your clinic unforgettable.From a single social media campaign that brought in 92 patients in one day, to school partnerships, giant checks, and strategic giveaways—Rachel shows how blending grassroots marketing with digital execution isn’t just effective, it’s essential. Plus, we explore how she’s using AI to lead with empathy, boost team morale, and uncover performance insights that actually matter.This one is packed with real-world strategies, leadership lessons, and bold ideas urgent care marketers and operators can use right now.🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:📈 How one back-to-school campaign reached every elementary school within a 5-mile radius🤝 Why blending community outreach with digital tactics creates deeper trust and stronger results💡 How AI can help leaders support teams, celebrate wins, and reduce burnout💬 The one big mindset shift that turns patient experience into patient retention🎯 Why “Local First, Digital Always” is more than a tagline—it’s a growth strategy🎁 Plus: Trunk-or-Treat tips, brand-aid giveaways, handwritten notes, and cotton candy🧠 About Our GuestRachel Davis is the Marketing Director for DX Management, the franchisee of AFC Urgent Care operating 25 clinics across TN, GA, and NC—with more on the way. She brings over 10 years of hands-on marketing leadership in urgent care and a career that spans healthcare, franchise management, media, QSR, and education. Rachel is also a part-time professor and full-time champion of community-first marketing strategies that drive real results.Outside of work, she’s a proud mom of two and a non-stop chauffeur to soccer, dance, piano, and more.🔗 Resources & Mentions Connect with Rachel → LinkedIn💬 Stay Connected:Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content.Website: https://patientcaremarketingpros.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/patientcaremarketingprosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patient-care-marketing-pros/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9nwkAwIyiVvsLTWGoeRbWAWant to be a guest, recommend someone for the show, or ask a question? Reach out! We’d love to hear from you! Email us at hello@patientcaremarketingpros.com🎵 Intro/Outro Music by Devin Smith: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UdQjNXnACFE2VpkEoP8v2?si=pDx5jsgtRFOtwrpMOKOkuQ
Nick and Michael are back, and this time, they're pulling no punches. In this candid and timely episode, they tackle one of the most sensitive but critical issues in urgent care marketing: knowing when your internal marketer has become a blocker, not a builder.Whether you’re dealing with a family-hired marketer, an emotionally tied team member, or someone simply out of their depth, this conversation is for you.Drawing from real stories and recent client experiences, Nick and Michael unpack:🚩 The red flags of marketing bottlenecks💔 Why emotional loyalty can quietly sabotage your growth🎭📊 How to separate drama from data when making hard decisions🤝✨ What a true growth partner looks like — and how to find one📋🛠️ A clear, step-by-step framework for auditing, documenting, and (if needed) letting someone goThis episode isn’t about blame — it’s about clarity, accountability, and protecting your clinic’s future. Because if your internal marketing isn’t aligned with your goals, you’re not just stuck — you’re bleeding potential.Nick and Michael also lay out how to avoid chaos before it starts: ownership of digital assets, documenting deliverables, and when to seek outside help.If you're a clinic owner who's been feeling stuck, exhausted, or just unsure whether your marketing team is truly moving the needle, this episode is for you.🔗 Resources & Mentions:Free “DIY Toolkit” for Clinics: https://offer.patientcaremarketingpros.com/diy-toolkit💬 Stay Connected:Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content.Website: https://patientcaremarketingpros.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/patientcaremarketingprosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patient-care-marketing-pros/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9nwkAwIyiVvsLTWGoeRbWAWant to be a guest, recommend someone for the show, or ask a question? Reach out! We’d love to hear from you! Email us at hello@patientcaremarketingpros.com🎵 Intro/Outro Music by Devin Smith: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UdQjNXnACFE2VpkEoP8v2?si=pDx5jsgtRFOtwrpMOKOkuQ
This episode features a powerful clip from our recent webinar, Becoming the Healthcare Brand: Build Loyalty, Drive Growth, and Own Your Market—and it's packed with practical insights for urgent care leaders looking to stand out.We dive deep into the StoryBrand framework, walking through the 7 core questions that help you clarify your message, position your clinic as the trusted guide, and make your patients the true hero of your brand story.We break down:🦸♂️ How to identify your ideal patient as the hero of the story🧠 Why it’s critical to frame the problem from the customer’s perspective🧭 How to position your clinic as the trusted guide (not the main character)🗺️ The importance of giving your patients a clear, simple plan📣 What makes a call to action actually work🏆 How to paint a picture of success—and highlight what’s at stake🤝 Practical ways to build trust, stand out, and become the go-to choice in your marketWhether you're opening your first location or scaling a multi-site operation, this episode will help you rethink how you show up in a crowded healthcare market—and why your message may be the missing link between being seen and being chosen.💬 Stay Connected:Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content.Website: https://patientcaremarketingpros.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/patientcaremarketingprosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patient-care-marketing-pros/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9nwkAwIyiVvsLTWGoeRbWAWant to be a guest, recommend someone for the show, or ask a question? Reach out! We’d love to hear from you! Email us at hello@patientcaremarketingpros.com🎵 Intro/Outro Music by Devin Smith: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UdQjNXnACFE2VpkEoP8v2?si=pDx5jsgtRFOtwrpMOKOkuQ
💥 When Patients Bleed, Do You Send Them Away—or Suture in More Revenue?Every urgent care says they manage lacerations. But if your team isn’t trained—or confident—those walk-ins are walking out. And that’s revenue, reputation, and repeat visits you’re losing every single time.In this episode, Michael and Nick sit down with Dr. Patrick O’Malley, a board-certified emergency physician and creator of The Laceration Course, an 8-hour CME training built specifically for urgent care teams. His mission? Help clinics stop referring out simple laceration cases—and start owning them, confidently and compliantly.This conversation dives into the practical, clinical, and business impact of leveling up your team’s suturing skills. From preventing negative Google reviews to creating a repeatable, scalable service line, Patrick shares how urgent cares can stop bleeding patients (and dollars) to the ER.Whether you're a clinic owner, medical director, or a provider looking to build confidence with procedures, this episode is your roadmap to making laceration management a true growth lever for your practice.🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:🧵 Why most urgent cares say they handle lacerations—but many aren’t actually prepared🧑⚕️ How training APPs in suturing boosts patient retention, clinic revenue, and team morale📈 Real-life clinic results: from "sending out every laceration" to closing cases in-house🎓 What's inside The Laceration Course (and why it’s more than just how to suture)💬 The legal, billing, and charting tips that protect your practice and boost reimbursement📦 How Patrick ships real suture kits + video training directly to your team🌐 The future of remote procedural workshops, wearable tech, and virtual proctoring💡 And why investing in clinician education leads to better care—and better business🧠 About Our GuestDr. Patrick O’Malley is a board-certified emergency physician with 18+ years of clinical experience and a deep commitment to improving procedural confidence in urgent care settings. As the creator of The Laceration Course with EB Medicine, he helps clinicians go beyond basic suturing and truly master the science, technique, and decision-making of laceration repair. Now working full-time in medical education and clinician training, Patrick brings both clinical credibility and entrepreneurial passion to the future of acute care.🔗 Resources & Mentions🧠 Explore The Laceration Course → www.ebmedicine.net📧 Contact Patrick → LinkedIn | Instagram💸 Check out the $1 Trial of EB Medicine’s CME Library → includes urgent care-specific content💬 Stay Connected:Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content.Website: https://patientcaremarketingpros.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/patientcaremarketingprosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patient-care-marketing-pros/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9nwkAwIyiVvsLTWGoeRbWAWant to be a guest, recommend someone for the show, or ask a question? Reach out! We’d love to hear from you! Email us at hello@patientcaremarketingpros.com🎵 Intro/Outro Music by Devin Smith: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UdQjNXnACFE2VpkEoP8v2?si=pDx5jsgtRFOtwrpMOKOkuQ
This week’s episode features a special clip from our Clinic Launch: The 90 Day Game Plan webinar we hosted back in March and it’s packed with practical, proven steps to open strong.We break down:📆 Why your marketing must start before day one💰 How to budget $6K–$10K over your first 90 days🏥 What really matters in your website (hint: it’s not spending $20K)📍 How to verify and set up your Google Business Profile the right way🔁 The exact 3-phase timeline every new clinic should follow🗣️ Why community outreach and digital ads should start before your grand opening📈 How to make your day 91 fully predictable—with data, not hopeWhether you're about to open or advising someone who is, this is the 90-day roadmap we’ve tested with real urgent care clinics, and it works.🔗 Resources & Mentions:Access the webinar: https://offer.patientcaremarketingpros.com/diy-toolkit💬 Stay Connected:Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content.Website: https://patientcaremarketingpros.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/patientcaremarketingprosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patient-care-marketing-pros/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9nwkAwIyiVvsLTWGoeRbWAWant to be a guest, recommend someone for the show, or ask a question? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Email us at hello@patientcaremarketingpros.com🎵 Intro/Outro Music by Devin Smith: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UdQjNXnACFE2VpkEoP8v2?si=pDx5jsgtRFOtwrpMOKOkuQ
Nick and Michael crack open one of the most controversial healthcare shifts in years, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB-BBA), and what it could mean for urgent care clinics across the country.📅 This episode was recorded on July 24, 2025. As with anything in healthcare policy, things may have shifted since then, but the strategies we cover are designed to hold strong no matter what unfolds.With massive Medicaid changes, potential coverage losses, and growing financial pressure on rural and community-based care, this episode breaks down both sides of the OB-BBA debate — then gets straight to strategy.Nick and Michael discuss practical moves you can make now to stay ahead, stay profitable, and stay available to the people who need you most. Because while some clinics will wait and hope for the best, the best clinics will adapt, adjust, and keep leading their communities.🔗 Resources & Mentions:Webinar from McDermott+ "Navigating the healthcare provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act":https://www.mcdermottplus.com/events/navigating-the-healthcare-provisions-of-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act/Reconciliation Roadmap Resource Center: https://www.mcdermottplus.com/resource/reconciliation-roadmap-resource-center/💬 Stay Connected:Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content.Website: https://patientcaremarketingpros.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/patientcaremarketingprosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patient-care-marketing-pros/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9nwkAwIyiVvsLTWGoeRbWAWant to be a guest, recommend someone for the show, or ask a question? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Email us at hello@patientcaremarketingpros.com🎵 Intro/Outro Music by Devin Smith: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UdQjNXnACFE2VpkEoP8v2?si=pDx5jsgtRFOtwrpMOKOkuQ
Most urgent care CEOs stay far from the weeds of marketing. But what happens when a leader decides to master it—and uses that knowledge to drive clinic growth, improve patient access, and lower acquisition costs?In this episode, Michael and Nick sit down with Brent Kell, CEO of Valley Immediate Care, a nine-location urgent care group in Southern Oregon. For over two decades, Brent has not only led operations but rolled up his sleeves to run and refine his own marketing—blending geofencing, Google Ads, and innovative patient communication strategies to deliver measurable ROI.From targeting sports tournaments and tourist hubs with hyper-local ads, to integrating AI voice and SMS systems that answer calls, book appointments, and reduce no-shows, Brent shares exactly how he’s using data to guide every marketing dollar. He also opens up about the KPIs that matter most, how to calculate your true cost per patient acquisition, and why the human touch still matters in a digital-first strategy.Whether you’re an urgent care operator, a healthcare marketer, or a leader looking to better connect operations and patient growth, this conversation delivers proven, actionable tactics you can adapt right now.🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:📍 How to use geofencing to target visiting sports teams, hotels, and RV parks for urgent care growth💻 Why Google Ads remains the backbone of digital marketing—and how to maximize ROI💬 How AI voice and text tools like Flip and Podium are cutting unanswered calls and booking more visits📊 The KPI Brent tracks above all others to guide marketing investment decisions🧠 Why top-of-mind brand awareness still matters in the era of digital attribution🎥 How to repurpose evergreen seasonal content to boost reach year after year🤝 Why CEOs should understand digital marketing—even if they don’t run the campaigns themselves🧠 About Our GuestBrent A. Kell, R.T. (R), is the Chief Executive Officer of Valley Immediate Care in Medford, Oregon, where he has led the growth from a single clinic to nine facilities since 2002. With over 30 years of healthcare management experience, he also serves as Limited License X-Ray Instructor and Program Director with the Oregon Board of Medical Imaging, among other leadership roles. An active volunteer in search and rescue and ski patrol, Brent brings both operational excellence and a passion for service to everything he does. Outside of work, he’s an avid hiker, skier, runner, and climber.🔗 Resources & MentionsConnect with Valley Immediate Care:Website: valley-ic.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Valley.ICYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@valleyimmediatecare7659Connect with Brent: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-kell-87a94919/ 💬 Stay Connected:Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content.Website: https://patientcaremarketingpros.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/patientcaremarketingprosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patient-care-marketing-pros/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9nwkAwIyiVvsLTWGoeRbWAWant to be a guest, recommend someone for the show, or ask a question? Reach out! We’d love to hear from you! Email us at hello@patientcaremarketingpros.com🎵 Intro/Outro Music by Devin Smith: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UdQjNXnACFE2VpkEoP8v2?si=pDx5jsgtRFOtwrpMOKOkuQ
When patients walk in with a toothache, most urgent cares are forced to send them away. But what if you could treat the patient, deliver better care, and add a profitable new revenue stream without hiring more staff?In this episode, Michael and Nick sit down with Dr. Maria Kunstadter and Leah Sigler, the powerhouse mother-daughter duo behind The TeleDentists, the first nationwide teledentistry platform. What started as a mission to expand dental access is now transforming urgent care operations across the country.From reducing ER visits to giving urgent cares a simple “plug-and-play” dental service line, The TeleDentists are showing clinics how to diversify their services, support their communities, and grow their bottom line—all without overburdening their teams.Whether you're an urgent care operator, an entrepreneur, or just curious about what’s next in healthcare delivery, this conversation is packed with insights you can act on today.🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:🦷 What teledentistry actually is—and why urgent care patients are already asking for it💸 How urgent cares are turning dental calls into new revenue with zero new staff📆 The business model that makes this a done-for-you service line, not more work🏥 Why ERs and urgent cares are not equipped to handle dental patients—and how this solves it🚪 How to transform a broom closet into a revenue-generating dental consult space (seriously)🌎 Why The TeleDentists’ nationwide network is ready for Medicaid shifts, access gaps, and more🧒 Plus: The heartwarming story behind The Virtual Tooth Fairy and how it’s helping kids love dental care🧠 About Our GuestsDr. Maria Kunstadter is a pioneer in dental innovation with 35+ years in private practice, dozens of medical missions under her belt, and a long history of integrating dentistry with broader healthcare initiatives. As the CEO and co-founder of The TeleDentists, she advocates tirelessly for dental-medical integration, bringing strategic insight and deep clinical expertise to the future of virtual care.Leah Sigler, President of The TeleDentists, brings a global health perspective and boots-on-the-ground experience—from Peace Corps service in Guatemala to driving major partnerships with Cigna, Aetna, and Procter & Gamble. She's also the creator of The Virtual Tooth Fairy, a program connecting kids with dental hygienists for fun, preventative education that lasts a lifetime.🔗 Resources & Mentions🌐 Visit theteledentists.comFacebook: facebook.com/theteledentistsInstagram: instagram.com/teledentistsLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/theteledentists💬 Stay Connected:Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content.Website: https://patientcaremarketingpros.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/patientcaremarketingprosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patient-care-marketing-pros/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9nwkAwIyiVvsLTWGoeRbWAWant to be a guest, recommend someone for the show, or ask a question? Reach out! We’d love to hear from you! Email us at hello@patientcaremarketingpros.com🎵 Intro/Outro Music by Devin Smith: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UdQjNXnACFE2VpkEoP8v2?si=pDx5jsgtRFOtwrpMOKOkuQ
This week, we're pulling clips from our most recent webinar: 7 Ways Clinics Fail (and How to Make Sure Yours Doesn’t!). It’s a straight-shooting look at what keeps great clinics stuck, and exactly what to do instead.If you’re still relying on word-of-mouth for patient growth or haven’t touched your lease since signing it, this one’s a must-listen.This episode is a field guide for clinic owners who want to scale with intention, protect their margins, and build something that lasts.🔥 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:📉 Why referrals aren’t a real growth strategy — and what to use instead⚖️ How to balance SEO and Ads without wasting money📍 Why your Google Business Profile might be costing you patients💸 The hidden lease and payer contract costs clinics often miss📊 How to track every patient like a lead (and why it changes everything)📈 When to expand services—and when to hit pause🏥 What really goes into building a lasting urgent care brand🔗 Resources & Mentions:Access the on-demand webinar: https://webinars.patientcaremarketingpros.com/7-ways-uc-fail-468594💬 Stay Connected:Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content.Website: https://patientcaremarketingpros.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/patientcaremarketingprosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patient-care-marketing-pros/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9nwkAwIyiVvsLTWGoeRbWAWant to be a guest, recommend someone for the show, or ask a question? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Email us at hello@patientcaremarketingpros.com🎵 Intro/Outro Music by Devin Smith: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UdQjNXnACFE2VpkEoP8v2?si=pDx5jsgtRFOtwrpMOKOkuQ
Nick and Michael dive headfirst into the urgent care hiring trap that quietly kills growth, reactive hiring, and what to do instead.From frantic last-minute job posts to the slow erosion of culture one bad hire at a time, this episode pulls back the curtain on how most clinics approach hiring the wrong way. But it’s not just a rant, it’s a roadmap.They break down how strategic hiring isn’t about filling seats. It’s about building momentum, protecting your culture, and stacking the right people in the right roles before you need them. If you’ve ever felt “staffed” one week and short the next, this one’s for you.Whether you’re running lean or scaling fast, this episode reshapes how you think about talent, timing, and what it really means to build a team that lasts.Forget fogging mirrors. Let’s talk about building something that actually breathes.🔥 In This Episode, You’ll Hear:👥 Why reactive hiring creates chaos you never recover from📅 What it means to hire proactively and why most don’t⚙️ The hidden costs of panic hiring when someone quits🌱 How to build a team that grows your clinic not just staffs it🎯 The difference between hiring to fill a role and hiring to hit a goal💡 Why being fully staffed is a myth and a mindset problem💬 Stay Connected:Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content.Website: https://patientcaremarketingpros.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patientcaremarketingprosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patient-care-marketing-pros/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9nwkAwIyiVvsLTWGoeRbWAWant to be a guest, recommend someone for the show, or ask a question? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Email us at hello@patientcaremarketingpros.com🎵 Intro/Outro Music by Devin Smith: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UdQjNXnACFE2VpkEoP8v2?si=pDx5jsgtRFOtwrpMOKOkuQ
Ava Winslow knows exactly where most urgent cares are bleeding revenue, and it starts at the front desk.As the founding account executive on Flip’s healthcare vertical, Ava brings a sharp perspective on how conversational voice AI is transforming phone interactions into a competitive advantage for clinics. With a background that spans hospitality, enterprise SaaS, and now healthcare technology, she’s helping providers rethink what patient communication can and should look like.In this episode, Ava joins Michael and Hannah in-studio for a conversation packed with insight, data, and a little bit of sass. Flip launched its healthcare solution just last year, and it’s already answering calls for hundreds of clinics, integrating with platforms like Experity, and driving real results—like reducing missed call rates by nearly 50% in just a week.From missed calls and visit conversions to outbound engagement and integration deep dives, this episode offers a front-row seat to what the future of front desk support really looks like—and how urgent cares can start benefiting from it right now.Whether you’re dealing with staffing gaps, scaling pains, or just tired of “press 1 for more frustration,” this one’s for you.🔥 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:📉 Why 40% missed call rates are more common than you think—and how Flip cuts that fast📞 What “listen mode” is and how it builds a smarter, faster patient experience🤖 Why voice AI isn’t about tricking patients, it’s about serving them better (with grace)🔁 How Flip is using outbound calls to rebook canceled visits and recover revenue💬 What patients really think about talking to AI—and why the results might surprise you💡 How voice AI can support everything from labs and refills to RCM and visit reminders🚀 Why partnerships like Flip + Experity are giving clinics an edge in patient communication🔗 Resources & Mentions:Connect with Ava Winslow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ava-winslow-529b94150/Learn more about Flip: https://flipcx.com/Need the replay of our latest webinar? Access the on-demand version: https://webinars.patientcaremarketingpros.com/front-desk-evolution💬 Stay Connected:Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content.Website: https://patientcaremarketingpros.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/patientcaremarketingprosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patient-care-marketing-pros/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9nwkAwIyiVvsLTWGoeRbWAWant to be a guest, recommend someone for the show, or ask a question? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Email us at hello@patientcaremarketingpros.com🎵 Intro/Outro Music by Devin Smith: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UdQjNXnACFE2VpkEoP8v2?si=pDx5jsgtRFOtwrpMOKOkuQ
This week, Nick and Michael take a fiery deep dive into the origin of branding (yes, the cattle kind) and what it reveals about how urgent care clinics build reputation, loyalty, and trust in a crowded market.From cowboys with hot irons to orange juice campaigns that changed breakfast forever, this episode explores how great brands aren’t just seen—they’re felt. Whether you're running one location or scaling across a region, understanding brand equity might be the missing piece to your growth strategy.This isn't theory. It's a real-world look at how branding drives conversions, loyalty, and even ad performance—especially in the urgent care space, where most clinics still lead with a red sign and hope.So saddle up! Because your brand might be the only thing that makes a patient choose your cow over the one across the street.🔥 In This Episode, You’ll Hear:🐄 Why branding started with a hot iron and a cow🧠 How emotions—not logos—drive patient decisions🥤 What orange juice and urgent care have in common🚪 Why a mediocre brand makes even great care forgettable📈 How better branding lowers your cost per acquisition🏥 What fast food and urgent care chains get right (and wrong) about consistency💬 Stay Connected:Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content.Website: https://patientcaremarketingpros.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patientcaremarketingprosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patient-care-marketing-pros/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9nwkAwIyiVvsLTWGoeRbWAWant to be a guest, recommend someone for the show, or ask a question? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Email us at hello@patientcaremarketingpros.com🎵 Intro/Outro Music by Devin Smith: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UdQjNXnACFE2VpkEoP8v2?si=pDx5jsgtRFOtwrpMOKOkuQ
Alan Ayers has helped shape urgent care as we know it, and he’s still helping operators across the country start, grow, and improve their clinics with smarter strategy and fewer missteps.With nearly 20 years in the space, Alan has done it all: CEO, COO, consultant, dealmaker, and senior editor at The Journal of Urgent Care Medicine. He has also served on the board of the national Urgent Care Association and launched or advised on more urgent care centers than most people can count as the president of Urgent Care Consultants.In this episode, he joins Nick and Michael to break down what separates thriving urgent cares from the ones that quietly fade out. From picking the right real estate to navigating contracts, marketing, and operations, this conversation is packed with insight for any physician, owner, or investor looking to get urgent care right the first time.They dig into everything from location selection and naming strategy to digital presence, launch marketing, and how to avoid the common traps that sink new clinics before they ever get going.Whether you’re opening your first center or reevaluating how to grow smarter, this episode is a must-listen. Alan’s perspective is grounded, practical, and hard-earned, and he’s not afraid to call out what’s working and what’s not in today’s market.🔥 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:📍 Why location is still the number one success factor and how to find your “A” spot using real data💸 How low rent can become a high-cost mistake and what landlords don’t tell you📊 What to look for in a startup budget and how much to spend on a grand opening campaign🧠 Why your urgent care name and digital setup matter more than you think (especially on Google)🚀 What makes a clinic launch fail and how the best urgent cares scale with intention🗺️ How patient expectations like speed, service, and convenience should shape your operations🏥 Why good front desk service matters just as much as great clinical care🔗 Resources & Mentions:Urgent Care Consultants: https://www.urgentcareconsultants.comAlan’s Industry Resource Hub: https://www.alanayersurgentcare.comConnect with Alan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanayers/Summer Surge On-Demand Experity Webinar:https://www.experityhealth.com/webinars/drive-patient-visits-with-marketing-and-outreach/?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=li-lead-gen-form&utm_campaign=sumsurgeweb&utm_term=PE&utm_content=link💬 Stay Connected:Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content.Website: https://patientcaremarketingpros.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/patientcaremarketingprosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patient-care-marketing-pros/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9nwkAwIyiVvsLTWGoeRbWAWant to be a guest, recommend someone for the show, or ask a question? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Email us at hello@patientcaremarketingpros.com🎵 Intro/Outro Music by Devin Smith: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UdQjNXnACFE2VpkEoP8v2?si=pDx5jsgtRFOtwrpMOKOkuQ
Ira Pasternack has been in urgent care marketing since before LinkedIn existed, and today, he’s helping clinics rethink growth by leaning into a service line that most still overlook: occupational medicine.As the founder of WebForDoctors and a long-time leader in urgent care strategy, Ira has spent over two decades helping practices grow volume, build smarter websites, and scale services like Occ Med that can stabilize revenue and drive new business, even in the summer slump. In this episode, he joins Nick and Michael to unpack why Occ Med is not just a side hustle. It’s a legitimate B2B growth engine when done right.Together, they get into the practical and often misunderstood realities of launching or scaling Occ Med inside an urgent care setting. That includes what clinics get wrong, why marketing it takes a completely different approach than urgent care, and how to think about employer relationships the right way.🔥 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:💼 Why Occ Med is a B2B strategy and how it helps balance seasonality in urgent care📉 How the “summer slump” creates the perfect window to launch or level up your Occ Med program🏗️ What employers are really looking for in an Occ Med partner and how to win their trust📊 Why Occ Med revenue can vary wildly from 10% to 85% depending on location, promotion, and process🔁 How to approach outreach with LinkedIn, email, phone, and real follow-up systems🤝 Why content creation, consistency, and nurturing matter more than a one-time campaign🛠️ What to expect from a free consultation and the flexible support options Ira’s team offers🔗 Resources & Mentions:Book a Free Occ Med Consultation with Ira: https://patientcaremarketingpros.com/pasternack-marketing/Learn more about NAOHP (National Association of Occupational Health Professionals): https://naohp.com/WebForDoctors: https://www.webfordoctors.com/Connect with Ira on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irapasternack/Whether you’re just curious or ready to expand your Occ Med strategy, this episode breaks down what’s possible, what it takes, and how to get started.💬 Stay Connected:Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content.Website: https://patientcaremarketingpros.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/patientcaremarketingprosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patient-care-marketing-pros/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9nwkAwIyiVvsLTWGoeRbWAWant to be a guest, recommend someone for the show, or ask a question? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Email us at hello@patientcaremarketingpros.com🎵 Intro/Outro Music by Devin Smith: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UdQjNXnACFE2VpkEoP8v2?si=pDx5jsgtRFOtwrpMOKOkuQ
We're switching gears this week! No guests, no webinars, just Nick and Michael reflecting on what it means to lead well when things slow down.After a packed few months of interviews, webinars, and travel, the guys are stepping back to share personal stories from their own summer reset, including an 8-day, 3,000-mile camping trip to Maine, a deep dive into instrument flight training, and a very real conversation about burnout, balance, and what the “slow season” actually means for urgent care leaders.This episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t always happen in the grind. Sometimes, it's in the margin. And whether you're flying, driving, or just staying home, taking a break might be the best thing you do for your team, and yourself, this summer.🔥 In This Episode, You’ll Hear:🌲 What 3,000 miles of camping teaches you about leadership🛩️ Why instrument training isn’t just about flying—but mindset📉 How urgent care owners can use the summer slump to reset💡 Tips for identifying gaps in your team when you’re away👨👩👧 Why presence, not productivity, might be your best ROI right now💬 Stay Connected:Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content.Website: https://patientcaremarketingpros.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patientcaremarketingprosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patient-care-marketing-pros/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9nwkAwIyiVvsLTWGoeRbWAWant to be a guest, recommend someone for the show, or ask a question? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Email us at hello@patientcaremarketingpros.com🎵 Intro/Outro Music by Devin Smith: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UdQjNXnACFE2VpkEoP8v2?si=pDx5jsgtRFOtwrpMOKOkuQ
🎙️ The Advocacy Podcast is officially launched! Expect policy updates, expert guests, grassroots strategy, and why advocacy doesn’t have to be boring. Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2460989/episodes/17307710This week on Walk-Ins Welcome, we’re joined by Kristin Rastatter, Advocacy Manager at the Urgent Care Association (UCA)—and someone who’s turning policy conversations into powerful momentum for urgent care clinics across the country.Kristin’s journey into advocacy began with her work at Meals on Wheels, where she discovered a deep passion for helping underserved communities. At UCA, she’s taken that energy to the national stage—collaborating with the Association’s lobbyist, McDermott+, and leading conversations with CMS and lawmakers to fight for better reimbursement, reduce emergency department overutilization, and advocate for policy change that benefits urgent care centers.And now, she’s bringing that same mission to the mic—Kristin is launching The Advocacy Podcast, a new show dedicated to unpacking policy updates, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from Capitol Hill, and showing how advocacy can be both impactful and fun. Expect expert guests, grassroots insights, and practical ways you can get involved—whether you're an owner, provider, or team member.🔥 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:🏛️ Why UCA is pushing for a new CMS place-of-service code and G-code for enhanced urgent care centers📈 How CMS and commercial payers are being engaged to address stagnant reimbursement rates🤝 What urgent care owners can do today to contribute to advocacy efforts📬 How personal stories and real clinic data are moving federal conversations forward🎙️ What to expect from The Advocacy Podcast🔗 Resources & Mentions:Connect with Kristin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-rastatter-b862b1255/Learn more about UCA’s Advocacy Work: https://urgentcareassociation.org/uc-advocacy/💬 Stay Connected:Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content.Website: https://patientcaremarketingpros.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patientcaremarketingprosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patient-care-marketing-pros/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9nwkAwIyiVvsLTWGoeRbWAWant to be a guest, recommend someone for the show, or ask a question? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Email us at hello@patientcaremarketingpros.com🎵 Intro/Outro Music by Devin Smith: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UdQjNXnACFE2VpkEoP8v2?si=pDx5jsgtRFOtwrpMOKOkuQ
With summer in full swing and lots of folks (ourselves included) taking some time for vacations and travel, we’re mixing things up this week with a special rewind episode.We’re bringing back one of our all-time favorites from last year—a powerful conversation with Lyn Askin from EOS Worldwide. Lyn shares how a life-threatening health scare pushed him to rethink everything about how he ran his business—and how implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) completely transformed it.We’re talking 3x revenue growth, 7x profit, and building a company that could run without him. If you’re feeling stuck in the day-to-day or wondering what it takes to scale sustainably, this episode is a must-listen.Let’s dive into this encore—enjoy the replay!💬 Stay Connected:Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content.Website: https://patientcaremarketingpros.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patientcaremarketingprosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patient-care-marketing-pros/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9nwkAwIyiVvsLTWGoeRbWAWant to be a guest, recommend someone for the show, or ask a question? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Email us at hello@patientcaremarketingpros.com🎵 Intro/Outro Music by Devin Smith: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UdQjNXnACFE2VpkEoP8v2?si=pDx5jsgtRFOtwrpMOKOkuQ
This week, we're sharing something special: Michael’s full talk from the 2025 Urgent Care Association (UCA) Conference in Dallas. Titled The Front Desk Evolution, this session was standing-room-only and sparked conversations that continued long after the conference ended.In this high-impact presentation, Michael makes the case that the front desk is not just a cost center—it’s your clinic’s most underutilized sales team. From phone scripts to objection handling and AI-enhanced booking tools, this session is loaded with actionable strategies you can take back to your clinic immediately.If you're ready to stop leaving thousands of dollars in missed appointments on the table, this is the episode for you.🔥 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:📞 Why missed calls = missed revenue—and how to fix it📊 What happens when you reframe your front desk as a conversion point, not a cost center💬 How better scripts, faster answers, and proactive follow-ups drive patient bookings🤖 How AI tools can support your front desk staff and save hundreds of hours💡 Real-world examples, call scripting tips, and a toolkit to take back to your team🏥 Why front desk training may be your highest-ROI move in 2025🔗 Resources & Mentions:📗 Access the Front Desk Evolution Resources – Call Scripts, Slides, etc.📅 Register for the Front Desk Evolution Webinar – June 26th at 12 PM EST💬 Stay Connected:Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content.Website: https://patientcaremarketingpros.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patientcaremarketingprosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patient-care-marketing-pros/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9nwkAwIyiVvsLTWGoeRbWAWant to be a guest, recommend someone for the show, or ask a question? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Email us at hello@patientcaremarketingpros.com🎵 Intro/Outro Music by Devin Smith: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UdQjNXnACFE2VpkEoP8v2?si=pDx5jsgtRFOtwrpMOKOkuQ
Michael is back after a whirlwind week at the 2025 Urgent Care Association (UCA) Conference in Dallas—and he's recapping the entire event with Nick. From standing-room-only sessions to surprise podcast shoutouts, this episode is a full debrief of everything that went down.Michael shares the behind-the-scenes of his packed talk, Front Desk Evolution, which sparked a lot of head-nodding and follow-up conversations. Turns out, many clinics still treat the front desk as an afterthought—and it’s costing them thousands in lost patient opportunities.This one is part conference recap, part culture commentary (yes, Uber stories included), and all about what healthcare leaders should be paying attention to if they want to grow their clinics in 2025 and beyond.🔥 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:📈 Why answering the phone is still the biggest patient volume unlock🪑 What happens when your front desk staff becomes your sales team🎙️ How the Walk-Ins Welcome podcast made waves in Dallas📊 Real-time feedback from urgent care leaders and what it confirms about front desk operations🏨 Vegas vs. Dallas: Which UCA venue delivered the best experience🎡 Behind the scenes at Meow Wolf Dallas (and how it compared to Vegas)🚘 Uber roulette and the wild ride of business travel🔗 Resources & Mentions🩺 urgentcareassociation.org🎤 Catch us next year: UCA 2026 in Chicago!💬 Stay ConnectedFollow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content.Website: https://patientcaremarketingpros.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patientcaremarketingprosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patient-care-marketing-pros/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9nwkAwIyiVvsLTWGoeRbWAWant to be a guest, recommend someone for the show, or ask a question? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Email us at hello@patientcaremarketingpros.com🎵 Intro/Outro Music by Devin Smith: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UdQjNXnACFE2VpkEoP8v2?si=pDx5jsgtRFOtwrpMOKOkuQ
Today’s episode is a deep dive into real-world urgent care marketing—and what it actually takes to grow and scale a multi-location clinic. Nick and Michael are joined by Chryssa Rich, Director of Marketing at Primary Health Medical Group, a physician-owned, 24-location urgent care brand based in Idaho. With 12 years of experience leading marketing at Primary Health—and a career that spans finance, real estate, automotive, and entertainment—Chryssa brings a seasoned operator’s perspective to the mic. You’ll hear what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what most clinics are still getting wrong when it comes to measuring ROI, driving repeat visits, and building long-term brand trust in their communities. From billboards to direct mail to an in-house built real-time patient waiting widget, Chryssa shares how Primary Health mixes old-school and new-school tactics to keep waiting rooms full and patients coming back. This episode is packed with marketing takeaways for urgent care clinic owners, directors, and anyone juggling strategy with daily operations—and it’s a must-listen for any startup clinic trying to scale without wasting money on the wrong moves.🔥 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:📈 How Primary Health measures marketing ROI across 24 clinics📍 Why location signage does matter—but only to a point📬 Why direct mail still works (and how they track it to patient visits)📲 How their new Patient Waiting Widget boosts the patient experience🎯 Why repeat visits happen in the first 90 days—or not at all💡 The difference between urgent care, primary care, and pediatric marketing🧠 Why most urgent care clinics underutilize their front desk for marketing🛠️ Resources & Contact Info👩💼 Connect with Chryssa Rich (Primary Health Medical Group):🔗 Chryssa’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chryssa-rich/🏥 Primary Health Medical Group - https://www.primaryhealth.com/💬 Stay ConnectedFollow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content.Website: https://patientcaremarketingpros.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patientcaremarketingprosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patient-care-marketing-pros/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9nwkAwIyiVvsLTWGoeRbWAWant to be a guest, recommend someone for the show, or ask a question? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Email us at hello@patientcaremarketingpros.com🎵 Intro/Outro Music by Devin Smith: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UdQjNXnACFE2VpkEoP8v2?si=pDx5jsgtRFOtwrpMOKOkuQ