Physicians Hanging a Shingle | Start a Private Medical Practice

The Thursday Shift is a weekly dose of mindset support for physicians thinking about private practice. Each episode is around 5 minutes and helps reframe the fears, doubts, and limiting beliefs that hold you back from building something of your own.
This Week’s Shift: Overwhelmed by All the To-Dos?
If your launch to-do list feels a mile long and you don’t even know where to begin, this episode is for you.
Private practice can feel like a massive undertaking—but you don’t have to do everything at once. In this short episode, I’ll help you shift from stuck to strategic, so you can move forward one clear step at a time.
🔗 Links + Resources:
Here is the link to the checklist I mentioned in the episode!
 
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Ready for personalized support? Learn more about 1:1 coaching here
 

If you're launching a private practice, there's one document you must have in place before working with vendors who access patient data: the Business Associate Agreement (BAA). In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly what a BAA is, who needs to sign one, and how to make sure you're protected.
Whether you're using a cloud-based EHR, outsourcing your billing, or working with a marketing agency — if they touch protected health information (PHI), they need a BAA.
 
Tune in to learn:
What a Business Associate Agreement actually does
Real-world examples of vendors who require a BAA
The simple steps to get your agreements in place
What can happen if you skip this critical compliance step
Protecting patient data isn’t optional — and neither is this conversation.
 
Resources Mentioned in this episode:
HHS.gov - Business Associate Guidance
 
Action Steps
Make a list of all vendors you work with
Identify who has access to PHI
Request and sign BAAs before sharing patient information
Store signed BAAs in your practice’s compliance folder
 
Make sure you download the FREE checklist I created to make sure you don't miss any important steps in the planning of your new medical practice.
Click here for The Ultimate Checklist for Starting Your Medical Practice
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Social Media Communities:
Private Facebook Group: Physicians Starting Private Practices
Instagram: @hanging_a_shingle
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drbrittneyanderson
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If you’re building your own private practice and want guidance from someone who’s done it successfully—I’d love to help.
Visit https://paperbell.me/theprivatepracticeblueprint to learn more about 1:1 coaching.
 
 

You didn’t start your private practice to be on call 24/7.
But when the clinic closes, the patient questions don’t stop—and if you don’t have a plan, your time and energy will suffer.
In this episode of Physicians Hanging a Shingle, we’re talking about how to handle after-hours patient communication in a way that protects your time, your sanity, and your standards of care.
We’ll explore several options—whether you're running an insurance-based, direct care, or concierge model—and how to set clear boundaries from the start.
You’ll learn:
Why your practice model impacts your after-hours approachWhat to consider if you’re taking personal calls or texts
A smart (and underused) strategy: group call rotations with like-minded docs
How to train patients on what’s urgent vs. what can wait
When an answering service makes sense—and how to make it work for you
Private practice gives you the power to build your systems your way. Let’s make sure they work for you—not against you.
Resources Mentioned:
Google Voice: https://voice.google.com
Spruce Health (for secure patient messaging): https://www.sprucehealth.com
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Podcast Episodes Mentioned:
#12: Navigating the Credentialing Process: What You Need to Know
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Make sure you download the FREE checklist I created to make sure you don't miss any important steps in the planning of your new medical practice.
Click here for The Ultimate Checklist for Starting Your Medical Practice
----
Social Media Communities:
Private Facebook Group: Physicians Starting Private Practices
Instagram: @hanging_a_shingle
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drbrittneyanderson
----
If you’re building your own private practice and want guidance from someone who’s done it successfully—I’d love to help.
Visit https://paperbell.me/theprivatepracticeblueprint to learn more about 1:1 coaching.
 

Three years ago, I opened the doors to my private practice — not knowing exactly what lay ahead, but trusting my vision, training, and purpose. In this milestone episode, I’m reflecting on 3 powerful lessons that have carried me through the highs and lows of building and running an independent clinic.
Whether you're just starting out or a few years into your own journey, these takeaways are ones I believe every private practice physician needs to hear.
In this episode, I share:
Why marketing never stops, even when your schedule is full
How ongoing learning makes you a stronger clinician and business owner
Why asking questions (and staying connected to other practice owners) is a superpower
A behind-the-scenes look at my growth over the past 3 years
Encouragement for wherever you are in your private practice path
Please consider leaving a review if you enjoy the podcast. Also, please share the podcast with physician friends. You never know, they may be interested in starting their own practice soon, too!
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Make sure you download the FREE checklist I created to make sure you don't miss any important steps in the planning of your new medical practice.
Click here for The Ultimate Checklist for Starting Your Medical Practice
----
Episodes Mentioned
Episode #4: How to Get Patient Referrals, Part 1
Episode #5: How to Get Patient Referrals, Part 2
Episode #7: How My Clinic Facebook Launch Got 700+ Shares
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Social Media Communities:
Private Facebook Group: Physicians Starting Private Practices
Instagram: @hanging_a_shingle
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drbrittneyanderson

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the crucial process of credentialing. Understanding the credentialing process is essential for your success.
I’ll walk you through the steps you need to take, how long the process typically takes, whether you should handle it yourself or hire help, and what key information you’ll need to get started. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel more confident and clear about how to tackle credentialing and ensure your practice is set up for smooth insurance onboarding.
What You’ll Learn:
Why you need to start credentialing early
The typical timeline for credentialing (and what can cause delays)
Whether to do it yourself or hire a credentialing professional
Essential information you’ll need to complete your credentialing application
The difference between credentialing and contracting (and why both matter)
Plus, I’ve got a Credentialing Checklist to help you stay on track throughout the process. You can download it here.
Links & Resources:
Credentialing Checklist: Download the Checklist
Planning to do your own credentialing? Here's a link to get started: CAQH Provider Data Portal
 
Credentialing is one of the big steps on The Ultimate Private Practice Startup Checklist. Download it to see the other important steps in this process.
 
Please consider leaving a review if you enjoy the podcast. Also, please share the podcast with physician friends. You never know, they may be interested in starting their own practice soon, too!
 
Social Media Communities:
Private Facebook Group: Physicians Starting Private Practices
Instagram: @hanging_a_shingle
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drbrittneyanderson
 

Choosing the right electronic health record (EHR) can make or break the workflow in your private practice. In this episode, I break down how to evaluate your options using a simple acronym: E-H-R.
If you’re launching a new clinic, this framework will help you make a confident, informed decision that supports both your patient care and business operations.
 
Here’s what E-H-R stands for:
E – Efficiency:How well does the system support your day-to-day clinic flow? We talk speed, usability, and whether it saves you (or costs you) time.
H – How Much It Costs:Not just the sticker price — I walk you through hidden fees like setup, training, add-ons, and long-term contracts that could impact your bottom line.
R – Reportability:Can you easily run the reports you need for practice management, quality metrics, and decision-making? If not, you may be flying blind.
Choosing an EHR is one of the big steps on The Ultimate Private Practice Startup Checklist. Download it to see the other important steps in this process.
Please consider leaving a review if you enjoy the podcast. Also, please share the podcast with physician friends. You never know, they may be interested in starting their own practice soon, too!
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🔗 Links + Resources:
Social Media Communities:
Private Facebook Group: Physicians Starting Private Practices
Instagram: @hanging_a_shingle
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drbrittneyanderson
 

Planning the layout of your future clinic can feel like a mix of excitement and guesswork. How many exam rooms should you have? Do you need a lab or a procedure room? And what about space for your team — both now and in the future?
In this episode, we walk through the essential spaces every private practice should consider, from waiting rooms and reception areas to triage zones and provider offices. Whether you're leasing or building, thinking small or planning to grow, this episode will help you design a clinic that's both functional and future-ready.
In this episode, I'll cover:
-How to decide how many exam rooms you need based on patient volume
-What non-clinical spaces are essential — and often forgotten
-Whether you should plan for a procedure room, lab, or triage area
-How to design your space for efficiency and long-term growth
-What to consider if you’re planning to add staff or providers in the future
 
Choosing a clinic space is one of the big steps on The Ultimate Private Practice Startup Checklist. Download it to see the other important steps in this process.
 
Please consider leaving a review if you enjoy the podcast. Also, please share the podcast with physician friends. You never know, they may be interested in starting their own practice soon, too!
 
Social Media Communities:
Private Facebook Group: Physicians Starting Private Practices
Instagram: @hanging_a_shingle
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drbrittneyanderson
 

In this episode of Physicians Hanging a Shingle, we’re diving into one of the most overlooked — yet essential — parts of launching your private practice: your mission statement.
Before you choose a name, sign a lease, or hire a team… you need a clear understanding of your purpose.
I’ll walk you through 5 key questions that will help you craft a mission statement that actually means something — one that aligns with your values, speaks to your ideal patient, and guides every decision you make as a business owner.
Whether you're in the early planning stages or already getting your ducks in a row, this episode will help you start your practice with clarity and confidence.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why most physicians skip this step — and why you shouldn’tHow your mission statement shapes every part of your practiceThe 5 simple questions that will help you write your missionHow to turn your answers into a clear, compelling statement
Download the Free Worksheet:Craft your mission statement with my mission statement template worksheet
 
Please consider leaving a review if you enjoy the podcast. Also, please share the podcast with physician friends. You never know, they may be interested in starting their own practice soon, too!
 
Social Media Communities:
Private Facebook Group: Physicians Starting Private Practices
Instagram: @hanging_a_shingle
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drbrittneyanderson
 

There's a critical layer of protection you can't afford to overlook when planning your new practice: insurance. It's not the most glamorous topic, but understanding the right coverage can be the difference between a minor hiccup and a major financial setback.
In this week's podcast episode, we're cutting through the jargon and breaking down the essential types of insurance every practice needs. We'll cover everything from the must-haves to the often-overlooked policies that can safeguard your business from unexpected risks. Tune in to learn about:
Professional Liability Insurance
Commercial Property Insurance
General Liability Insurance
Business Interruption Insurance
Employee Dishonesty Insurance
Cybersecurity Insurance
Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)
And more!
Don't leave your practice vulnerable. Listen to this week's episode to build a strong foundation of protection for your new venture!
 
Make sure you download the FREE checklist I created to make sure you don't miss any important steps in the planning of your new medical practice.
Click here for The Ultimate Checklist for Starting Your Medical Practice
 
Please consider leaving a review if you enjoy the podcast. Also, please share the podcast with physician friends. You never know, they may be interested in starting their own practice soon, too!
 
Social Media Communities:
Private Facebook Group: Physicians Starting Private Practices
Instagram: @hanging_a_shingle
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drbrittneyanderson
 

In this week's episode of Physicians Hanging a Shingle we dive into an important step in getting patients in the door of your clinic...social media. I know, I know...hear me out! I had a very successful launch of my practice, largely in part to our social media presence and using Facebook as a marketing tool. In future episodes, we'll get into my entire social media marketing plan, but the first step is letting them know your clinic exists. And that starts with the very first post. 
 
In this episode, I share the steps to my successful Facebook launch. I hope you can implement it in your launch as well and that it will be equally, or even more, successful for you.
 
Make sure you download the FREE checklist I created to make sure you don't miss any important steps in the planning of your new medical practice.
Click here for The Ultimate Checklist for Starting Your Medical Practice
 
Please consider leaving a review if you enjoy the podcast. Also, please share the podcast with physician friends. You never know, they may be interested in starting their own practice soon, too!
 
Social Media Communities:
Private Facebook Group: Physicians Starting Private Practices
Instagram: @hanging_a_shingle
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drbrittneyanderson