Avoid the 5 pitfalls of laser therapy integration in practice

AVOID THE 5 PITFALLS OF LASER THERAPY INTEGRATION IN PRACTICE

During STEP-2, we reviewed the limitations of laser therapy and how advanced K-Laser technology can overcome them.

Moving on to STEP-3, we will analyze the five common pitfalls that practitioners encounter when introducing laser therapy into their practice. We will also discuss strategies for avoiding these issues and building a successful practice over time.

The 5 pitfalls of laser Therapy integration in practice

Non-compliance with Australian standards and laser safety requirements
Incomplete training with your laser device
Poor on-going clinical and technical support
Improper implementation strategy
Inefficient communication strategy

Pitfall 1 - Non-compliance with Australian standards and laser safety requirements

Non-compliance with Australian Standards and laser safety regulations can result in potential liability issues in case of an accident or inquiry from government bodies. At K-Laser, as laser specialists, we guide practitioners to follow the appropriate guidelines specific to their state to ensure the safety of their patients, staff, and business while providing the best care.

As part of purchasing a K-Laser device, we provide:

Guidance for laser license applications (when required)
Radiation safety protection plan (when required)
Guidance on laser room safety
A laser safety course and certificate, that is specific to the practitioner's profession and type of applications, for all staff

Regardless of the specific requirements in each state, we aim to train all K-Laser practitioners to the highest safety standards. This ensures that professionals using K-Laser devices are likely to be compliant with any new laws introduced by unregulated states or required by their professional insurance.

Pitfall 2 - Incomplete training with your laser device

Incomplete laser training can lead to lower treatment efficiency, resulting in a loss of trust in the laser device by both clinicians and patients. This can slow down the launch of the new laser service.

When you purchase a K-Laser device, you receive fully comprehensive training on how to use the laser unit. This includes learning the protocols for various conditions and how to apply the K-Laser on your patients.

The K-Laser software automatically calculates the dosage and parameters based on the patient's skin type, the chronicity of the condition, and the size and type of area being treated. This ensures that treatments are precise and effective.

Even at an early stage, a K-Laser practitioner can quickly gain full confidence in treating patients for a seamless integration of their laser service. With proper training and the K-Laser's advanced technology, practitioners can provide effective treatments and build trust with their patients.

Pitfall 3 – Poor on-going clinical and technical support

Choosing entry-level equipment and services for a practice can often lead to ruined efforts and increased losses due to poor clinical and technical support.

Each day without laser service means lost revenue and unsatisfied patients.

To avoid these issues, it is important to ask the right questions and make an informed decision when selecting a laser device for professional daily use.

Some questions to consider include:

What happens if the laser breaks?
Where is it repaired?
How long will you have to wait without laser?
How can new staff members be trained?
How can you obtain information on treating unfamiliar conditions?

As a K-Laser owner, you can rest assured that you will receive the highest level of service and support.

K-Laser provides:

Fast response times (typically a few minutes) for any technical concerns
Direct access to our clinical educator for clinical questions
Access to the K-Laser training platform for all staff
Access to the K-Laser private Facebook Group for knowledge exchange with other practitioners.

In the event of a technical issue:

K-Laser handles service and repair directly in NSW
Loaner units are available for free.

Pitfall 4 – Improper implementation strategy

Introducing a new laser modality to your practice requires careful consideration to avoid disrupting established patient habits and expectations.

Common concerns often revolve around:

The price structure
Treatment efficiency optimization
Introducing the laser service to patients
Consultation duration
Explaining the cumulative benefits of laser therapy.

The K-Laser team and community of users are available to help you discuss options based on existing business models and define the best implementation strategy for your practice, business type, and clinical interest.

Typically, K-Laser is introduced during normal consults with a small additional fee for a few minutes of treatment, so patients can immediately benefit from it. Follow-up treatments are usually provided during laser-only short consults at a lower fee, particularly for inflammation-based pathologies that are known to respond well to K-Laser therapy, such as arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, and neuralgia. Follow-up treatments maximise the cumulative effect of K-Laser therapy.

As K-Laser treatments become popular, they often develop into an additional laser-only service of the practice, usually run by assistants or nurses under direct supervision of the main practitioner.

Moreover, many practices require similar equipment in each room or location, and as K-Laser is ultra-portable (1.5kg) and can operate on its battery, a single unit can be shared between several practitioners, significantly reducing investment costs.

Pitfall 5 – Inefficient communication strategy

Implementing new laser therapy technology in a practice can be frustrating if it is not being used to its full potential.

This often happens when:

Staff members are not aware of the benefits or not committed to promoting the service,
The practice's external referral network is not informed of the new service,
Internal advertising is not prioritised,
Existing customers are not reached,
New customers are not targeted effectively.

Word-of-mouth advertising can be effective but it takes time. A structured communication strategy can help leverage its potential.

Here are some steps to consider:

Staff awareness: All staff should have knowledge of the service and be able to explain its benefits to patients or other medical practitioners.
External referral network: Practitioners who refer patients to the practice should be made aware of the new laser therapy service and its potential benefits for their patients.
Internal advertising: Advertising in the practice's premises is important to create awareness among patients and staff. Case studies, trifolds, posters, and waiting room videos can be effective.
Existing patients: Newsletters can be sent to the practice's patient base to offer the new K-Laser service.
Reaching new patients: Promoting K-Laser services through the practice's website, paid ads, and newspapers can help attract new patients.

At K-Laser, we provide guidance and material through our K-Laser Digital Library to help with each step of the communication strategy.