It feels like we are approaching spring after a cold winter, for which I am so grateful.
The longer afternoons are very welcome and I am enjoying seeing spring flowers popping their heads up. ☀️
February is always a busy time in my practice, and hopefully for you too.
Lots of people want to get their health issues sorted out at the start of the new year.
The start of the new year is also a good time to start thinking about how to either a) grow your practice or b) streamline your practice or c) simply attract and retain more of the people you enjoy working with.
With this in mind, there are still some places left on my upcoming webinar: Skills and Checklists to Grow Your Practice Online - and I’ve extended the early bird until 9 pm this evening (Friday 3rd February).
Click the button to find out more. 💡
Prescribing vs. dispensing ⚖️
Making a living from homeopathy involves an exchange of time, care, energy and expertise for money.
Last June I completed my accounts for 21/22 and used them to evaluate my overheads.
On that basis, in July I made a big decision.
For new clients, I would no longer dispense remedies.
Instead, I would send a prescription via Helios or give them the name of the remedies to obtain themselves from Helios or Ainsworths.
I wrote about this in my July 2022 newsletter and promised to send an update once that system had been in place for a while.
It’s been six months, so now seems like a good time to write that update.
I hope you find it interesting.
Prescribing system for long-standing clients
After I sold most of my remedy stock last August, I kept a small collection of nosodes, poly-crests, organ support and therapeutic remedies.
For long-standing clients or those who started before July 2022 this is my system.
I dispense remedies (if I have them).
Otherwise, I give them the remedy details and ask them to source it directly via Helios or Ainsworths.
I encourage everyone to get an Ainsworths Essential Remedies Kit.
I buy 2 or 3 kits whenever I am in the West End and keep them in stock so I can sell them at a cost price (£57).
Prescribing system for new clients
I updated my website and email template for new enquiries stating that homeopathic remedies are not included in the consultation fee.
For all new clients since August 2022, this is my system.
I clarify the prescribing process during the Discovery Call. Some new clients have seen another homeopath previously and may be accustomed to remedies being included in the fee, so I make sure that this is clear.
I allow ten minutes to talk through ‘What happens next’ at the end of the appointment. This ensures the process is clear and understood.
I tell them to look out for an email and invoice from Helios. I ask them to check all their folders.
I tell them to expect a package from me containing:
postcard with details of their prescription
bottle of Homeobotanicals
leaflet with details of all the HB blends
Homeopathy Guidebook (more on this in next month’s newsletter)The first time I prescribe for a new client, I send the prescription by email to Helios’ email desk. The subject line includes the name of the client in the subject line, along with the date.
The email includes the client’s name, address and email address. I write one email per client. I don’t write one email with a whole list of prescriptions for different clients.
The email also states in bold to send details for payment to the client. I always make this as clear as possible for the homeopaths working in the dispensary who have to process a lot of orders each day.
I write a separate email with the prescription details to the client. This includes what to take, which days of the week, and for how many weeks.
Once Helios have their name and contact details on file, I call Helios Remedy Order Line and leave details of the prescription as a message. This is much quicker than writing an email. Orders of 6 remedies or less are sent out the same day if you call before 3 pm.
If clients live or work in London I suggest they go to Ainsworths or Helios to collect their remedies themselves. They always tell me how much they love going to pick up their remedies.
How I feel about my new system
I really like it!
I like that my clients are receiving remedies properly labelled.
I like that they are more involved with the pharmacy as I can see that going forward they will be less dependent on me.
Remedy kits are brilliant as I can sometimes prescribe directly from these.
For example, a returning client recently needed Arg Nit 30c which I could tell her to take from her remedy kit at the end of the consultation.
The process has taken a bit of working out and adapting.
For example, I have familiarised myself with Helios ‘over-the-counter’ range and often suggest ‘Stress Relief’ (AAA 30c).
I have also familiarised myself with Ainsworths ‘combinations’ range and suggest ‘Anti-cold and flu’ or ‘Surgery mix’ etc. These are available on the drop-down menu on their website.
Since I put this new system in place I spend less time making up remedies each week, though I do spend a little more time writing emails.
I’m not planning to retire any time soon, but I know that I will want to be ‘winding down’ my practice in 5 years or so.
Helping my clients be more independent, and to build up a good stock of remedies I feel will help me to continue working for longer, which I would really like to do.
How about you?
Do you dispense or prescribe?
I would love to hear your thoughts and comments if you would like to share them. 📨
Brain food
Skills and Strategies to Grow your Practice Online (early bird ends 9 pm today)
Hormonal Homeopathy Masterclass Series (early bird ends soon)
As always, thank you for reading.
Here’s to longer days and more sunshine. ☀️
Tracy 👩🏼💻