How To Make A Healthcare Website ADA Compliant
The ADA is one of America's most comprehensive pieces of civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in the mainstream of American life -- to enjoy employment opportunities, to purchase goods and services, and to participate in State and local government programs and services. In this episode we discuss how to ensure your website is ADA compliant.
is your website ada compliant?
How do you make sure your website is ADA compliant? That is a huge question with multiple answers and hazy guidelines. In this episode I (Stacey), unpack the topic with attorney Rachel Schumont of Counsel For Wellness, located in California.
I was recently strolling thru Facebookland looking to see if there was anything interesting and topic worthy to dig into with the podcast when I saw that one of the Facebook Aculanders was being sued for ADA non-compliance on his website. He is a solo practitioner. Not a large corporation. It lit the acu-twitterland on FIRE! There were SO many offers of information and help, but no one really had any definitive answers or solid solutions other than to hire an attorney. I genuinely think everyone wanted to help him but let’s be real, we really don’t want THAT to happen to us either!
I have been working with Rachel on a series of podcasts to present this Spring about all things legal in an Acupuncture practice. Luckily for us, she was willing to do some digging and able to offer up some education for this podcast.
Buckle up! This one is not rainbows and Unicorns.
today’s guest
RACHEL SCHUMONT, ATTORNEY, OWNER AT COUNSEL FOR WELLNESS
My name is Rachel and I am an attorney that specializes in legal issues that affect your business.
I began my legal career as a litigation attorney in Northeast Florida but after years of working in a courtroom I felt drawn to another passion and chose to spend a few years teaching vinyasa yoga in Southern California. While teaching, I quickly learned how little yoga teachers understood about their businesses and worked to educate yoga teachers on the nuances of their businesses and help them identify areas where they could limit their liability. From there my business grew and expanded to include other areas of health and wellness. Through my practice, Counsel for Wellness, I work with acupuncturists, dietitians, movement and fitness instructors, health coaches, and others in the wellness field to establish business entities, review and negotiate contracts, get solid legal documents in place, and address any other legal issues that arise along the way.
My experience has been that many business owners put off getting their legal affairs in order because they believe it to be overwhelming or time-consuming. With Counsel for Wellness my goal is to make your legal issues accessible so that you can focus on growing your business and caring for your people.
FIND HER HERE:
INSTAGRAM @COUNSELWELLNESS
COUNSEL FOR WELLNESS WEBSITE
you’ll learn
The ADA is one of America's most comprehensive pieces of civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in the mainstream of American life -- to enjoy employment opportunities, to purchase goods and services, and to participate in State and local government programs and services. (www.ada.gov)
Healthcare providers, even solo practices can be sued for ADA non-compliance. (Yes, you too.)
The best way to ensure your site is compliant is to hire an expert to do an audit.
Your best practice is to align with WCAG. You can take a look at the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) here. Then, when you can’t understand what the F*** they are talking about, go ahead and hire that expert.
It is uncertain if your malpractice insurance will cover this if you get sued.You need to check with your carrier.
Widgets are good but they are not the firewall you are looking for. (See above. Hire an audit.)
Rachel discusses what happens when you get sued. What can those fines look like and will you have to hire an attorney? (If you are deaf, please reach out to me and I will send you a transcript of the show.) For all of the hearing folks, you are going to have to listen to find out the potential fines.
resources
call to action
If you appreciate this podcast, please leave a review on apple podcasts. Don’t do it for me. Do it so other Acu’s can also access this info!
Growing A New Acupuncture Practice
While I cannot crawl through the curious mind of my next guest, I can see how she hiked through the natural world of her own inner landscape to gain a clear expression of what her practice of Chinese Medicine would become.
plant seed, grow practice, be you.
Have you thought about how you want to present this medicine to the world? I mean, YOU are the artist of your own life, right? Do you even know the medium of your best communications? Do you write, perform, sink your toes in the mud, ask challenging questions that other people would never utter, or do you sing, do yoga, meditate, or cook? What is the best expression of you that isn’t actually you?
While I cannot crawl through the curious mind of my next guest, I can see how she hiked through the natural world of her own inner landscape to gain a clear expression of what her practice of Chinese Medicine would become. You definitely want to check it out. Her website truly is just an extension of her personality and her newsletters are full of hidden puzzles where curiosity is rewarded with amazing little adventures. Seriously, if you want an example of a newsletter done fun, go sign up! Listen in and enjoy the journey!
today’s guest
REGAN GOODRICH MSAOM, LAC., LMT., OWNDER OF SEED ACUPUNCTURE, PORTLAND OR.
Hello! My name is Regan Goodrich. I'm an acupuncturist and massage therapist by trade and a true believer in the human spirit. My hope is to inspire active participation in daily existence, to shift the mundane to something sacred. One million stars had to explode in the exact order in which they did for us to be here and that means you were made for this.
Seed was born from the idea that you already have everything you need to be your own hero. Imagine a giant sequoia tree swaying in the breeze. It all started as a tiny seed, finally taking root under optimal conditions to become its true, majestic form. My mission is to create an experience where you can explore and occupy your body in order to nurture your own unique seed, helping you to root down + sprout into your authenticity, health and well-being. This medicine is slow, steady and celebrates the cycles of life; expansion + contraction.
I use a wide variety of modalities including acupuncture, electro acupuncture, bodywork, herbs, food choices, and movement suggestion to nudge your qi into a dynamic balance. I'm excited to meet you and can't wait to see where our journey will take us.
FIND HER HERE:
you’ll learn
Why Regan left a contractor position to work for herself.
Regan explains her patient flow and what she likes about it.
Let’s talk expansion at year 3. From 3 comes the 10,000 things.
It is SO important to have someone hold your balloon strings while you get going. Having support is key.
Look for the opportunities and the extensions of help offered along the way.
Starting with a completely blank slate after school? Maybe go to work for someone and learn the business.
Hang in there, this is a long game!
resources
TOOLS OF REGAN’S TRADE
Applied Channel Theory (book) *
CM&F (malpractice insurance)
Llasa Oms (supplies)
Golden Cabinet in Portland (Herbs)
Evergreen Herbs (Chen Family)
*"This is an affiliate link and I earn from qualifying purchases. It does not cost you anything to use the link, this is just how I am able to support this podcast and continue to create helpful content.
call to action
Have you listened to the Mindset Monday episode on creating a “Mission Statement?” Do it!
How To Start An Acupuncture Practice II
In this episode I continue to outline the systems you need to have in order to launch your practice including and EHR, malpractice insurance, a domain name, and how to set up your books and find an accountant.
five pain in the ass things you have to do second
This podcast is for the new practitioner, student or someone transitioning from contractor to business owner. In this episode I dish up your second serving of , “open a clinic pie”. Yep! A spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down! There is absolutely NO WAY you can avoid this dish. This acupuncture practice stuff requires a special balance. Here we are working on Yin within Yang. This episode is all about the things within the business that make it turn.
you’ll learn
I launch with special thanks to my support team and all of the 2020 podcast celebrities on my show.
Here is the link for the Qiological podcast. You are going to love it!
Coming up in 2021 we are going to start with a series with Rachel Schumont of Counsel For Wellness. Knowing what legal matters you should and shouldn’t concern yourself with is key. We often esteem ourselves with our abilities to come to a quick and accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. You need to be the same with your business. Know your legal boundaries and how to keep them accurate as well. It could save you a fortune.
The one and only Sharon Weizenbaum will be here soon with a special announcement of whats cooking at the White Pine Institute. Here’s a hint: There is something for everyone.
Watch for a membership thru AcuSprout this year. This will be a great opportunity for you to go deeper into topics where you need a little more information and attention. Things to look forward to: Webinars, Q and A office hours, and a community forum where we can all communicate.
Here are the next 5 things to do: BUT WAIT! If you haven’t listened to episode 013 do that first. There is a method to the order. It will be easier for you!
1.) Get Malpractice Insurance
2.) Choose an EHR
Or you can be old fashioned and use paper. Just be sure to understand the HIPAA regulations regarding the safekeeping of those files.
Check out GoogleWorkspace. (*Affiliate Link) You are going to need a HIPAA compliant email address anyway. Keeping records here may be a good way to start if you can figure out how to sign the documents.
3.) Set up your Books (options)
Hire a bookkeeper to keep your books OR hire a bookkeeper to set them up and teach you how to do the things.
In episode 012, Travis Kearn suggests you learn how to set your books up with Hector Garcia CPA on youtube to learn the ropes. I agree.
I mention GoDaddy but have since changed my mind. You should just start out with QuickBooks .
4.) Hire an Accountant
Ask other Acupuncturists who are similar to you who they use. A word of mouth referral is going to yield the best possible outcome.
Go for a consultation. Is their office organized? Are they timely? Good Shen? (LOL)
If you are confused at all, walk away. They should be able to explain everything clearly and have a nice little “to do” schedule for you.
5.) Pick a Domain Name
I like Hover. Whatever you do, don’t use the same company for your domain name and domain host.
You might consider using,”Acu” instead of “Acupuncture”.
call to action
If you appreciate the podcast and information, please leave a review on your podcast host or ApplePodcasts. It really helps spread the work.
* Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This is currently how this show is being supported. If you purchase through an affiliate link there is no additional cost to you and often there is actually a discount. I may receive a small commission from the sale. Because I truly care about my community I provide only links from companies that I also support or believe to be great support to your growth.
How To Start An Acupuncture Practice
In this episode I discuss the first five business things you have to do to launch your practice. We start with registering your business, setting up banking, get your EIN and establish credit.
five pain in the ass things you have to do first
This podcast is ONLY for the new practitioner, student, or seasoned acupuncturist who may be transitioning to business owner or independent contractor position. In this episode I teach you exactly what steps you need to take as you are finishing up your boards. Most of us can’t wait to get out and start practicing when we graduate, but have no idea that there are a gazillion boxes to tic off before we can even find a snazzy place to call, “Office”. I am going to attempt to put them all in order for you so that you don’t have to muck around in the, “in between space” for very long.
I am going to give you a little heads up. SLOW DOWN! This transition is going to take way more patience than you anticipate. There might be delivery jobs, bartending, Alaskan fishing, massage therapy, or any other job in the “in between space”. Accept it. It kinda sucks and might not be what you had planned on happening. Hang in there! Stay in action and keep jumping through the hoops.
You are basically tilling the soil my AcuSprout friend! Has to be done before you put down those roots!
you’ll learn
I actually start off with a little reminder to check into your state licensing process. My hope is that you do this while you are a student. If it never occurred to you, you need to check NOW! Some states have approval boards that may only meet a couple times a year.
1.) Register your business. LLC? Sole Proprietor? LLP? S Corp? (Independent Contractors and Practice Launchers.)
This is a state thing and your options are many. I suggest you google your state name and “choose a business structure”. THEN you only want to check out the websites that end in .gov. If you need a pretty good explanation and your state is confusing, take a look at Kansas just for basic information.
Do you feel pressured to know what you are going to name your business? Stop it. It doesn’t really matter at this point. The goal here is to jump thru the hoops so you can get to the poking parts.
Use your own name (Just add “Acupuncture LLC” after your name... you can add other business names (DBAs) later if you choose.
2.) Get your Employer Identification Number (EIN)
This is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to business entities operating in the United States for the purposes of identification.
You also need to register for your state tax identification number (for sales tax) if you sell any tangible goods including supplements.
This may have a different name depending on the state.In Texas it’s called a Tax permit. In Missouri it is a sales tax license. In the state of WA we use a UBI. The Unified Business Identifier (UBI) program simplifies Washington's registration and licensing requirements. (So they say…..)
You also want to record what the city sales tax is if you are selling any tangible goods. That way you don’t have to go looking for it when you set up you POS system.
If you are ONLY charging for medical services, most states do not charge sales tax on that BUT if you live in Hawaii, Michigan, New Mexico or Ohio you need to do a deep dive on this, because they have special rules.
Check to see if you need to apply for a city license in the city where you establish your practice.
3.) Open a Business Bank Account
You will need your business license, EIN number, and possibly a minimum deposit of $100.
Ask around on this one. I HATE my bank. The online offerings are clunky and they spam me with ads EVERY time I log on.
While you are at the bank or online with the bank, check into merchant services. You will need this to accept credit cards. Fees vary, shop around before selecting. Beware of hidden contract fees. Ask about cancellation fees.
I use and really like square because I found that not all readers will accept Health Savings Account cards, but I have never had a problem with Square. I also like their reports. Everything is easy to set up and they have a touch-less reader.
4.) Apply for a Business Credit Card
A good start is Costco, but remember to keep your personal and business money separate.
Another good way to establish credit is to purchase and finance your next cell phone thru your LLC.
Remember your business credit is different from your personal. So you have to apply thru your business.
5. Talk to your Banker about a Business Line of Credit
See what you qualify for as this will be critical for a clinic startup.
I am not a huge fan of taking out huge loans, but it is smart to know what you do and do not qualify for. You know, in case the unforseeable happens. Like a worldwide pandemic…..
That’s it! Don’t worry! There will be a follow up with the NEXT 5 pain in the ass things to do, soon!
call to action
Direct Message me on INSTAGRAM. Have questions? I’m happy to help!
From Graduation to Start-Up Of An Herbal Pharmacy
In this episode I chat with Travis Kern Dipl.OM, LAc,. one of the founders of Root and Branch in Portland, Oregon. This is the story of how he and his business partner Travis Cunningham Dipl OM, LAc., braved the system and launched a brick and mortar Herbal Pharmacy that serves practitioners all over the country (US), in filling our patient’s herbal prescriptions.
ready, set, launch!
In this episode I chat with Travis Kern Dipl.OM, LAc,. one of the founders of Root and Branch in Portland, Oregon. This is the story of how he and his business partner Travis Cunningham Dipl OM, LAc., braved the system and launched a brick and mortar Herbal Pharmacy that serves practitioners all over the country (US), in filling our patient’s herbal prescriptions.
today’s guest
TRAVIS KERN LAC. CO-FOUNDER OF ROOT AND BRANCH IN PORTLAND OREGON
Growing up in New Orleans as the son of a dietitian and in a very social household, Travis K. has always had a keen interest in the components of good living, namely food, drink, and community. He trained as a professional chef and had his first career in catering and restaurants. Travis uses his culinary training in the creation of herbal medicines, relying on a deep understanding of how plants and minerals change with heat and manipulation. Now with his training in Chinese medicine, he is able to channel that Southern passion for the good life into the research and design of life-changing medicines for people in need.
FIND HIM HERE:
www.rootandbranchpharmacy.com and if you are in Portland, stop by the shop and say hi. We always love to meet practitioners and talk to them about what we do and how we can help practitioners do what they do better.
QUESTIONS? 971-288-5939 (They are super helpful with herby questions! I call them often.)
Instagram @rootandbranchpdx
you’ll learn
Travis explains the multitude of offerings Root and Branch has and how they can help new practitioners fill scripts for their patients.
The Genesis of Root and Branch is laid out in detail.
Do you know what the three most valuable business principles are? Listen in and find out.
How to win friends and influence the surrounding businesses with community service.
The most valuable way to get new patients is still the friendly BBQ. (Well, maybe not right now….2020.)
Do you know what the MOST important character asset is that will keep your doors open? This is BIG!
Yes, you can become your own bookkeeper, and you probably should! We talk about how.
Travis shares the inside scoop with how the Travis’s were able to open shop, and how they managed that risk.
Lastly you, yes you, ARE ENOUGH! So do the thing!
special offer for acusprouts!
Get $25 in store credit when you set up a new practitioner account at Root and Branch. Here is your special link!(This is an affiliate link. There is no cost to you, but I may earn a small commission. I only affiliate with businesses that I truly believe in.)
resources
Bookkeeping youtube videos Travis watched to learn how to set up the books.
I mention the book I am reading. See the link below.*
call to action
Call someone and tell them you love them. That’s all. Life is too short to not tell people how awesome they are!
*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. There is no cost to you, but I may earn a small commission. This is a great way to show that you appreciate the podcast , time and information,.
Mindset Monday - How To Set Business Goals
This podcast isn’t anything new or special. It is a simple prompt, a nudge and a reminder that in order to achieve great things you have to have a plan.
mindset monday
What if you could have exactly what you want in life? How will you get there? You can’t get from point A to point B without a map. Same with your life. This podcast isn’t anything new or special. It is a simple prompt, a nudge and a reminder that in order to achieve great things you have to have a plan. I encourage you to listen and then take action and begin planning. Have some crazy dreams and then have some boring rudimentary goals. This life of yours is your canvas. You get to choose. Set your intentions and then get into action. Then, fall in love with the process. Someday I want you to come back to me and say how your badass goals at the end of 2020 launched your dream!
you’ll learn:
In this episode of Mindset Monday I discuss:
How important it is to evaluate the past before you launch new goals for your future.
I do a deep dive on S M A R T goals. An acronym to help you process your goals and help you move forward.
The questions to ask yourself when you feel like quitting.
Should you share your goals?
Do you need a plan “B”?
Where you should start.
call to action
Schedule a couple hours to set your goals for the upcoming quarter or year.
Head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a review!
Five Pages You Must Have On Your Acupuncture Website
In this episode I discuss the most important 5 pages you need to have on your website and why.
make your website so sharp that the algorithms drive new patients to your door
You can play on social media all you want, but if your website isn’t sharp you may be losing out on potential patients. Building a following on social media is like building a house on rented land. Your website is your house. Make it tight and the right patients will find you. After that, you can use social media to get them to your door. Let’s get to work and spruce up your website.
you’ll learn
The 5 Must Have Pages every clinic practice should have.
How to map your website out.
How to attract your ideal patients with your website.
What you should have, “Above the Fold”.
The special sauce recipe of how to go 2.0 with your website.
Mindset Monday -The Importance of A Vision Statement to Your Acupuncture Practice
In business, our VISION is our INTENTION. It is the seeing before the doing. It is about getting clear on where we want to go, how we affect our community, how we want to do things, who we want to attract and how we want to behave. It’s the voice that guides the internal workings of your company, whether that is just you, or your staff of 20 employees. It is the quiet OM of your business which unites all parts into a cohesive entity.
mindset monday
We talk about intention so often in Chinese Medical School. Prior to treating that patient you need to have a clear intention, and you get there by doing a full evaluation, diagnosing and then formulating a plan.
In business, our VISION is our INTENTION. It is the seeing before the doing. It is about getting clear on where we want to go, how we affect our community, how we want to do things, who we want to attract and how we want to behave. It’s the voice that guides the internal workings of your company, whether that is just you, or your staff of 20 employees. It is the quiet OM of your business which unites all parts into a cohesive entity.
you’ll learn
In this episode of Mindset Monday I discuss:
A quick review of Values, Mission Statement and redirection in case you want to start at the beginning.
What is a vision statement?
The top reasons you need a vision statement.
How to define your company vision.
Ben and Jerry’s provides an amazing example!
I break down my AcuSprout vision.
call to action:
How To Process And Treat Motor Vehicle Accident Cases
In this episode we cover all our bases with taking motor vehicle accident cases including how to cultivate patient leads, how to provide a solid evaluations, key points in treating MVA patients, and important documentation tips.
acupuncture for auto accident injuries. how you can help.
I have such a huge fear of getting in a car accident that it actually launches me into at least level 3 anxiety every time I drive. We hit a deer when I was six years old and I was in the front seat. (I am old, y’all.) I still remember it in detail. The car was totaled, all on my side. I was okay, or was I?
Have you been in a car accident and had to receive medical care?
Did you know that auto insurance is one of the only full insurance payers left?
Did you know that 1-2 MVA cases a month can cover your overhead?
Did you know that you are totally capable of helping these people?
Enter Acupuncture. Our medicine is holistically perfect to heal this kind of physical and emotional trauma. Listen in and learn how you can help!
today’s guest
DR. GEOFF GENESS, DC, LAC
Geoff Geness is one of the few dual licensed Chiropractors in Oregon, practicing both chiropractic and acupuncture to best meet the needs of his patients, As a anatomy and physiology instructor, as well as structural diagnosis and orthopedic testing lecturer, he brings enthusiasm and clarity to the study of objective case management and evidence-based treatment of traumatic injuries. He has been practicing CAM medicine since 2007, and teaches a diverse group of undergraduate through post graduate students preparing for careers in healthcare.
"My understanding of anatomy from a bio-mechanical perspective informs the way I treat, and Chinese medicine allows me to treat the mental and emotional aspects of people to promote overall health. I improve the mobility of joints and muscles, thereby improving function and reducing pain, and enjoy guiding people back to health by educating them about themselves. I use acupuncture to directly and discretely touch the nervous system, and promote organ system health through herbal formulations. By approaching each person in relation to structure, chemical balance and energetics I strive to quickly address their concerns and improve their health.”
you’ll learn
How to cultivate patient leads.
Steps patients need to take to get coverage.
How to provide a solid evaluations.
Key points in treating MVA patients.
Important documentation tips.
The most important things to know about billing a MVA case.
How to navigate coordination of care with other practitioners.
When to re-evaluate and close a case.
How To Attract Your Dream Patient With Your Mission Statement
In this episode I help you create a mission statement that will draw your dream patient to your practice.
mindset monday
Are you having trouble making all of the decisions? There are SO many choices to make as a new practitioner? How do you stay focused and pick a path? How do you get patients in your door??!!
In this episode we continue to build the foundation of your future with a quick check in on the list of values you culled out Episode 006. Your values will help you make decisions and save your Spleen and time, in moving forward. Then we dive into your mission statement and why it is THE most important message on your website.
you’ll learn
How to use your values to create a mission statement.
The recipe to a great mission statement.
How it is going to draw your dream patients to you.
The four key elements to ensure it stands the test of time.
call to action
Send me your mission statement at hello@acusprout.com
Insurance Billing for Acupuncturists
In this episode we discuss the back end of insurance billing. How codes are created and how we are legally permitted to use them. After this podcast you will have a clear perspective of how the insurance system works.
insurance billing for acupuncturists
When I graduated from school I immediately took an insurance billing class. I was pretty sure I didn’t want to bill insurance, but I needed to know for sure. I commenced to take both of Mori West’s classes and they were amazing! She really left no stone unturned.
This episode was intended to give new Acupuncturists a snapshot of what to expect. with regards to insurance billing and some pitfalls to avoid. Unless you really have a great grasp on this beast, you really need to up your game and get some guidance. This is YOUR money and YOUR license. Be responsible.
today’s guest
MORI WEST CBC.
Mori West CPC is a certified professional coder and owner of Acuclaims, a Medical Billing company that works with Acupuncturists. For over a decade she has volunteered with various state and national Acupuncture associations and is currently the Insurance Chairman for the ASA, American Society of Acupuncturists. In addition, through her company Mori West Seminars she teaches insurance billing seminars on behalf of Acupuncture state associations, providing real world experience with up to the date information.
you’ll learn
Who the American Society of Acupuncturists are and why it is important for you to belong to your state association.
The AMA owns the CPT codes and why it is important that we are represented on the board.
Why the wording on codes is SO important and what we need to be watchful of with regards to wording.
What is the latest hoopla with CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services) and their invitation for Acupuncturists to treat low back pain.
Why new Acupuncturists need to learn about codes, billing and charting even if they decide not to take insurance.
What new practitioners need to be aware of if they are employed and not processing their own billing.
Stick around to the end and find out what has changed with regards to telehealth and mindfulness medicine.
resources
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid - CMS
Acuclaims billing service.
Learn about insurance billing at www.moriwestseminars.com
Learn about American Society of Acupuncturists here www.asacu.org
How Values Create Efficiency
In this episode we talk about how to reassess and get clear on what is important in your life and why that is important in creating your dream career.
why values are like your gps…
mindset monday
In this episode Stacey queues up an exercise for you to explore your best life moment in order to find what you cherish. Those are the things that should guide your life. Those are the things you value. Those ARE your values. Get those dialed in and we will continue to line you up for your dream career.
you’ll learn
How to reassess and get clear on what is important in your life.
Why that is important in creating your dream career.
How it will help you make solid and efficient decisions.
Why this is such an important foundational tool in your life.
call to action
Go connect with AcuSprout on Instagram
Welcome to Mindset Monday!
In this episode I discuss what we can look forward to with Mindset Monday. Topics we will cover and guided meditations you can use to fire up new neurological pathways.
congratulations! you graduated! now what??!!!
mindset monday
Okay. You did it. Now how are you going to move forward? Are you feeling confident you your business subset or are you looking for a job? Maybe you want to move someplace sunny and remote and start a practice. How? What does that look like?
you’ll learn
In this episode of Mindset Monday Stacey discusses:
What exactly is mindset?
The common psychological definition and how that compares to our TCM view.
Why we even care about diving deeply into mindset. Especially in the beginning of a new career.
She discusses what we can look forward to with Mindset Monday. Topics we will cover and guided meditations you can use to fire up new neurological pathways.
Lastly, we look at how our internal mindset creates our external reality.
suggested supplies
Buy a journal that inspires you, or create a digital file. We are going to do some exploring and you will need to reference your recordings to move forward in the exercises.
Create a calendar. You are good at living on a schedule! Keep it up in some areas of your life! Take some R and R in other places.
The Art Of Business
In this podcast Michael dives deep with some advice on money, how to market online, and how to get yourself mentally prepared for this new adventure of practicing medicine.
money, marketing and making it happen
ACU-003 How do you help as many people as you possibly can, without ever even meeting them? Listen to the Qiological podcast and you will find that host and fellow Chinese Medicine Practitioner Michael Max has the market cornered on this one.
In this podcast Michael dives deep with some advice on money, how to market online, and how to get yourself mentally prepared for this new adventure of practicing medicine. I really enjoyed the shift his personality took from our beloved podcast host, to cranky jewish uncle telling us how to get our shit straight. He is a friend and mentor to me, so I have seen this persona. I LOVE that he shared this part of his personality with the SPROUT family. Puts a big smile on my mug!
today’s guest
MICHAEL MAX LAC., WRITER, PODCASTER…………..
I didn't set out to create a podcast show, in much the same way I didn't set out to learn acupuncture.Those were not decisions that came from a flash of inspiration or childhood longing, but more like how something at the periphery of your vision catches your attention. More like a hunch or decisive whisper. Those hunches have lead me through learning acupuncture, acquiring enough Chinese to allow me to engage texts in their original language and share some of that with our community of practitioners. And my practice has lead me to the expansive nature of questions and listening.
That listening has allowed me to be of service to patients who are not sure how they got to where they are, or where to go from here. I guess you could say that listening has helped me to find a set of maps that helps me to navigate in clinic and to trust the compass when there is no map. While I crave the certainty of answers, I'm more enlivened by the catalytic nature of questions that's what fuels the clinical encounter.
You can find him at:
View fullsize
EverydayAcupuncturePodcast.com
Qiological Podcast (on Facebook)
you’ll learn
His advice is pretty basic, straight forward and cost effective. Here are the highlights:
How he went from Techie to Chinese Medicine.
Know what your monthly expenses are and make sure you cover them. That is bare minimum to keep your head above water.
30 percent of what you make does not belong to you. Put it away so you can hand it to the government. That’s just the way it is.
Have a decent looking website! Then blog a LOT with helpful information. This will improve your SEO and help people who need to heal.
Always, always, always have a CTA. A call to action. (One of those always’s is mine!)
Put your address and zip code in the footer of every page of your website.
If you use Social Media, keep it up.
The inspiration behind the Qiological podcast.
What? He has TWO podcasts?
AND he also has online courses!
resources
Michael’s NCAAOM approved Courses
Michael and Dr. Huang Huang’s book - Ten Key Formula Families in Chinese Medicine by Dr. Huang Huang translated by Michael Max
Michael’s Clinic Blog
Volunteer Opportunities in Nepal with Acupuncture Relief Project
Getting Yourself to "Right" Before You Launch Your Career
Cailin and I felt alone that first year. You are not alone. The first couple years out of school can be really rough. Getting yourself right and in alignment is a major part of starting your practice. Work on this first.
finding your presence
According to Chinese Medicine 101, “What we observe on the outside gives us an indication as to what is occurring on the inside.” It is such an integral and basic tenet of our medicine. So, why do we forget about how this may reflect in other parts of our life?
Imagine your practice as a reflection of all of your own inner workings. The current message of our time and of how to proceed is this:
Find you, trust yourself, have faith, work from your heart and ask for the next step to get you where you want to go. Your practice will be a reflection of how clear you are about yourself. Get clear on the inside. The rest will work itself out.
I can’t tell you how much time I have spent reveling this tenet in relationship to our current world situation. Weaving it’s tendrils in the degradation of our Planet. A Pandemic. Worldwide unrest. Is there actually a diagnosis for what we are experiencing? How can we help? How can we ground ourselves and find the opportunities, or pearls in the midst of this chaos?
Bigger yet, how do we cultivate an inner clarity that will reflect in our new practice, change our current practice and help heal the greater macrocosm?
After listening to this podcast about 6 times in the editing process I am humbled by how simple yet profound it is.
Dr. Cailin O’Hara shines in this podcast. She inspires me. I think you will feel the same.
today’s guest
DR. CAILIN O’HARA
Dr. Cailin O'Hara, DACM, LAc, Dipl OM, is a nationally board certified doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncturist, Chinese herbalist and intuitive coach. She has a private practice in Phoenix, AZ, where she helps her patients overcome anxiety, past trauma and the effects of chronic stress to restore mind-body harmony and self-worth. In her coaching practice, she works deeply with her clients around both transformative, personal healing and soul-centered entrepreneurship. You can find her at :
anchor.fm/soullevelwhole (podcast)
you’ll learn
Cailin and I felt alone that first year. You are not alone. The first couple years out of school can be really rough. Not for everyone of course, but if you feel alone shoot me an email at hello@acusprout.com. I also look forward to bringing you more of Cailin in the AcuSprout office hours. (Coming soon!)
Getting yourself right and in alignment is a major part of starting your practice. Work on this first.
Coaching can move you along and amplify your efforts. It can be worth the investment!
Cailin has a niche practice with diversified ways of being of service. She has a podcast, instagram videos, a youtube channel, coaching for emotional healing and entrepreneurs, and a Chinese Medicine practice. There’s more. Go take a look!
We do actually talk briefly about her online presence and some tools she uses.
resources
Canva is an amazing resource that we both use for creating newsletters, graphics, instagram stories, logos, etc. It is free unless you decide that you want to keep your quick goto files in there and customize everything for branding, which I recommend. It’s really awesome.
Cailin mentions JaneApp for scheduling and keeping her schedule. You can hear how much she loves it, loves it, loves it.
Book Yourself Solid by Michael Port is a must read.
Intro To Business Accounting
In this episode we talk about the basics of bookkeeping and accounting.
acupuncture accounting 101
ACU-002 - Management wizard of the 20th century Peter Drucker once said, “If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.” While this applies to most facets of business, NONE of us are impervious to the deleterious effects of not managing our money. Yet, how do you know as a new business owner where to start. What software is right? Can you save time and money doing it yourself or is that a set-up for disaster in the first couple years? Do you even know what the terms, “cost of goods sold, ROI, gross income and net income”, mean? This is one very important part of business you want to get right from the beginning. The growth of your practice depends on it. Tune in and learn some valuable lessons about accounting and establishing an entity.
today’s guest
JENNIFER SPIDLE CPA, CMCA
Jennifer brings more than 12 years’ experience in both public and private accounting. She has worked as an auditor in the non-profit sector, developed and managed complex budgets, and has a passion for teaching accounting. She started Spidle Office Solutions with the goal of enabling small business owners to take control of their finances and focus on building their business. Jennifer is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a B.A. in accounting from Western Washington University. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband and two young sons in their backyard garden.
website spidleofficesolutions.com
you’ll learn
Did you know that while QuickBooks is fantastic for a high yield office if you are taught how to use it, it might have a little too much driving power in the beginning. A better solution in the beginning may be to utilize the simplicity of Quicken.
How should you establish your entity? Are you a LLC, C Corp, S Corp or Sole Proprietor? Knowing the ins and outs of each is HUGE!
Where and how do you pay taxes? You really don’t want to mess this up!
resources
Quickbooks is great if your business is a bit established. Most accountants love it because they can pull reports and file your taxes easily.
Quicken is your simple inexpensive way to start.
Welcome to the AcuSprout Podcast!
AcuSprout is the perfect place to slowly build up your business skillset arsenal one podcast at a time. Join Stacey Whitcomb Dipl.OM, LAc. and the community! Grab your seat at the communal table and let's share with each other some tasty treats on how to grow heathy practices.
welcome to the acusprout podcast!
ARE WE A GOOD MATCH?
Let"s face it. Being new at anything can be slow going. Most Acupuncturists just want to hit the ground running and make some well deserved cash. I really wish it worked that way, but reality is far from this mystical unicorn ideology if you want to start your own practice. Starting a practice is at least worth another year of schooling, but maybe that's not even your goal. Maybe you want to work as a contractor or an employee for a couple years. Perhaps.... you will escape the "business classroom". (Unlikely!) At some point you are going to have to roll your sleeves up and gather some skills. AcuSprout is the perfect place to slowly build up your business skillset arsenal one podcast at a time. Join Stacey Whitcomb Dipl.OM, LAc. and the community! Grab your seat at the communal table and let's share with each other some tasty treats on how to grow heathy practices.