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Hi kids,

Recently been approached by a large physio practice in the local area who has plainly read 'the E-Myth' and is keen on a bit of Anthony Robbins, take over the world type action. Said physio wants to 'investigate ways we can cooperate and build a relationship in regards to orthotics.'

When you actually cut through to real world speak this has obvious benefits for both of us. However, I've generally had difficult relationships with physios in regards to orthotic therapy. Have found orthopods in general to be quite supportive (pardon the pun) but physios no dice.

What experiences have others had in this situation? Lets avoid the 2 extremes ie. 1. they can't 'steal' my business and 2. I don't expect to sit back while they refer all orthotic pts. to me while they get nothing in return.

thanks in advance,

Rod

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I too have see Tony Robbins and a couple editions of the e-myth but I was getting bored of being in a pod only environment and usually isolated.
I approached a physio/chiro/massage therapy 3 years ago and never looked back.
The multidisciplinary approach can really enhance what you do and want you can do. Its also a great way to understand the physio/chiro approaches to treatments/managements as well enhance each others databases and get reliable feedback and better your outcomes.
I think that allied health should head in that direction unless you are happy in doing general treatments (which we still do there too).

I have worked closely with Physios for over 12 years and have no regrets. The mutual learning curve can take some time. One thing I did was spend many hours watching them at work gaining a physio perspective towards things. During these periods I obviously did not earn but have more than made that back so far.

A lot depends on the relationship between you as well. Perhaps I was lucky.

Ian

Related threads:
Prescribing 'orthotics' without a podiatric degree
Other professions use of orthoses

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A relationship works both ways. If they want to refer patients to you for orthotics, then you should refer patients to them.
Also I have found if a physio refers someone to you keep in close contact with them in regards to their treatment, this is when it really becomes beneficial for all parties and more importantly the patient.

Obvisouly relationships do work both ways and at the end of the day if I were about to enter an arrangment or multidsiscplinary environment I would want to be sure of who I was working with, what their skills were like (as no point referring patients to them just for 'scratching each others backs' unless they are good at what they do.

I would also want to get a fair understanding and assurance that the Physio's respect your area of expertise. I work with Physios who routinely hand out 'off the shelf orthoses" and fail to even acknowledge our presence. There are some within the group who we work very well with and others who are set in their ways or are less inclined to refer to us.

Typically the younger Pods with less financial interest are more open minded to referrral. Whereas the older Physios with vested interest and who are more set in their ways are less inclided. This is a general finding of course.


I would also be mindful that the physio's have a good reputation and that you are not going to lose referrals from elsewhere by choosing to be aligned with them - unless the upside outweighs this of course.

As I said I think it just depends on who the physios are, your relationship with them and their attitude and motives for working along side with you

Good luck!

TJ.

I have a room in a physio practice....only do functional stuff in that location, I get referals from all over town, GP'S , masseurs, osteopaths chiros, it's not about pinching other peoples patients it's about providing help where you may be able to. If one is referred in from outside the building thats where the letters back go....and I don't refer outside physios patients to the inhouse folks....professional boundaries are really fairly easy to maintain. It's not that complicated.
regards Phill

I'm an acupuncturist and I have relationships with a chiropractor and a Pilates teacher who I will recommend as I know they are both good but also I know they respect me. I did send a few patients to an ostopeopath locally who never came back to me. Now I don't mind if that was the best thing for the patient but they had issues the osteo could not have treated, I assume he didn't value what I do and gave that impression to the client. You know if it's working both ways.

It's not about keeping or stealing clients' it's about what's best for them but their are always competitive and unscrupulous therapists out there too...!

I think the key thing within any relationship with another practitioner is how the referral is made. I am very careful to ensure that my involvement within the physio treatment plan is one element within a package of treatment. I do my bit and leave the rest to the physio I ensure that clients return to the physio, even if that is simply for a review.
By the same token, most of the referrals I make to physios are one part in a treatment plan and seldom do the physios that I use take over the management of the patient

Whoever you work with has to work on similar principles as yourself and with the same moral compass when it comes to patient management. Like Ian, I have learned a huge amount watching other professionals and their methodologies and benefited greatly from it. if you get the chance to get into clinic with a physio and see a patient together, do so, even if it is at a reduced fee for yourself. It doesn't take long for word of mouth to get out that you are offering a very rounded and informative service

My 2p

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Dont lock yourself into just one.

We have a number of Osteo's and a large number of pods we work with, we have found that this gives us a number of different suburbs we can send clients to and we have also found that some are better at treating some issues than others.

For example some deal with Peds very well whilst they dont deal so well with DB ulcers, its all about their focus and you need to find that out first.

The more you deal with, the better it is for your client and you.

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I love working in a multi disciplinary clinic. I particularly get on well with the physios and I learn a lot from them. All of us want what's best for the patient and I have no hesitation referring patients to another team member and vice versa. We sometimes see a patient together which they seem to really appreciate.

The only health professionals I regularly disagree with is nurses when I visit pressure ulcer patients in nursing homes. My main aim is always deflecting pressure, their's is not!