Thriving Practice with Tracy Cherpeski

Does your team spend hours on repetitive tasks that drain their energy and pull them away from patient care? Software development expert William Velasco reveals how the right technology solutions can transform your practice operations without losing the human touch. With nearly two decades of experience helping businesses maximize efficiency, William shares practical insights on how practices can use smart systems to enhance both team satisfaction and patient experience.

In this value-packed conversation, we explore:

- Why many healthcare professionals get stuck doing repetitive, error-prone tasks that waste their talents

- How to identify opportunities for automation in your practice without compromising care quality

- The surprising truth about apps and why most practices don't actually need expensive native applications

- Real-world examples of how practices have transformed their operations with smart technology

- Why collaborative implementation is crucial for successful technology adoption

- The importance of choosing solutions that grow with your practice

- How self-service technology can improve patient engagement while reducing administrative burden

- Key considerations for selecting technology partners who prioritize your practice's success

Key Takeaways:

- Technology solutions should enable your team to work at their highest level, not replace human interaction

- The most successful implementations involve input from all team members, not just leadership

- Systems should be designed around your specific workflow, not forced to fit generic templates

- Practice owners need mental bandwidth for creativity and growth – automated systems can help create that space

Notable Quote:

"It's not only a really bad use of talent, but in some circumstances it becomes demoralizing and you find that a team member doesn't really have that joy for working anymore." - William Velasco

William’s Bio:

William is a visionary leader and the driving force behind Opencentric, a software company dedicated to empowering businesses to achieve sustainable growth through tailored digital solutions. With nearly 17 years of experience as its founder, he has been instrumental in crafting systems that streamline operations, eliminate inefficiencies, and allow teams to focus on what they do best.Under William's leadership, Opencentric has delivered impactful projects for high-profile clients, including HM Treasury, The British Council, and The International Baccalaureate, spanning diverse sectors such as government, education and finance. William is passionate about creating solutions that not only enhance operational efficiency but also empower teams to thrive by removing the burden of administrative overhead. His mission is clear: to build systems that foster innovation, productivity, and lasting success for organisations worldwide.

Find William:

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In this episode, we dive deep into the world of functional medicine with Dr. Cima, a chiropractor and functional medicine expert with decades of experience. Dr. Cima shares his journey and insights on becoming a "doctor of the future."

Key Topics:

1. The three pillars of health: chemical, physical, and mental-emotional
2. Understanding functional medicine and its holistic approach to wellness
3. The importance of proper nutrition, especially protein intake
4. Simple, actionable steps for improving overall health
5. The concept of "listening to the doctor within"
6. Rethinking traditional approaches to common health issues
7. The role of blood chemistry analysis in functional medicine
8. Balancing hormones and the neuroendocrine axis
9. The impact of the diet industry on health perceptions

Highlights:

- Dr. Cima explains how functional medicine differs from traditional allopathic approaches

- Practical advice on increasing protein intake and its benefits

- The importance of having a purpose in life for mental and emotional well-being

- Insights on how blood chemistry analysis can reveal health trends before they become problems

- Discussion on the misconceptions about fat in diets and its importance for health

Quotable Moments:

- "Taking care of your health doesn't take time. It gives you a ton of time." - Dr. Cima

- "The closest you could ever get to God is to bring health to one's fellow man." - Socrates (paraphrased by Dr. Cima)

Action Steps for Better Health:

1. Increase protein intake (consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice)
2. Develop a basic stretching routine
3. Consider getting regular massage work
4. Reflect on and develop your life's purpose
5. Listen to your body's needs ("the doctor within")

For Healthcare Providers:

- Consider incorporating functional medicine principles into your practice

- Explore blood chemistry analysis for a more comprehensive view of patient health

- Educate patients on the importance of nutrition and lifestyle in overall health

Dr. Cima's Bio:

Dr. James Cima is a pioneering chiropractor whose journey into holistic healthcare began with his own healing experience. After suffering from debilitating back pain in his youth, he discovered the transformative power of chiropractic care. This personal experience, combined with his passion for healthcare, led him to pursue his education at Cornell University followed by New York Chiropractic College, where he graduated with honors.

Inspired by Thomas Edison's vision of the future of medicine, Dr. Cima has dedicated over four decades to developing comprehensive wellness programs that focus on nutrition, body mechanics, and disease prevention. As an accomplished author and educator, he has trained numerous healthcare professionals and written extensively on holistic health approaches. His expertise spans multiple disciplines, including nutrition, exercise physiology, and neuroendocrinology.

Today, Dr. Cima practices alongside his children, Dr. James Paul Cima and Dr. Natalie DeJesse, continuing his mission to promote optimal health through natural methods. A certified Titleist Performance Institute professional, he also helps golfers improve their game by optimizing their body mechanics. When not serving patients or advancing healthcare education, he enjoys spending time with his four children and eight grandchildren.

Find Dr. Cima:

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LinkedIn

Facebook 

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In this snack episode of the Thriving Practice Podcast, Manager of Operations and PR, Miranda Dorta, turns the microphone around to interview our host, Tracy Cherpeski about the critical topic of private equity in healthcare. Through an unscripted and authentic conversation, Tracy shares valuable insights about the impact of private equity ownership on healthcare delivery, from small family practices to large specialty groups. Drawing from her extensive experience supporting healthcare providers, Tracy breaks down the fundamental differences between private equity and traditional practice ownership models, while offering practical strategies for independent practices to remain competitive in today's evolving healthcare landscape.

Memorable Quote: "As a business person, my mantra is if you're not making money, you have an incredibly expensive hobby. So you have to switch hats and be a business strategist and be the CEO." - Tracy Cherpeski

Episode Highlights:

- Understanding private equity's basic business model in healthcare and how it differs from traditional medical practice ownership

- Key strategies for independent medical practices to remain competitive without selling to private equity firms

- Alternative ownership models, including cooperative structures and multi-owner practices

- The implications of private equity's growth from $5 billion in 2000 to $100 billion by 2018 in healthcare investments

- Discussion of the challenges and risks associated with private equity ownership in healthcare delivery

- Insights into balancing profitability with quality patient care

Looking for a deeper dive into private equity in healthcare? Check out Episode 131 for Tracy's comprehensive analysis of this topic.

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In this episode of Thriving Practice, host Tracy dives into the world of digital marketing for healthcare and wellness practices with web design expert Samantha Mabe, founder of Lemon and the Sea. Samantha shares her wealth of knowledge on creating effective, patient-attracting websites specifically tailored for health practitioners. From the crucial elements of a professional medical website to the nuances of healthcare SEO, this episode is packed with actionable insights. 

Discover why your website is more than just an online brochure - it's your practice's digital front door and often the first point of contact for potential patients. Learn how to optimize your site for both search engines and user experience, ensuring it not only attracts visitors but converts them into patients. Whether you're building your first website or looking to revamp your existing online presence, Samantha's expert advice will help you create a digital strategy that aligns with your practice goals and resonates with your target audience. This episode is a must-listen for any healthcare or wellness provider looking to thrive in the digital age.

Key Topics Covered:

- The importance of a professional website for healthcare and wellness practices

- Website accessibility and its legal implications

- SEO strategies for healthcare providers

- Mobile optimization for medical websites

- Balancing aesthetics with functionality in web design

Key Takeaways:

1. Your website is your digital front office - it needs to make a great first impression.
2. Start any website refresh by clearly defining your main goal (e.g., booking appointments, growing email list).
3. Ensure your website is accessible to all potential clients.
4. Check how your website looks on different devices, especially mobile.
5. SEO is crucial for helping the right clients find you online.

Memorable Quotes:

"Do not put your practice name as the headline on your website because very few people are actually searching for the name of your practice." - Samantha Mabe

"We want to make sure that the user journey... makes sense for people and that they're following to the end point you want them to get to." - Samantha Mabe

Resources Mentioned:

- Page Speed Insights (Google's free tool for website analysis)

Thank you for listening to Thriving Practice. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.

Samantha’s Bio:

Samantha Mabe is a creative director and website designer specializing in custom Squarespace and Kajabi websites for healthcare professionals and wellness entrepreneurs. Through her signature One-Week Website Design process, she helps practitioners like naturopathic doctors, chiropractors, and therapists transform their online presence into powerful marketing tools. A Pittsburgh native with a background in design and architecture, Samantha now calls Richmond, Virginia home, where she balances her creative work with family time alongside her husband and child.

Find Samantha:

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Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

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Thriving Practice

Dr. Rob Scranton introduces us to the concept of Infinite Banking, a 200-year-old strategy that could revolutionize how practitioners approach wealth building and financial security. Learn how you can become your own banker, recapture expenses, and create a stable financial future.

Key Points Discussed:

• Introduction to the Infinite Banking Concept (IBC)
• The benefits of creating your own banking system
• How to recapture expenses for major purchases like cars or practice equipment
• The historical success of this method among wealthy families
• Comparing IBC to traditional banking and investment strategies
• The importance of practitioners being in two businesses: their practice and banking
• How IBC can provide financial stability and growth

Highlights:

• Dr. Rob explains the concept of Infinite Banking
• Discussion on the legal aspects and history of whole life insurance policies
• How practitioners can benefit from creating their own banking system
• The importance of financial education and support in implementing IBC

Memorable Quotes:

"I believe everybody should be in two businesses: whatever it is that they do on a daily basis to pay their bills... and I believe they should also be in the banking business." - Dr. Rob Scranton

"Nobody ever lost money in a whole life insurance contract in the history of this industry." - Dr. Rob Scranton

Visit YourFinancialIQ.org to register for Dr. Rob's free masterclass and learn more about how you can implement the Infinite Banking Concept in your financial strategy.

Dr. Scranton’s Bio:

Dr. Robert Scranton is a former financial executive who teaches people how to use their current debts and expenses to grow their wealth outside of the traditional approaches. With his experience in accounting and finance, as well as his experience as the former chief financial architect of a cutting-edge financial firm, Dr. Robert has been able to help people all over the United States take advantage of the Infinite Banking Concept. He hopes to teach people how to recapture, reuse and recycle their own money over and over again so it stays inside of their family, instead of making other people rich.

Find Dr. Rob:

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In this episode, we dive deep into the world of medical coding and revenue cycle management with Sherry Elliott, founder of Elliott Health Information Professionals (EHIP). Sherry shares invaluable insights about how proper medical coding impacts healthcare providers, patients, and the broader healthcare system.

Key Topics Discussed:

- The importance of professional medical coding vs. provider-done coding

- How incorrect coding can lead to significant revenue loss for healthcare practices

- The ripple effects of proper coding on healthcare research and policy

- Success stories of helping healthcare providers optimize their revenue

- The broader impact of coding on healthcare accessibility and quality

Key Highlights:

• Sherry explains how providers often unknowingly leave money on the table by doing their own coding
• Discussion of a case study where millions in revenue were being lost due to incorrect coding
• A success story of helping a pain management practice recover $60,000 in denied claims
• How medical coding data contributed to COVID-19 research and treatment approvals
• The importance of accurate coding for future healthcare policy and reimbursement rates

Notable Quotes:

"Getting paid doesn't mean you're doing it correctly." - Sherry Elliott

"The viability of the organization matters not only to you, the provider, but to your whole patient population." - Sherry Elliott

Action Steps for Listeners:

1. Review your current coding practices
2. Consider professional coding support for your practice
3. Download the free Top 10 Coding Errors guide
4. Book a consultation call through the website to discuss potential revenue optimization

Sherry's Bio:

Sherry Elliott is the founder of Elliott Health Information Professionals (EHIP), specializing in medical coding, revenue cycle management, and healthcare compliance. With over 17 years of experience, including work as a CMS contractor, she helps healthcare providers optimize their revenue while maintaining regulatory compliance. Sherry's expertise has contributed to major healthcare research, including published studies on COVID-19 treatments. Her company provides comprehensive coding, auditing, and educational services to healthcare organizations across the country, helping them maximize reimbursement while improving operational efficiency.

Find Sherry:

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In an era where DEI initiatives are under unprecedented attack, healthcare stands at a critical crossroads. This episode cuts through the political noise to expose a stark reality: dismantling DEI programs in healthcare settings isn't just about politics – it's about survival. Drawing from extensive research and real-world data, we explore how implicit bias directly impacts medical decisions, treatment options, and ultimately, patient survival rates. From cancer treatment disparities to maternal mortality rates, the evidence is clear and devastating. We'll examine why current political pushback against DEI programs poses an immediate threat to patient care, and why healthcare providers – especially private practice owners – have both an opportunity and obligation to stand against this dangerous trend. This isn't just another conversation about diversity – it's about preventing needless deaths and ensuring every patient receives the care they deserve.

This episode explores the profound impact of implicit bias in healthcare settings and provides evidence-based insights into why maintaining and strengthening DEI initiatives is crucial for patient survival and care quality.

• The scientific foundation of implicit bias and its early development
• Real-world impacts of healthcare disparities on patient outcomes
• Why dismantling DEI programs directly threatens patient care
• Evidence-based solutions for addressing healthcare inequities
• Specific actions private practice owners can take to create more equitable healthcare environments

• Implicit bias development begins in children as young as 3-5 years old
• Over 4.5 million Implicit Association Tests conducted between 1998-2006 demonstrated the pervasiveness of implicit bias
• Black women face higher mortality rates after breast cancer diagnosis
• Non-white patients consistently receive fewer interventions
• Black men are less likely to receive chemotherapy and radiation for prostate cancer

• National Institutes of Health definition of implicit bias
• Transformative Learning Theory
• Prejudice habit-breaking approach research
• MLK's 1966 speech to the Medical Committee for Human Rights

For Private Practice Owners:

• Examine hiring practices and intake procedures
• Assess marketing materials for inclusive representation
• Review physical space accessibility and welcoming atmosphere
• Evaluate sliding scale fee structures

For Healthcare Providers:

• Stand up for equity initiatives
• Document disparities
• Advocate for patients
• Examine personal biases

For Patients:

• Know your rights
• Document experiences
• Share stories
• Support equity-focused healthcare providers

Anti-Oppression Leadership Academy https://nadifantastic.com/

Black Women’s Maternal Health

https://nationalpartnership.org/report/black-womens-maternal-health/

Mandated Implicit Bias Training for Health Professionals—A Step Toward Equity in Health Care

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2795358

National Institutes of Health Implicit Bias Training

Diversity Science

Teach-Back Method

https://www.ahrq.gov/patient-safety/reports/engage/interventions/teachback.html

"Of all forms of inequity, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhuman."

• Martin Luther King Jr., 1966

If you found this episode valuable, please share it with your colleagues and healthcare networks. The more we spread awareness about these crucial issues, the more impact we can have on creating equitable healthcare systems.

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In this intimate snack episode, Miranda Dorta interviews Tracy Cherpeski about the profound connections between parenthood, leadership, and building lasting organizations. This unscripted conversation offers a candid glimpse into how Tracy approaches both parenting and business leadership.

Key moments from their conversation:

- Tracy emphasizes that while she sees parallels between parenting and leadership, this doesn't mean infantilizing team members. Instead, she views her role as a guide who shows what's possible while allowing for growth through trial and error

- She discusses the challenge of balancing control with letting go, acknowledging that true organizational growth often happens when leaders step back

- Tracy shares a powerful insight about asking "just because I could, should I?" - drawing parallels between delegating in business and allowing children to develop independence

- She reflects on making ripples of positive impact that extend beyond her immediate influence when discussing legacy

- In a touching moment, Tracy becomes emotional discussing what she hopes others learn from her: the power of humility, authenticity, and standing firm despite fear and shame

- The conversation concludes with Tracy expressing pride and gratitude for her role as a parent to both her children and step-children, whom she considers a privilege to support

Memorable Quotes: 

"The way I view my role as a parent is as a guide... to show what's possible and then allow for that to open up and trial and error, grow forward." - Tracy Cherpeski on leadership philosophy

"We grow better when I let go. That doesn't in any way mean that I'm abdicating my responsibility for the success of our company, for the success of our clients, and for the success of our members." - Tracy Cherpeski

"When we take a stand for something, we can do almost anything... even in the face of fear, even in the face of a lot of unknown." - Tracy Cherpeski

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A Conversation with Dr. Ben Reinking - The Developing Doctor

In this episode, we explore the world of physician coaching with Dr. Ben Reinking, pediatric cardiologist and founder of The Developing Doctor. Key highlights include:

• Dr. Reinking's personal journey from burnout to discovering the power of coaching
• The importance of developing "soft skills" like communication and leadership for physicians
• How small changes can have a big impact on combating burnout and finding joy in medicine  
• The value of finding trusted colleagues to connect with authentically about work challenges
• Transitioning from a performance mindset to a growth mindset in medical careers
• Creating a coaching business as a side venture while maintaining clinical practice
• The benefits of coaching for both coach and client in the medical field
• Recognizing early signs of burnout and the importance of self-care for physicians
• Practical tips for physicians looking to explore coaching or make positive changes

This conversation offers valuable insights for physicians looking to enhance their careers, combat burnout, and explore new avenues within medicine. Dr. Reinking's approach emphasizes the power of small changes and developing often-overlooked skills to create more fulfilling medical careers.

Dr. Reinking’s Bio:

Dr. Ben Reinking is a board-certified general pediatrician and pediatric cardiologist with over 20 years of experience in academic medicine. His expertise includes interpreting echocardiograms and caring for children with complex congenital heart disease. Dr. Reinking has held leadership roles such as medical director and program director, and has a passion for patient care and teaching.

After experiencing burnout due to increased workload, Dr. Reinking discovered the transformative power of coaching. This experience helped him align with his values, leverage his strengths, and enhance his communication skills. Recognizing coaching's potential to address developmental gaps in medical education, he now shares these valuable insights with students, residents, fellows, and physicians.

Find Dr. Ben Reinking:

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The Developing Doctor LinkedIn 

Dr. Reinking LinkedIn

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YouTube

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