Angie's post is golden...

Angie's post proves the potential. If they were paying their employees $7/hour to do the work then they were making money simply by going out and finding the customers.

One of my friends locally makes an incredible income. He gave up being a paramedic and used his connections with a couple of doctors. His offer to them was simple. He would come in periodically (as often as they wished to contract him) and clean their offices. Not just a regular cleaning mind you but one that covered the blood bourne pathogens. His training as a medic allowed him to know how to go about doing this safely and thoroughly. He obtained a license through the state for the service and he was off.

Now he works only 3 days (well actually nights) a week and he clears 6 figures. He has actually had to turn new clients down because he doesn't choose to work more hours. Noone else locally is offering the same service he provides. He wipes down all surfaces, inspects areas for needles and such, and basically assures that the office is safe for both patients as well as staff. He wears a HEPA mask, gloves, and a plastic apron as he works and he uses two different chemical cleaners that leave the offices both clean as well as fresh.

This is very telling. Physicians hire staff who they know will be able to get the job done effectively and efficiently. The whole reason most doctors offices are well staffed is because each speciality within the office requires another person on hand to perform it. (lab tech, x-ray, physical therapy, and more) The more capable staff members a doctor has on his staff the less he has to send patients elsewhere to provide services. Some of the local docs I know even have massage therapist on hand. The doctor prescribes the therapy, the session(s) are scheduled and billed to insurance (if the doc writes a script for it most insurances allow it at least for a certain period depending upon the reason why it is being prescribed), and the patient is treated. All in a "one-stop" medical shop. Have you ever noticed how many things you doctor does now? They don't just bring you in, examine you, and treat you with simple medication. Most doctor's offices offer just about everything in one place.

But this means that they have more appointments.

Appointments for therapy.

For exams.

For specialty exams. (CT, bloodwork, ultrasound, and such)

Follow-up exams.

Counseling sessions.

And the list goes on.

So...

Yes indeed the modern doctor's office would hire a specialist whose only responsibility is to assure that patients remember their appointments. Someone to schedule new appointments, follow-ups, and specialties.

Based on my knowledge of the docs locally I think there is a HUGE potential market.