The Intake

Insights for those starting, managing, and growing independent healthcare practices

Kate Smith, RN BSN

Kate Smith, RN BSN, is a writer and registered nurse with extensive experience caring for patients in urban emergency departments, private practices, in-home hospice settings, and on cruise ships around the world.

Latest in Kate Smith, RN BSN

people taking advantage of the new COVID-19 booster by doing yoga in a group
people taking advantage of the new COVID-19 booster by doing yoga in a group
New COVID-19 boosters are coming — here’s what you need to know

The FDA has approved new COVID-19 booster vaccines to target the XBB.1.5 variant — but how successful they’ll be depends on effective communication from providers.

Two women looking at social media on a smartphone.
Two women looking at social media on a smartphone.
How to use social media influencers to help boost your medical practice

Learn about social media marketing for medical practices and how you can partner with influencers to boost patient engagement and practice growth.

a parent with a child who illustrates starting a medical practice checklist
a parent with a child who illustrates starting a medical practice checklist
New medical practice checklist: Here’s how to get started

Make starting a medical practice easier with this checklist.

image of woman researching best practices on physician recruitment for medical practice
image of woman researching best practices on physician recruitment for medical practice
How to recruit and hire for your new medical practice

Wondering about physician recruitment best practices? Here’s what you need to know to recruit, hire, and retain staff for your new medical practice.

Physician using stethoscope and using clinic equipment on patient
Physician using stethoscope and using clinic equipment on patient
Medical clinic office equipment: A checklist for your practice

The right medical office equipment can help you enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize resources. Use this checklist to get started.

Get expert tips, guides, and valuable insights for your medical practice
smiling employees at healthcare staff meeting discussing employee retention
smiling employees at healthcare staff meeting discussing employee retention
10 strategies to improve healthcare staff retention for your practice

Here’s how to reduce turnover, avoid the associated expenses, and build and maintain a strong team at your medical practice.

woman researching medical practice permit needs on computer
woman researching medical practice permit needs on computer
Starting a medical practice? Consider these permits

Getting ready to open your own medical practice? Find out if applying for the following permits should be on your to-do list.

physician using tech to provide patient care
physician using tech to provide patient care
Using technology to provide quality patient care at your new practice

Here’s what you need to know to make patient care technology work for you, your patients, and your practice.

image of person researching checklist for onboarding employees in a healthcare practce
image of person researching checklist for onboarding employees in a healthcare practce
5 steps to successfully onboard new employees at your medical practice

Better healthcare onboarding is an important part of practice management. Here’s how to do it correctly.

woman smiling after Securing funding for a new medical practice
woman smiling after Securing funding for a new medical practice
Securing funding for a new medical practice

One of the first steps in opening a practice is funding it. Here’s what you need to know about getting healthcare practice loans.

doctor reviewing payment collections for medical practices
doctor reviewing payment collections for medical practices
Licenses you need to start your own medical practice

Here’s how to ensure you have the necessary licenses and credentials you need when starting your own practice — and that you don’t overlook any part of the process.

Graphic for story around the first 5 people to hire at a medical practice
Graphic for story around the first 5 people to hire at a medical practice
Who are the first 5 people I need to hire at my new medical practice?

Finding the right team is a key part of building and sustaining any business, especially an independent practice. Here’s who to hire first — and how to identify qualified candidates.

starting a medical practice
starting a medical practice
How to start a new medical practice: The definitive guide

If you’re considering opening a practice and want step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process, you’ve found the right resource.

woman outside checking social media on her phone
woman outside checking social media on her phone
The ultimate guide to medical practice social media in 2023

Wondering where to start with medical practice social media? Here’s how to choose a platform, create great content, and find your audience.

two doctors discussing flexibility in healthcare
two doctors discussing flexibility in healthcare
Why patients demand flexibility from their healthcare provider

Flexibility in healthcare matters to patients. Here’s how to increase your flexibility — not your workload.

woman researching social media best practices for medical clinics
woman researching social media best practices for medical clinics
How to use social media for your medical practice

You don’t need a degree or years of experience to market your practice online. Here’s how to create and implement a social media marketing strategy that grows your practice and empowers your patients.

5 healthcare providers who have nailed social media

You don’t need millions of followers to create a successful social media presence for your practice. Check out these providers who know how to attract patients and keep them engaged.

Get expert tips, guides, and valuable insights for your medical practice

Get expert tips, guides, and valuable insights for your healthcare practice