Advertise a specialty rather than "General Pracitce"?

cgfnp · Oct 17, 2006

I read somewhere that private practices may actually attract more clientele by advertising a specialty rather than offering a "general" practice. For example, rather than advertising yourself as a "family care clinic". You could advertise as a "pain clinic". I'm not sure if that was the best example...but you get the idea.
The reason being is that you appeal to patients as a specialist in this category and you separate yourself from the rest of the family practice clinics. As long as you aren't advertising falsely I presume.
Do you all agree with this philosophy?

I've thought of this for an independent practice. You could advertise "the Blood Pressure Clinic" and I think people would flock in as everyone is worried about it and you could advertise strict management according to national guidelines and frankly, you indeed would manage those people better than they get in the family practice, as most patients aren't at goal even if they see their doc regularly.

Trauma Columnist · Oct 17, 2006

Our nephrology practice handles blood pressure, chronic kidney disease as well as dialysis and transplants. We really are very proactive about taking care of yourself.

ERNP · Oct 18, 2006

You could have a practice niche that was advertised. The caveat would be that the niche advertised would have to be in your scope. Couldn't advertise cardiology specialty as though you were a cardiologist or the like. But many NPs work with special populations within the primary care model, like diabetes, ect.

Everyone seems in such a hurry today, maybe a drive thru clinic would be the way to go.

Jo Dirt · Oct 28, 2006

Could you advertise as a general family health clinic that specializes in (whatever)?

platon20 · Nov 2, 2006

You could have a practice niche that was advertised. The caveat would be that the niche advertised would have to be in your scope. Couldn't advertise cardiology specialty as though you were a cardiologist or the like. But many NPs work with special populations within the primary care model, like diabetes, ect.
Everyone seems in such a hurry today, maybe a drive thru clinic would be the way to go.

WEll you would get in trouble if you called yourself a cardiologist. But you could definitely open up a clinic called "Midwest Cardiology" or something like that.

ERNP · Nov 3, 2006

WEll you would get in trouble if you called yourself a cardiologist. But you could definitely open up a clinic called "Midwest Cardiology" or something like that.

This is true. To be honest though, if I went to a clinic called "Midwest Cardiology", I would be expecting to find at least one cardiologist. So when embarking on something with a name like that, I would imagine that you would have to be careful not to be misleading in your advertisement of services. Seems like a potential legal issue.

Just my 2 cents.

Trauma Columnist · Nov 3, 2006

I agree ERNP. Our nephrology practice recently changed its name to reflect its hypertension and renal disease emphasis. However, we list 11 board-certified physicians.

I feel that as an APN, I add a lot to the practice from the nursing perspective. However, I don't portray myself as an MD either.

ERNP · Nov 4, 2006

One of the most lucrative clinics in the town where I work doesn't advertise any specialty care, it's name indicates a special type of provider.

The name isn't necessarily catchy but get the job done. It is called, "The APN Clinic". I kinda like it.