Reference no: EM132670462
Jackie and Sandra began a long-term-care consulting firm 5 years ago in a retirement region. They now have six employees: two RHIAs and four RHITs. They now have consulting contracts with 35 long-term-care facilities and have developed a reputation for excellence.
During a meeting with the employees, Jackie and Sandra commended them for the effort each had contributed to the success of the firm. In planning for the future, Jackie and Sandra then asked the employees to share with them ideas on expanding the business by revising the vision. One option they had discussed and now shared was that of expanding their geographic region into another state. This would mean actively marketing to long-term-care facilities beyond their present region and hiring additional staff.
Bryan said he had been listening to employee conversations at a nearby hospital and learned that there was a need for additional home health care personnel and resources in the region. Hospital utilization management staff expressed concern with the difficulty of referring patients promptly to home health care firms. Bryan thought developing and managing home health care as a separate cost center would fill this market niche and offer challenges to each of them.
Ann shared an experience she had at one of the nursing homes. Two physicians were telling her how difficult it was to hire knowledgeable office staff and retain them. Ann suggested expanding their business into physician offices. She felt they had the expertise to manage practice offices and train competent staff. Ann further stated that when she mentioned this need to a physical therapist who recently joined a group of fellow therapists in opening an office, her friend responded that such a service would be welcomed by them also. Then he related the difficulty they were having finding competent office managers.
Jackie, Sandra, and their staff have three options to consider as they undertake strategic planning:
1. Develop a SWOT analysis for this consulting firm.
2. Develop a (simplified) business plan for the firm.