Don Pelto, DPM - Podiatry Practice Mastery

Don Pelto, DPM

🚀 Podiatry Practice Mastery — Grow Your Podiatry Practice to $1M+ Without Working More Hours Are you a podiatrist ready to scale your practice to 7 figures and beyond — without burning out? Podiatry Practice Mastery is the podcast for growth-driven podiatrists who want to increase revenue, improve patient flow, and build efficient systems — without adding more clinic hours or sacrificing their quality of life. - Get my Free Million Dollar Practice Formula Book - https://www.podiatrypracticemastery.com/book

  1. APR 15

    Podiatry Practice Audits: Fix Demand or Profit

    Get my free book - https://www.podiatrypracticemastery.com/book This episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery focuses on podiatry practice audits and what they reveal about growth. Don shares lessons from reviewing real podiatry practices at different stages, from near-retirement solo offices to busy surgical clinics. He explains how to tell whether a practice has a patient demand problem or a profitability problem. The episode also covers Google reviews, online visibility, hiring associates, shockwave therapy, and practice growth strategy. Podiatrists and practice owners will learn how to focus on the right next step instead of trying to fix everything at once. This is a practical episode on podiatry practice management, marketing, and implementation. podiatry practice auditpodiatry practice managementpodiatry business growthpodiatry marketing strategypodiatry online reputationhow to grow a podiatry practicepodiatry profitabilitypodiatry revenue per visithiring an associate podiatristpodiatry demand constraintspodiatry supply constraintsshockwave therapy podiatrypodiatry ancillariesmedical practice auditshealthcare business systemsprivate practice podiatrypodiatry implementation strategy #Podiatry#PodiatryPractice#PracticeManagement#PracticeGrowth#HealthcareBusiness#PrivatePractice#MedicalPractice#PodiatryMarketing#GoogleReviews#SEOForDoctors#ShockwaveTherapy#PracticeAudit#MedicalEntrepreneur#ClinicGrowth#PodiatryBusiness Is your podiatry practice struggling because you need more patients, or because you are not producing enough per patient? In this episode, Don shares what he learned from reviewing several podiatry practice audits. He breaks down common patterns across practices, including low patient volume, inconsistent collections, underused ancillaries, weak online visibility, and missed opportunities to improve revenue. He also explains a simple framework: some practices are demand constrained and need more patients, while others are supply constrained and need more capacity, better pricing, or another doctor. Don also walks through practical recommendations such as building a review system, improving local search presence, using shockwave and other ancillaries more effectively, and thinking strategically about hiring. The bigger message is to stop chasing too many improvements at once. Identify the main bottleneck, fix that first, and then move to the next step with a simple implementation plan. [00:00] Intro and why Don is doing practice audits[01:20] What the first audits revealed about real practices[02:35] Audit #1: not enough patients is the main problem[04:40] Using Google reviews to improve patient demand[06:30] Referral relationships, urgent care, and paid ads[08:05] Audit #2: a strong practice with variability in collections[10:00] When hiring another doctor becomes the next step[12:00] Why ancillaries matter in surgical podiatry practices[13:35] Audit #3: seasonal demand and opportunity on Cape Cod[15:20] Reviews, email lists, and self-pay pricing opportunities[16:55] How Don uses audit data to find the real bottleneck[18:15] Why implementation is harder than ideas[19:20] Focus on one constraint instead of doing everything[20:10] SEO, reviews, referrals, and ads as patient growth channels[20:50] Final invitation to request a practice audit The best growth strategy starts with identifying your biggest bottleneck. If you do not have enough patients, focus only on demand. If you are already full, focus on profitability, capacity, and implementation. What stood out in this episode is how much clarity comes from looking at the right numbers. Once you know whether the issue is patient volume or value per visit, the next move becomes much simpler. If this made you think differently about your own practice, reflect on your main constraint right now. That is usually the place where the biggest progress starts.

    21 min
  2. APR 15

    Podiatry Practice Growth: Packaging & Subscriptions

    👉 Download my free book and see the full roadmap: Free Book This episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery focuses on real-world podiatry practice management strategies. Don shares insights from a visiting podiatrist who transitioned a routine care clinic into a more balanced, profitable practice. The discussion covers nail care systems, subscription models, and product packaging. It also explores improving patient value per visit and optimizing treatment offerings. Podiatrists will learn how to increase efficiency while maintaining patient outcomes. This episode is ideal for practice owners looking to scale revenue and streamline operations. podiatry practice managementpodiatry business growthnail care clinic podiatrypodiatry subscription modelfoot care packages podiatryincrease podiatry revenuepodiatry efficiency systemsshockwave therapy podiatrySwift wart treatment podiatrydiabetic foot care revenuepodiatry patient retentioncash pay podiatry servicespractice growth podiatryhealthcare business systemspodiatry product salesorthotics and shoe sales podiatryfoot care kits podiatrypodiatry marketing strategiesclinic workflow optimizationpodiatry treatment protocols #Podiatry#PodiatryPractice#PracticeGrowth#HealthcareBusiness#MedicalPractice#FootCare#PodiatryLife#PrivatePractice#ClinicEfficiency#PatientCare#MedicalEntrepreneur#ShockwaveTherapy#SwiftTreatment#PracticeManagement#RevenueGrowth Are you stuck seeing high volumes of routine foot care patients without increasing revenue? In this episode, Don shares insights from a visiting podiatrist who successfully transitioned a high-volume nail care practice into a more balanced and scalable model. They discuss hiring a nail nurse, implementing subscription-based nail care, and packaging products like foot care kits and shoes to increase per-visit revenue. Don also breaks down missed opportunities like annual diabetic exams and ABI testing that can significantly improve practice profitability. You’ll also hear strategies for simplifying treatment offerings to increase case acceptance, along with a deep dive into improving outcomes with shockwave therapy and Swift. Don emphasizes the importance of setting patient expectations, refining protocols, and building confidence in your services. These systems can help you increase efficiency, improve patient outcomes, and grow revenue without adding unnecessary complexity. [00:00] Intro and practice growth focus[01:05] Dr. Drew’s transition from routine care practice[03:10] Hiring a nail nurse to manage patient volume[05:20] Increasing revenue with ABIs and annual exams[06:45] Packaging foot care products and retail strategy[09:10] Subscription model for nail care patients[11:00] Expanding product packages and treatment sheets[12:30] Limiting treatment options to increase acceptance[14:00] Shockwave therapy challenges and expectation setting[15:20] Improving outcomes and building treatment confidence Simplifying services, packaging products, and setting clear patient expectations can significantly increase revenue and improve outcomes without adding complexity. If you’re working through similar challenges in your practice, think about what systems you can simplify or package differently. Small operational changes can lead to meaningful growth. If this episode sparked ideas or raised questions, share your thoughts or reach out. These conversations are where the best improvements start.

    16 min
  3. APR 6

    Shockwave Therapy Checklist for Podiatry Practices

    Shockwave therapy is becoming a major revenue driver in podiatry practices. But many podiatrists invest in the equipment without a clear system to use it effectively. This episode breaks down how to evaluate whether shockwave therapy fits your practice model. Learn how to improve patient acceptance, choose the right device, and integrate it into your treatment protocols. We also cover staffing, pricing, and why belief in the treatment matters. If you’re considering adding shockwave, this is a practical decision-making guide. KEYWORDS podiatry shockwave therapy shockwave therapy podiatry practice extracorporeal shockwave therapy foot plantar fasciitis treatment podiatry Achilles tendinopathy treatment podiatry cash pay podiatry services podiatry practice revenue growth medical device ROI podiatry shockwave therapy patient acceptance podiatry ultrasound diagnosis radial vs focused shockwave shockwave therapy equipment podiatry podiatry business systems reduce cortisone injections podiatry tendonitis treatment foot ankle podiatry clinical protocols healthcare private pay services podiatry efficiency systems shockwave therapy training podiatry podiatry technology investment HASHTAGS #Podiatry #ShockwaveTherapy #PlantarFasciitis #AchillesTendinopathy #FootAndAnkle #PracticeGrowth #HealthcareBusiness #CashPayMedicine #MedicalDevices #ClinicEfficiency #PodiatryLife #PracticeManagement #MSKMedicine #PrivatePractice #RevenueGrowth DESCRIPTION Are you thinking about buying a shockwave machine but unsure if it will actually work in your practice? In this episode, Don breaks down the key questions every podiatrist should ask before investing in shockwave therapy. He covers patient acceptance, how to position the treatment in your care pathway, and why belief in the technology directly impacts results. He also explains the differences between radial and focused devices, how to test equipment before buying, and why ultrasound plays a critical role in both diagnosis and conversion. You’ll learn how to structure shockwave as a cash-pay service, when to replace cortisone injections, and how to decide whether a technician or doctor should perform treatments. If you’re looking to increase revenue while improving outcomes for tendon and plantar fascia conditions, this episode gives you a clear, experience-based framework you can apply immediately. [14:30] Radial vs focused shockwave explained simply [16:10] How to choose the right device for your practice [17:40] Using trial machines to build confidence [19:00] Cash pay vs insurance: what actually works [20:30] ROI thinking and multi-doctor practices [22:00] Why belief in shockwave drives patient acceptance [23:40] Learning curve: getting better results over time [25:10] Why you should observe another doctor first [26:30] Avoiding overly aggressive treatments [27:40] Final checklist before buying a machine

    12 min
  4. Million Dollar Practice Formula (Audio - Chapter 13-14)

    APR 3

    Million Dollar Practice Formula (Audio - Chapter 13-14)

    Download my free book - ⁠www.podiatrypracticemastery.com/book⁠ Procedures can dramatically change podiatry practice growth. Many podiatrists stay stuck in low-value visits and never build treatment plans around procedures. This episode explains how to use procedures to improve patient outcomes and increase visit value. Don walks through plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, nail fungus, warts, neuromas, fractures, ingrown nails, and more. He explains when to use shockwave, amniotic injections, orthotics, wound care, and office procedures. This is a practical podiatry practice management episode focused on better systems, better care, and higher-value treatment plans. KEYWORDS podiatry procedures increase visit value podiatry podiatry practice management shockwave therapy podiatry amniotic injections podiatry orthotics podiatry plantar fasciitis treatment podiatry Achilles tendinitis treatment podiatry nail fungus treatment podiatry wart treatment podiatry Morton’s neuroma treatment metatarsalgia treatment podiatry posterior tibial tendonitis treatment hallux rigidus treatment podiatry stress fracture treatment podiatry office procedures podiatry patient treatment plans podiatry podiatry revenue growth high value visits podiatry clinical systems podiatry private practice podiatry patient outcomes podiatry practice efficiency podiatry HASHTAGS #Podiatry #PracticeGrowth #HealthcareBusiness #MedicalPractice #ShockwaveTherapy #Orthotics #PatientCare #FootAndAnkle #PlantarFasciitis #AchillesTendinitis #NailFungus #WartTreatment #WoundCare #RevenueGrowth #PrivatePractice DESCRIPTION Are you stuck doing high-volume, low-value visits instead of using procedures to solve problems more completely? In this episode, Don explains how procedures can increase both patient outcomes and practice revenue when they are built into the right treatment plans. He contrasts low-value repetitive visits with higher-value care built around shockwave, amniotic injections, orthotics, office nail procedures, biopsies, wound care, and simple in-office surgical options. The focus is not on pushing procedures for revenue, but on offering the best solution with more confidence and structure. He also breaks down the most profitable diagnosis categories in his practice and shows how he thinks through phase one and phase two treatment options. From plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis to nail fungus, warts, neuromas, metatarsalgia, fractures, and ingrown nails, this episode gives podiatrists a practical roadmap for matching diagnosis, motivation, and treatment intensity. TIMESTAMPS [00:00] Why procedures drive higher-value podiatry visits [01:15] The difference between busy practices and profitable practices [02:35] High-value procedures in Don’s practice [04:05] Why procedures should follow the best treatment plan [05:20] Common mistakes in recommending procedures [06:35] How to present procedures without pressure [07:50] Building procedures into structured treatment plans [09:05] Why diagnosis matters more than volume [10:10] Using phase one and phase two treatment pathways [11:30] Scripts to test patient motivation and interest [13:10] Handling objections about price and insurance [15:00] Plantar fasciitis: shockwave, amnio, and orthotics [17:00] Achilles and tendon conditions treatment roadmap [18:30] Nail fungus treatment plans and fungal kits [19:50] Wart treatment pathways and follow-up strategy [21:00] Morton’s neuroma and metatarsalgia options [22:40] Posterior tibial tendonitis and hallux rigidus care [24:05] Stress fractures and faster return to activity [25:10] Fat pad atrophy and ingrown nail procedures [26:20] Nail trauma, bunions, hammertoes, and diabetic foot care [27:15] Pre-op visits, office surgery, wound care, and balance care KEY TAKEAWAY Higher-value podiatry growth comes from matching the right diagnosis with the right procedure-based treatment plan, not from simply seeing more patients.

    28 min
  5. Million Dollar Practice Formula (Audio - Chapter 10-12)

    APR 3

    Million Dollar Practice Formula (Audio - Chapter 10-12)

    Download my free book - ⁠www.podiatrypracticemastery.com/book⁠ Orthotics and DME play a major role in podiatry practice management. Many podiatrists underuse orthotics, braces, night splints, and in-office dispensing even when they improve outcomes. This episode explains how orthotics support healing, reduce recurrence, and create long-term patient value. Don also breaks down how DME and dispensing systems can increase visit value without adding more patient volume. Learn how to build better treatment plans for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, nail fungus, and other common foot conditions. This is a practical episode on combining biomechanics, patient education, and revenue systems in podiatry. KEYWORDS podiatry orthotics custom orthotics podiatry podiatry practice management DME podiatry durable medical equipment podiatry in-office dispensing podiatry podiatry revenue growth visit value podiatry plantar fasciitis orthotics Achilles tendinitis orthotics custom foot orthotics podiatry biomechanics night splint podiatry cam boot podiatry medical practice revenue patient education podiatry shockwave and orthotics podiatry treatment systems healthcare business systems private practice podiatry nail fungus treatment kit podiatry dispensing systems HASHTAGS #Podiatry #Orthotics #PracticeGrowth #HealthcareBusiness #DME #MedicalPractice #FootAndAnkle #Biomechanics #PlantarFasciitis #AchillesTendinitis #CustomOrthotics #PatientCare #ClinicSystems #RevenueGrowth #PrivatePractice DESCRIPTION Are you underusing orthotics, braces, and in-office products that could improve outcomes and increase practice revenue at the same time? In this episode, Don breaks down orthotics as one of the most overlooked growth opportunities in podiatry. He explains why custom orthotics matter, how to present them more effectively, and how to answer the common objections patients have about price, insurance, and over-the-counter alternatives. He also shares how orthotics fit into broader treatment plans alongside shockwave, stretching, and long-term prevention. The episode also expands into DME and in-office dispensing, including night splints, cam boots, braces, antifungal kits, creams, and prefab inserts. Don shows how clear systems, staff training, and condition-based protocols make these tools easier to recommend, easier for patients to accept, and more profitable for the practice. TIMESTAMPS [00:00] Why orthotics are a hidden revenue opportunity [01:10] How orthotics create long-term patient value [02:10] The mindset mistakes that limit orthotic recommendations [03:20] Demonstrating biomechanics so patients understand the need [05:10] Using gait analysis and ultrasound to improve acceptance [06:30] Handling patient objections about cost and alternatives [08:10] How to explain orthotics simply and confidently [09:30] Combining orthotics with shockwave and treatment plans [10:40] Tracking orthotic acceptance in your practice [11:20] Why DME improves both outcomes and profitability [12:30] Building systems for night splints, cam boots, and braces [14:20] Bilateral night splints and clearer patient instructions [15:30] Why sending DME out of office costs you revenue [16:20] In-office dispensing systems that actually work [17:20] Condition-based product bundles for better compliance [18:30] Avoiding Amazon competition and improving convenience [19:20] Training staff and standardizing product recommendations KEY TAKEAWAY Orthotics, DME, and in-office dispensing work best when they are built into a clear treatment system. When patients understand the purpose and your team follows a consistent process, acceptance and revenue both increase. Conclusion This episode is a strong reminder that growth does not always come from seeing more patients. Often it comes from better systems, clearer communication, and more complete treatment plans. What would happen in your practice if orthotics, DME, and dispensing were presented the same way every time?

    20 min
  6. Million Dollar Practice Formula (Audio - Chapter 8-9)

    APR 3

    Million Dollar Practice Formula (Audio - Chapter 8-9)

    Structured treatment plans are essential in podiatry practice management. Many podiatrists treat visits in isolation, leading to inconsistent outcomes and low patient retention. This episode explains how to build a treatment roadmap that guides patients from diagnosis to recovery. Learn how to standardize care for plantar fasciitis, nail fungus, and warts. Discover how treatment structure increases compliance and predictability. The episode also breaks down how to increase visit value without increasing patient volume. This is a practical system for improving both outcomes and revenue in a podiatry clinic. KEYWORDS podiatry practice management treatment roadmap podiatry patient treatment plans podiatry increase visit value podiatry podiatry revenue systems plantar fasciitis protocol nail fungus treatment podiatry wart treatment podiatry shockwave therapy podiatry podiatry workflow systems healthcare business growth patient retention strategies clinical systems podiatry orthotics practice growth podiatry efficiency medical practice revenue case acceptance systems podiatry patient education healthcare operations systems private practice podiatry HASHTAGS #Podiatry #PracticeGrowth #HealthcareBusiness #MedicalPractice #PatientCare #FootAndAnkle #PlantarFasciitis #NailFungus #WartTreatment #ShockwaveTherapy #Orthotics #ClinicSystems #PatientRetention #RevenueGrowth #PrivatePractice DESCRIPTION Why do patients fall off your schedule when they don’t improve—and how can you prevent that with a clear treatment plan? In this episode, Don introduces the “treatment roadmap,” a structured system that replaces one-off visits with a step-by-step care plan. He walks through real examples for musculoskeletal conditions, warts, and nail fungus, showing how to guide patients from diagnosis through advanced treatments like shockwave, orthotics, and procedures. The focus is on clarity, predictability, and keeping patients engaged throughout the recovery process. He also breaks down the concept of visit value and explains why increasing value per visit is more effective than simply seeing more patients. By combining procedures, in-office dispensing, and structured treatment programs, podiatrists can improve outcomes while significantly increasing revenue. TIMESTAMPS [00:00] Introduction to the treatment roadmap concept [01:10] The problem with isolated patient visits [02:15] Why structured treatment plans improve outcomes [03:10] Using treatment sheets to map the full journey [04:20] Visit 1: diagnosis, education, and initial care [06:00] Introducing advanced treatments early (shockwave) [07:45] Visits 2–6: progressing care and imaging decisions [09:20] Orthotics, injections, and follow-up structure [10:50] Managing additional patient concerns during care [12:10] Wart treatment roadmap and treatment selection [14:00] Nail fungus roadmap and treatment pathways [16:00] Why patients disengage without clear plans [17:10] How to build your own treatment systems [18:20] Understanding visit value vs patient volume [19:30] Simple math to reach $1M in practice revenue [20:30] Procedures, DME, and in-office dispensing strategies [21:20] Tracking and improving your most valuable visits KEY TAKEAWAY A structured treatment roadmap keeps patients engaged, improves outcomes, and increases revenue—without needing to see more patients. Conclusion If your treatment approach is still visit-to-visit, it’s time to build a clear roadmap for your top conditions. Start simple, standardize it, and train your team to follow it consistently. What would change in your practice if every patient knew exactly what comes next?

    22 min

About

🚀 Podiatry Practice Mastery — Grow Your Podiatry Practice to $1M+ Without Working More Hours Are you a podiatrist ready to scale your practice to 7 figures and beyond — without burning out? Podiatry Practice Mastery is the podcast for growth-driven podiatrists who want to increase revenue, improve patient flow, and build efficient systems — without adding more clinic hours or sacrificing their quality of life. - Get my Free Million Dollar Practice Formula Book - https://www.podiatrypracticemastery.com/book

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