A comprehensive
disaster plan
can help your
practice survive a
catastrophic event.
By Chelan David
36 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 | MedEsthetics
AS THE PAST HANDFUL of years has taught us, disasters���both man-made
and natural���can strike in any place, at any time. If unprepared, a medical
practitioner might be forced to close his practice, which could have devastating
long-term consequences on the physician, patients and staf members.
A well-crafted disaster plan is critical in ensuring a business��� survival in the
aftermath of a catastrophe. Not only does proactively preparing a solid plan put
an organization in position to re-emerge from the disaster swiftly, it also enables a
practice to attract business from competitors who were not as well prepared.
���Preparing for the worst builds resiliency and provides a competitive edge,���
says Aaron Kruger, a consultant with Disaster Preparedness Consulting
(disasterconsulting.biz). ���Many physicians do not think about continuity
planning, so they take longer to reopen following a disruption. If a medical ofce
has a plan, opens sooner and communicates that it���s open, it is possible to gain
patients from those ofces that remain closed.���
�� THINKSTOCK/STOCKBYTE
Dealing
with
Disaster