Designing a Resilient Private Practice | S5 Ep22

Designing a private practice means building systems that can support your patients, your staff and your career through both growth and disruption. Explore the practical decisions that shape a resilient plastic surgery practice, from case mix and office flow to staffing, coverage, telehealth and crisis response. Join Dr. Ash Patel as he speaks with Diana Yoon-Schwartz, MD, and Parag Butala, MD, about the real-world considerations that go into designing and managing a private practice. Dr. Yoon-Schwartz shares perspective from solo practice across Long Island and New York City, while Dr. Butala discusses the structure and decision-making process within a large physician-owned group practice in the Charlotte area. Together, they explore what they wish they had known earlier in practice, how they developed their clinical offerings, and how location, hospital privileges, staffing and coverage arrangements affect day-to-day operations. They also discuss how COVID-19 changed patient flow, scheduling, office protocols, procedure room setup and telehealth use. Their conversation highlights the importance of building a practice with flexibility, clear systems and a diverse case mix that can adapt when circumstances change. Topics Discussed Designing a private practice model that fits your goals Solo practice versus large group practice decision-making Billing, coding and business skills early in practice Managing staff, delegation and practice operations Building a diverse reconstructive and cosmetic case mix Choosing and managing multiple office locations Hospital privileges, coverage and call responsibilities Adapting office flow and scheduling during COVID-19 Using telehealth and remote photo review in practice Office-based procedure protocols and turnover time Staffing stability, exposure policies and return-to-work planning ASPS practice management and COVID-19 resources Key Takeaway A successful private practice is built on more than clinical skill. By developing strong systems for staffing, patient flow, coverage, case mix and crisis response, plastic surgeons can create practices that are efficient, adaptable and better prepared to serve patients through changing circumstances. Bonus Resources ASPS Education Network ASPS EdNet Podcasts PS² Practice Management ASPS Endorsed Practice Solutions ASPS Statement on COVID-19: Considerations for the Resumption of Elective Surgery and Visits About Enhance Your Practice Enhance Your Practice is the official practice management podcast from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), featuring conversations with leaders in plastic surgery on practice management, leadership, innovation, and professional development. Each episode delivers practical insights to help plastic surgeons build successful practices and thrive throughout their careers. Explore more educational resources from ASPS at plasticsurgery.org.