Partner Case Study
Keri Schaeffer, LPTA, BS
OLD TOWNE PHYSICAL THERAPY
Lewes, Delaware • Opened in 2007
How long had you thought about opening a private practice?
Just about forever! But I always assumed that private practice wasn't realistic because of the high startup costs. But then I worked in an outpatient clinic for 5 years that imposed factory-like limits to patient care. It was ridiculous—and maddening! They would only allow me to work with a patient for a certain amount of time per visit, then the line had to keep moving. I never felt like the patients got the attention they deserved. It made me more determined to find a way to open my own clinic so I could treat patients the RIGHT WAY.
Since opening, what has the relationship with USPh been like?
They have really delivered on their promise that the clinic is mine. I know many of their partners like to have USPh handle all the backend stuff like managing payroll, hiring staff, coding billing, and so forth. But I actually enjoy those aspects of the business, and USPh lets me do them. Anything I need, any support I request, any time I run into a problem, they are always there to lend a helping hand.
Why did you choose to open your practice with USPh?
Where do I begin!? Obviously, they covered the financial side of things as well as all the startup details. But the biggest thing that made partnering an easy decision was they allowed me to open the clinic I always dreamed of, philosophically speaking. I have a firm belief how a patient should be treated. Factory clinics discourage the more personal and thorough diagnostic approach that I think should be mandatory.
"After working in a factory-like outpatient clinic that imposed strict time limits on patient care, I was ready to run my own clinic the way I wanted to do it — with the patients' needs coming FIRST."
Have you experienced hardships, obstacles, or snags since opening?
Business-minded or not, navigating insurance waters has been troubling at times. But all I have to do is pick up the phone and call USPh. Not only do they help resolve the situation immediately, their experience educates me and makes me a better business owner.
Has your private practice met your expectations?
Let's put it this way. Had I opened my own clinic 2 years ago, a week-long Florida vacation with the family would have been out of the question, never mind the 8 weeks of maternity leave I was able to take with my second child. So yes, this partnership has been fantastic!
