Because we here at Mosaic have been fortunate enough to work with very thriving practices, we often find ourselves in the position of suggesting to the doctor it might be time to start looking for an associate. Because so many of our clients really wait too long to start looking, here are a few tips that might help.
1) Waiting until you’re producing enough to pay both you and an associate really is often waiting too long. If you’re out more than six weeks before you can find a new patient appointment, you’ve reached the point where you need help…..badly. I generally start bringing up the subject when the new patient appointment is four weeks out, because I already know I’ll have a long discussion on my hands. You’re losing patients who could be seen by an associate because, no matter how good a reputation you have, no one will wait that long any more. Even our specialists are finding this happening. Patients will accept the appointment then mysteriously cancel or no show. Your front desk isn’t doing anything wrong, you just need another doctor in the practice.
2) You may not always find the perfect fit on the first try. While every doctor goes through as rigorous a process as he/she can to find that perfect associate, it just doesn’t always happen. No one will agree to a six month trial period before getting a contract, but that tends to be how long it takes for issues to start to show. I’ve seen really nice, reasonable doctors go through a couple of associates before they find that perfect fit….and that can be rough in the practice, but even rougher on the doctor who has to temporarily figure out how to work a schedule designed for two providers.
3) You may be exactly ready to hire at exactly the wrong time. Finding an associate is as much about timing as it is readiness. If you decide you’ve reached your breaking point just after all the dental/specialty schools have graduated, you’ll have your choice of those who no one else wanted, or those who couldn’t fit well into another practice. Don’t those sound like great choices?
4) The final thing to remember is that while you’re out slaving away for your family, they won’t appreciate it anywhere near as much if they never get to see you. You need time to sit and visit with your spouse and play with the kids……otherwise, what’s it all for? Lots of money with no connection to your family is not something anyone wants.