A Clinic Reaches Maturity

In some ways, we celebrated our first birthday on March 1st. It was our day of incorporation, the day I started paying rent and they day I was totally committed. We didn’t see our first patient until June 1st, however. That date will be another milestone.

It was an interesting day. I had a meal with my old SPs. Hadn’t seen them since I left. We seem to be on good terms. They talked to me about the possibility of rejoining them with my new business. I can’t see it happening while I’m in debt. They also described how Group Health insurance had called them last year (as we were trying to contract with them) and wanted to know about me. Group Health expressed great fear about doing business with a PA. Finally I have the smoking gun, the proof that the reason they refused to do business with me is because I’m a PA.

For the foreseeable future, we have a full schedule. We have a building “accounts receivable” meaning the money owed us. This week should see the valves opening and the money flowing once again.

I see no major crises in the near future, however, a crises is never more than a certified letter or a phone call away.

I’m poised to start paying off debt. I will start with corporate credit cards, then start repaying me for my personal loan to the company.  I dream of a day when I would be debt free.

I’ve also noticed a new, better tribe of patients coming through my doors. I think it is because they have to wait longer to get in, and they have to come from a greater distance . . . they are therefore more motivated to get better. There is nothing I dislike more than patients who have no desire to get better but use every visit to argue with you.  I’ve had a week of wonderful patients, smart people who want so much to get better and whom I’m quite confident I can help.