Since I first transitioned into the virtual practice space in 2008, I’ve trained hundreds of doctors and spoken to countless others about transitioning from a brick-and-mortar medical practice to a virtual practice. 

Throughout those many conversations, there’s one question I heard more than any other: Where do I even begin? 

Here at Health Experts Alliance, we’ve spent more than a decade perfecting the journey from traditional brick-and-mortar practice to wildly successful virtual practice. I’m here to help you believe not just in yourself, but in the ability of your practice to smoothly and successfully transition into the virtual space. 

I want you to let go of the fears you’re clinging to so tightly. It’s time to make room for optimism, exploration and unprecedented growth. 

What Fears Are Holding You Back From Going Virtual?

Fear is a powerful influence, but it shouldn’t stop you from exploring uncharted territories. I’ve observed over the years that most doctors hesitate to go virtual based on one or more of the following fears:

• Losing patients who don’t want to transition
• The legal ramifications of working virtually
• Giving up the personal connection of meeting patients face-to-face
• Lack of the knowledge and skills to succeed virtually

Don’t let your own mental list of uncertainties and concerns act as a brick wall for your growth and momentum. Health Experts Alliance specializes in virtual practice education and support so that you know you’re on the right path. 

This Doctor Was Skeptical… and Now He Runs a 7-Figure Virtual Practice

Our team at Health Experts Alliance often works with doctors who are intrigued by the idea of virtual practice but don’t think they can actually go through with it themselves. One of my favorite examples is Bill, who attended a few of our events but loved his brick-and-mortar practice. 

Bill’s existing practice already generated steady revenue, and he didn’t want to give up the hands-on elements of his job. However, over time, Bill started to realize that he craved the freedom that running a virtual practice offered. He wanted to scale without being tied down to a single physical location, so he started a virtual endeavor “on the side,” just a couple of hours a week. 

Well, in just the first six months, Bill generated an additional $600,000 in revenue! That was all he needed to see, and from then on he trusted in the HEA system and the power of going virtual. Today, Bill runs a very successful 7-figure virtual practice and only works two days a week. If Bill can make it happen, so can you!

I work with success stories like Bill every single day, but each doctor transitions at a different pace. Peter, for example, transitioned his entire team to virtual over the span of a year. He was slow but methodical, and now his practice generates more than $2 million annually! Another doctor made the decision to transition virtually overnight, and a full 90% of her patients made the leap with her. 

There’s no “one right way” to transition into the virtual space. Your journey will be unique and tailored to your situation and preferences.

Replace Your Old Questions With the Right Questions

The quality of the answers you get is based on the quality of the questions you ask. 

So the question is… what questions are you asking? 

Most doctors ask reasonable but misguided questions as they consider making a transition into virtual practice. These questions stem from fear, not action, and stifle their growth. 

I want to help you escape a cycle of unproductive questions and embrace productive, growth-oriented questions instead. 

Old Question: What if my staff or patients decide to leave during the transition? 

New Question: How can I make the experience and results in my virtual practice better than before?

We’ve contemplated this question over and over (and over!) again in our Virtual Practice Accelerator program. It all began with my own leap of faith into the virtual health space. As I was pioneering my own journey, I kept asking myself, “How can I make this better than the brick and mortar experience?” All it takes is focusing on positive action instead of fear. 

Old question: Should I market my virtual practice to my existing brick-and-mortar patients?

New question: How can I introduce the upgraded version of my practice to my patients?

Rather than trying to plan a marketing blitz with your current patients, consider how to organically introduce your virtual practice in a way that reflects its true value. 

It’s really an opportunity to educate patients on the enhancements and positive changes you’re making. Help your current patients understand your virtual initiatives so that they’re excited and want to sign up — and refer others! 

Remember: You’re not in the business of creating short-term, attainable but shallow results that yo-yo back and forth. You’re in the business of creating long-term, sustainable results that improve the quality of life and longevity of your patients. You should be excited for every opportunity to share how your virtual practice is designed to help your patients reach those results!

Tips for a Smooth Transition from Brick and Mortar to Virtual Practice

If you want a team of cheerleaders, teachers and friends in your corner while you’re making the transition from brick and mortar to virtual, join the HEA family. This is what we do. In fact, it’s all we do! 

But regardless of when and how you make the leap, remember these key tips: 

1. Address patient concerns before they even have to ask. Anticipate their most pressing questions and answer them clearly. 
2. Surround your patients with social proof of other happy patients. There’s nothing as compelling as a great success story. Prove what’s possible when patients commit to your virtual practice. 
3. Create a cohesive plan to transition your practice, including marketing, technology, workflow and staff training. We cover every element of these core factors in our Virtual Practice Accelerator. VPA students get everything from the webinar templates to the legal framework of building and running a virtual practice. 
4. Create a realistic timeline for transition. Remember, some doctors take months and others take years. It’s all about what works for you and your specific goals. 
5. Keep in mind that you’re not alone — help is available from professionals like HEA and doctors who have transitioned their practices already! You didn’t figure out how to be a doctor alone. Don’t try to figure out how to be a virtual business owner alone.

The Bottom Line

Transitioning to virtual used to be far-fetched. Now it’s the norm for doctors seeking more freedom and revenue than a brick-and-mortar model can offer. In fact, there’s never been a better time to make the leap into the virtual space! 

Join our Health Experts Alliance tribe to benefit from all the hard-learned secrets and blueprints we teach our Virtual Practice Accelerator students. I’d love for you to be a part of our culture, and I know you can excel with our support!