There is an interesting trend that I'm observing and don't necessarily see how this is going to turn out. I'm seeing more and more nurse practitioner's opening their own autonomous practices. Many of these offices set out to offer care that is personalized, covered under insurance, and of course high-quality. I'm also seeing more NP specialty/sub-specialty practices such as house calls, incontinence, and women's health.
This is in a time when more physician practices are joining together in these conglomerations that aren't necessarily tied to hospitals. You'd be hard pressed to find a solo primary care physician these days yet nurse practitioner solo practices are popping up. The talk about the formation of accountable care organizations can be attributed to health care reform and the spurring of large multi-physician practices.
What to make of this? I honestly don't know. Many people and patients have said to me "you should start your own practice." Right now, that is not something that sounds very appealing to me. In my mind, I know how I would envision my own practice, patient flow, focus, etc. However, I hear the insurance company barriers, the paperwork hassles, the initial start-up costs, finding a new collaborating physician and see solo physician colleagues joining large practices and think that is not what I want to do right now.
What are your thoughts? Will you be starting your own practice? If you are a patient, would you go to an NP practice? For those NPs interested in starting your own NP practice, I highly encourage you to check out fellow blogger and NP practice owner, Barbara Phillips' website at http://www.nursepractitionerbusinessowner.com/. She offers tips and networking opportunities to give you the best chances for success.
Comments
First Md's are not going into primary care when they can specialize and double their money, thus creating a shortage of small primary clinics. Second is the big business of health care, and everybody has opinions on that.
A private practice is intriguing to me and maybe in conjunction with some other practitioners, and they don't have to be NP's.
I remember an article about Belgium or Holland and how they still have the family doctors on just about every block. Sometimes their business and homes were in the same big old house or building.
Maybe it was too idealistic that your patients were also your neighbors, but it sounded appealing and what I remember as a kid.
They also said these practices were good filters for the Emergency departments and hospitals.
Here at 8pm a child with an earache is taken to the ED, but there your primary care neighbor can get you a script for ear drops and not tie up the hospital staff.
Is this the past or future of American medicine?
we can prescribe independently, but no practicing as such. Also, that being said, going solo, hmm.
I like the benefits of pension, health insurance and boko vacation time.
huh. well. there ya ago.
I am hearing from more and more NPs going into to business for themselves. One reasons I hear is that NPs want to practice as NPs - in their own way, where they focus on the whole of the patient.
For those that are interested, they will get access to lots of info at our blog or by following our facebook page. (NPBO is a private page, but all are free to sign up for our ezine).
Barbara C. Phillips, NP
Blog: www.NPBusiness.ORG
FB: www.Facebook.com/NursePractitionerBusiness
I have recently taken on a new grad to be part of my practice. She is scared to death but fun to teach her the ropes and reassure her that she is doing the right thing.
In Washington State 30% of primary care is being done by NPs. Do you have independent practice in NY State? Makes all the difference.
for those of you already in private practice or thinking of going into private practice I encourage you to go
http://www.facebook.com/pages/ANPPO-Association-of-Nurse-Practitioner-Practice-Owners/156528689557
we are trying to get a national group going.
also, email me at teribunker@bridgecitymedical.com
www.brigecitymedical.com
thanks
Teri Bunker
I am the co-owner of Cornerstone Medical Recruiting, based in St. Louis, Missouri. Cornerstone Medical Recruiting works nationwide, and specializes exclusively in the permanent placement of Nurse Practitioners,Physician Assistants, and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists.
Feel free to check out our website at www.cmrmedcareers.com
Kim
Kim
I really don't think there is a magic number of years before starting out on your own. As long as you have strong clinical skills and adequate resources of referral/collaboration, I would imagine that you are ready!
Check out Barbara Phillips website, http://www.nursepractitionerbusinessowner.com/ for great tips and advice for starting a practice.
Good luck!
Stephen
"Second time around"
I have been a NP for twenty years and a Nurse for thirty, in 2005 I started my own practice in New York called the "Sisters Upper Room" it focused on Women's Health. I learned as much or more then I would have if I had went to school for an MBA. I invested all my money and time. It didn't last long and I had to return to a 9-5.
Seven years have passed and I have the opportunity again, this time I'll practice smarter and go slower , however the passion and zeal to create my own practice is still there.
I have an established base of clients who are active participants in their healthcare and are looking for a perfect fit of western and complimentary medicine.
Sincerely,
Cara Cipriano, Licensed Massage Therapist
Don't call it the Sister's Upper Room.... sounds like a lot of things, but a clinic is not one of them....would make your marketing harder...sisters clinic....sisters primary care...