Running a successful business means keeping a lot of balls in the air at any given time. Before you even sit down with a client, you have to get all of the proper policies, procedures, and tools in place to ensure that things run smoothly.
When you make a mistake in the health care industry, the results can spell disaster. HIPAA fines are bad enough, but even worse is the possibility of accidentally hurting someone you’re trying to help when policies aren’t in place.
We don't want you to chance living the worst case scenario! So, this week, we’re bringing you a checklist of everything you should think about from the moment you decide to start a therapy business.
Not everything on this list will apply to you. Some of it you’ve probably already done, but some of those things might need updating. Either way, it’s always good to double check and make sure you haven't overlooked anything!
Update:
We have created a book on this very list! You can get a physical copy here or purchase in Apple iBooks
| 1. | Come up with a name (ensuring uniqueness and domain availability) | 24. | CAQH (Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare) |
| 2. | Create electronic intake forms for clients | 25. | Get a professional email, the more personal, the better (e.g. YourName@YourBusinessName.com) |
| 3. | Find an accountant | 26. | Apply for in network status for insurances |
| 4. | Hire an employment attorney | 27. | Purchase (secure) online storage for your electronic documents |
| 5. | Get a Tax ID | 28. | Write your policies (employee, company, and client) |
| 6. | Find a Human Resources consultant | 29. | Order business cards |
| 7. | Form an LLC | 30. | Get mandated reporter training |
| 8. | Find a HIPAA consultant | 31. | Get an official business number (cell phone, office phone, or both) |
| 9. | Register your business with your county/state | 32. | Provide CPR/First Aid training |
| 10. | Find a Marketing consultant | 33. | Create brochures |
| 11. | Sign up for professional liability insurance | 34. | Provide Crisis Management Training |
| 12. | Open a separate business bank account | 35. | Order signs for lobby and doors |
| 13. | Sign up for general liability insurance | 36. | Create your website |
| 14. | Open a business PayPal account | 37. | Set up an Indeed account to help find new hires |
| 15. | Sign up for workers compensation insurance | 38. | Create a Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn account (and any other social media account where your potential clients are) |
| 16. | Create a logo | 39. | Order any office supplies you need - on a business account (computers, printers, phone system, paper, folders, dividers, pens, filing cabinets, etc). |
| 17. | Get a background check account | 40. | Purchase needed assessment supplies (vbmapp, ablls-r, aflls, vineland, ssis, etc) |
| 18. | Decide on consistent visual branding for everything you create (e.g. logo, signage, website, etc.) | 41. | Search for local events where you can promote your business |
| 19. | Get a fingerprints account with your local police | 42. | Sign up for clearing houses |
| 20. | Legally trademark your logo | 43. | Create a clinical database |
| 21. | Find appropriate office space | 44. | Get a Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S® Number |
| 22. | Create group NPI (National Provider Identifier) and individual NPIs for clinical staff | 45. | As you grow, purchase scheduling and payroll software |
| 23. | Get a labor law poster membership | 46. | Get cultural competency training |
| 47. | Get a P.O. Box |
