Digest

Brian Urban, founder of Counselor Brian, joins the show to discuss his journey into audiology and the challenges he faced growing his private practice. He emphasizes the importance of seeking help and letting go of tasks that aren't your core expertise. Brian also highlights the importance of patient retention and the use of technology like marketing automation and online scheduling to enhance patient experience. He shares insights on how Counselor Brian helps audiology practice owners with insurance billing, marketing automation, and staff recruitment and retention. Brian also discusses the growing trend of third-party payers and the need for practice owners to track their outreach efforts. He emphasizes the importance of having systems in place to track data and make informed decisions about the business. Brian believes there is still an opportunity for audiologists to start their own private practices, but they need to have a unique value proposition and be willing to embrace new technologies and services. He encourages audiologists to consider incorporating balance testing into their practices as a way to attract new patients and generate revenue. Brian concludes by sharing his contact information and inviting listeners to connect with him on LinkedIn.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the podcast, Audiology Mastery, and its host, Kevin St. Clergy. Brian Urban, founder of Counselor Brian, is introduced as the guest for this episode.

00:00:10

Brian's Journey into Audiology

This Chapter explores Brian's journey into audiology. He shares how his sister, a speech pathologist, inspired him to pursue a career in audiology. Brian describes his initial observation experience in an audiology program and how he realized it was a perfect fit for him. He emphasizes the balance of patient contact, science, and business aspects that attracted him to the field.

00:00:38

Challenges of Growing a Private Practice

This Chapter delves into Brian's experiences in growing his private practice. He discusses the initial challenges he faced, including building insurance, finding the right people to answer questions, and learning to delegate tasks. Brian shares a personal anecdote about the costly mistake of trying to handle his own bookkeeping and the importance of letting go and trusting experts. He also discusses the current challenges of growing an audiology practice, including staffing issues, patient retention, and the need for more touch points with patients.

00:12:12

Staying Updated on Technology Advancements

This Chapter focuses on the importance of staying updated on the latest trends and technology in audiology. Brian emphasizes the need for continuous learning and exploration of new technologies to improve patient outcomes. He shares his experience in his private practice and how Counselor Brian can help audiology practice owners stay ahead of the curve.

00:13:52

Marketing Automation in Audiology

This Chapter explores the role of marketing automation in modern audiology practice. Brian discusses the benefits of marketing automation, including reducing workload, anticipating patient needs, and providing personalized touch points. He highlights the importance of using marketing automation to build relationships with patients and provide them with timely information about their care. Brian also discusses the use of email marketing automation, snail mail, and patient reviews as effective marketing tactics.

00:21:53

Building a Professional Network

This Chapter focuses on the importance of building a strong professional network in audiology. Brian emphasizes the value of joining state organizations to stay informed about industry changes and connect with other professionals. He also discusses the benefits and drawbacks of using social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn for networking. Brian advises audiologists to be cautious about blindly adopting strategies that work for other practices and to consider their own unique circumstances.

00:25:35

Counselor Brian's Services

This Chapter highlights the services offered by Counselor Brian to help audiology practice owners. Brian discusses the key benefits of using Counselor Brian, including insurance billing, marketing automation, and staff recruitment and retention. He also shares insights into the company's ongoing development process and future enhancements, such as direct ordering with manufacturers, EHR integration, and a more robust patient portal.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were some of the biggest challenges Brian faced when growing his private practice?

  Brian faced challenges like building insurance, finding the right people to answer questions, and learning to delegate tasks. He also learned the hard way that trying to handle everything himself, like bookkeeping, can be costly and time-consuming.

• What are some of the current challenges facing audiology practice owners?

  Current challenges include staffing issues, patient retention, and the need for more touch points with patients. Brian also emphasizes the importance of staying updated on technology advancements and incorporating them into practice for better patient outcomes.

• How can marketing automation help audiology practice owners?

  Marketing automation can help reduce workload, anticipate patient needs, and provide personalized touch points. It can also help build relationships with patients and provide them with timely information about their care.

• What advice does Brian have for audiologists looking to build a professional network?

  Brian recommends joining state organizations to stay informed about industry changes and connect with other professionals. He also suggests using social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn for networking, but advises caution about blindly adopting strategies that work for other practices.

• What are some of the key benefits of using Counselor Brian?

  Counselor Brian offers benefits like insurance billing, marketing automation, patient portal, and staff recruitment and retention. The company is constantly developing new features and enhancements to meet the evolving needs of audiology practice owners.

• What are some of the concerns that audiology practice owners are expressing about third-party payers?

  Audiology practice owners are concerned about the increasing influence of third-party payers and the impact on their revenue. They are also looking for ways to track their performance and ensure they are properly compensated for their services.

• What advice does Brian have for audiologists who are considering starting their own private practice?

  Brian believes there is still an opportunity for audiologists to start their own practices, but they need to have a unique value proposition and be willing to embrace new technologies and services. He also encourages them to consider incorporating balance testing into their practices as a way to attract new patients and generate revenue.

• How does Counselor Brian help audiology practice owners with staff recruitment and retention?

  Counselor Brian helps by providing tools and resources for managing staff, such as ticket tracking systems and communication platforms. The company also emphasizes the importance of creating a positive work environment and providing competitive compensation and benefits.

• What are some of the future enhancements that Counselor Brian is working on?

  Counselor Brian is working on direct ordering with manufacturers, EHR integration, and a more robust patient portal. The company is also exploring ways to help audiology practice owners generate recurring revenue through service plans and in-house financing.

• What is Brian's perspective on the future of audiology practice ownership?

  Brian believes that audiology practice ownership will continue to evolve, with a greater emphasis on technology, patient experience, and recurring revenue. He encourages audiologists to embrace change and adapt to the evolving landscape of the healthcare industry.

Show Notes