Elisha BeckerHere. There. And Everywhere...
More and More, therapists are transitioning to taking Home Health,
Outpatient Part B, or Medicaid in home therapy positions. Whether
working in pediatric or geriatrics, therapists are picking up self-pay, full
time, part time, Independent Contract work, or “side hustles” being
mobile therapists. Going to and from patients’ homes, facilities, or day
care centers to do their great work.
Being on the road leads to stress and exhaustion… Unless you take care
of you and do it the right way.
Best Tips for the Road Warrior Therapist!
Stay Organized!
Setting up your schedule ahead of time and
mapping out your route. Try using the fancy new app programs
like Straightaway or ZigBuddy helps you put in your time and
locations and keep track of where, when, and how you are getting
there.
Let those apps work for you and track your Mileage- if you are
independent contractor/self-employed then use the apps or other
programs to track your daily mileage, so you are organized when
doing taxes at end of the year. Extra tip-if you pick up supplies
through the day take pictures and save receipts for your tax
deductions as well. Keep them all in one spot in a photo album on
your iPhone or download QuickBooks (ITA members have
discount in membership)
Have the day work for you!
Take time to listen to podcasts, catch up on an e-book while driving to your
next location. Use your time between patients to hydrate /fuel your body and get ready for the next one. Reminding yourself to stay focused on the patient and yourself in between. Rushing and over scheduling will lead to errors, stress, and unsafe driving.
Calling patients when you are on the way can be a great way to confirm
they are ready for you and know you are coming. If someone
cancels last minute you can see another patient earlier or take a
much-needed break but you don’t waste time driving all the way over.
Listing your phone numbers out for quick reference for the day so
you don’t have to fumble with the phone while driving.
Keep an extra patient on caseload- there will always be a
cancellation. Better to budget your time and money knowing you
are full and then if someone cancels your whole day is not full of
disappointment but more of a “that’s ok” feeling. It happens in
this busy life and with medical clients, people will cancel we
need to account for that happening.
To fight burnout- structure your time off.
You still should take vacation and sick time as you need. Being self-employed or
an IC doesn’t mean you don’t take care of YOU! Use the ITA dream
calculator to figure out, number of patient’s vs financial needs,
out ahead of time. Looking forward to a vacation or time off, let's you focus on the positive, keeping your head in the game and not feeling frustrated and over worked.
Be Prepared.
Remember to always ensure your auto insurance is up to date and your
cards and registration is easy to access for those “Just In Case
moments". Take it a step further and you can access Aflac Accident coverage as a
member of ITA, If something happens inthe field and you do not have coverage the
out-of-pocket costs could hurt you and your family immensely. If you have questions on how the Peace of Mind coverage of Aflac you can click here to read Jen’s story
and get her information on how she can explain the benefits..
Being your own boss is the key to making your time, schedule, and finances work for you. Take control and put You in the equation. ITA wants to see you all successful in the "business of rehab". Need advice or help- reach out at hello@itaexcels.org