Does anyone work in partnership with a physician, chiropractor, etc, for referrals?
I was wondering if anyone has developed a relationship with a physician, physical therapist, chiropractor, nutritionist, etc to receive direct referrals for clients? It seems line the logical next step for people who are being told they need to get into better physical shape by leading a more healthy lifestyle.
We get numerous referrals and we also refer client’s to appropriate health professionals (RDs, Physical Therapists, etc.) when needed. Hawaii Fitness Academy LLC specializes in working with post rehab, prehab, neurological issues, and corrective exercise/athletic performance. We also work with other fitness professionals providing them with consultations and continuing education to assist them in working with these types of clients. Our goal is to help expand the inclusion of more fitness professionals into the healthcare system. That is one of the reasons that I encourage all the fitness professionals we come into contact with, to join organizations like IDEA, ACE, ACSM, etc. These groups/organizations work on our behalf at the state, national, and international levels to advance our status and inclusion as professionals.
I have often worked with these professionals, as well as osteopathic physicians and PTs, as a follow-up source for training program development, as well as a source for referral to them when a client can hopefully benefit from their expertise and scope of practice. Just sure that you adhere to the specific limitations and recommendations you discuss with the provider(s) regarding follow-up training. Experience, educational background, specific certification(s) and continuing education are important factors in the development of a network of potential referrals. So, be patient.
Good luck.
I work with chiropractors around my area and if they have a client who needs more help with their posture or strength training then they refer them to me. It’s actually a great way of doing business, because I refer clients to them as well. The best part is that I have an open communication with the chiropractors when it comes to helping the client. Physicians usually like to refer their patients first to physical therapy before anything else. Not all doctors do, but most of them prefer that route. This is why I also work with physical therapists, so I can help any of their clients who need more than just physical therapy.
Best,
Harris
I too have a referral network with an ob/gyn office and new parent support group at the local hospital.
You may want to have a presentation ready to go on the benefits you can provide to their clients, your certifications and why they should refer patients to you. They’re also going to want to know what you can provide them and what type of on-going communication, if any, you’ll have with them regarding that specific patient. I find that this works best if you have a niche. Primary care physicians are over-worked as it is!
Good luck,
Jocelyn
Hi Ken. I think that you’re ‘right on’ with your statement about the benefit of this type of professional relationship. I have a referral network with a pediatric office, physical therapy clinic, and registered dietitian. These type of relationships, built on mutual respect and trust, can be a wonderful help to our clients and their patients.
Good luck if you decide to pursue this.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
[email protected]