Private Practice in addition to VA employment

[deleted106747]

I may be beginning the process of transitioning from full time VA employment to a joint private practice. I want to work on the transition over the next couple years, starting the practice while I'm still employed at the VA. Has anyone done this before? Does anyone know the rules about this with regard to a practice in addition to the VA? I think mainly I couldn't refer to myself? TIA for any info.

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[PsyDr]

I’ve know many that did either combo va/pp or transitional private practice.

 

[Justanothergrad]

Yup, same. Don't refer to yourself. Quite frankly, it was not a major issue for the folks I knew in terms of overlapping clients.Not sure there is a lot else.

 

[WisNeuro]

Also, make sure you don't do anything related to billable private practice time during your VA tour. Or at least nothing trackable during that time.

 

[deleted106747]

Thank you, everyone.

 

[cpsych54]

i am considering doing this myself as well. My goal would just be supplemental income, possibly leaving the VA but that isn't my main intent. Those who have done this, would 4 patients a week be worth the while? I would be looking into renting 1 evening of a colleagues space and likely give them a small cut to cover my billing. Anyone have a sense of range of take home I could expect per patient? Or other issues to consider?

 

[foreverbull]

i am considering doing this myself as well. My goal would just be supplemental income, possibly leaving the VA but that isn't my main intent. Those who have done this, would 4 patients a week be worth the while? I would be looking into renting 1 evening of a colleagues space and likely give them a small cut to cover my billing. Anyone have a sense of range of take home I could expect per patient? Or other issues to consider?

That depends on operating costs. If you use an office just one day a week, you will save a lot on rent/decor. If the VA pays for all CEs and/or license renewal, even better. Business license fees and possibly consultation with an attorney to look over your consent forms will cost money. Advertising/website will cost separate fees ($29/month psychology today listing, etc.), as well as notes/billing software....and buying your own malpractice insurance, etc. If you start out of the gate with 4 clients not on insurance, you’d make some money if you charge $100-$150/session, but any lower probably wouldn’t be worth the time and money. You’ll also lose money for a bit if you don’t have a referral source in the beginning. Ultimately, you have to figure out if your operating costs would outweigh the income of 4 weekly clients or come too close to make it worth your while.

 

[WisNeuro]

If the VA pays for all CEs and/or license renewal, even better.

It does not.

 

[psychRA]

It does not.

I've been able to get all of my CEs in-house without having to pay, but the CE offerings vary depending on your facility.

 

[cpsych54]

I've had to pay my license fee but have gotten all ces through VA. My location people are charging $150-175 per hour so I think I could pull that off. Would expecting to bring about half that home be reasonable?

I'm also curious if others have ideas for side income. I'm in a challenging position of small children and traveling spouse, so dedicating consistent time is a challenge but doing a bit here and there is doable.

 

[WisNeuro]

I've been able to get all of my CEs in-house without having to pay, but the CE offerings vary depending on your facility.

I was speaking to the license renewal part. If you're part of a training program, VA or not, you rarely pay for CE's. I get plenty of in house CE's and still get 3k to spend on travel for CEs, or books or laptops if I want. Additionally, many non-VA places will pay for license and board certification renewal. The only people that should be paying for their own CEs are PP and maybe some university based.