Walk-Ins Welcome: A Healthcare Marketing Podcast

Ep. 210: 2025 Year in Review

This week, Nick and Michael are cracking open the stats—and the gratitude—as they reflect on the year you helped build. In this upbeat, data-packed, end-of-year episode, the guys pull back the curtain on what 2025 looked like for the Walk-Ins Welcome podcast, from wild growth metrics to the one episode that absolutely crushed it (hint: it’s all about the front desk). You’ll hear the full behind-the-scenes scoop, from Spotify Wrapped insights to stories from the road and what’s coming for 2026. Spoiler: there’s a mastermind. And yes, we’re finally redoing the studio. Here’s what’s inside: 📈 71% increase in listening time—and what that means 👥 999% growth in new audience (yes, seriously) 📹 Why video content is part of the next evolution 🏆 Episode 189 (with Ava Winslow of Flip AI) and why it resonated 🎧 How you helped land Walk-Ins Welcome in the top 15% of videos on Spotify 💌 Why being one of the most shared podcasts on Spotify means more than you know 💡 A sneak peek at the 2026 PCMP Mastermind—and how to join the waitlist Nick and Michael also get real about what makes this community of urgent care pros so special—and why your loyalty, shares, and feedback keep this whole thing going. 🔗 Resources & Mentions: * 2026 Clinic Growth Mastermind: An upcoming in-person gathering for urgent care leaders to share what's working, what's not, and how to grow together—no vendors, no pitches, just real collaboration. 📥 Join the waitlist: https://clinicgrowthmastermind.com/ * Episode 189: Ava Winslow from Flip AI: The most popular episode of 2025, diving into how AI is reshaping the front desk and improving patient experience. ▶️ https://open.spotify.com/episode/2YCHjJDTWmT70t49Ok3xyJ?si=zhHkuKGOR-y6DTvIpi-iqg * Flip CX: A trusted AI voice solution that PCMP recommends for front desk automation. 🔗 https://flipcx.com/ * YouTube Channel: Every episode is available in full video format. If you haven’t watched the podcast yet, now’s the time.📺 https://www.youtube.com/@patientcaremarketingpros9205 * Contact PCMP: Got a question, comment, or just want to send Nick a little love after he joked about not being popular enough? 😂 📬 hello@patientcaremarketingpros.com 💬 Stay Connected: Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content. Website: https://patientcaremarketingpros.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patientcaremarketingpros LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patient-care-marketing-pros/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9nwkAwIyiVvsLTWGoeRbWA Want to be a guest, recommend someone for the show, or ask a question? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at hello@patientcaremarketingpros.com 🎵 Intro/Outro Music by Devin Smith:  https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UdQjNXnACFE2VpkEoP8v2?si=pDx5jsgtRFOtwrpMOKOkuQ

Ep. 209: Value vs. Vanity Metrics: What Urgent Care Centers Should Really Be Measuring

This week’s episode features a clip from our recent webinar, "Value vs. Vanity Metrics," a candid conversation about which numbers actually matter in urgent care marketing. Too many clinics are still chasing clicks instead of patients, and it’s costing them big. We’re cutting through the noise and focusing on what really drives growth. We cover:📊 The difference between branding metrics and growth metrics💸 Why impressions, likes, and clicks can mislead your budget📞 What “real” conversions look like (and how to track them)📉 How to calculate your true cost per lead and cost per patient🔁 Why repeat visits matter more than you think📍 What local search visibility actually means — and how to improve it If you’re planning for a more profitable 2026, this episode will help you define success with metrics that matter — and finally hold your marketing accountable for real results. 🔗 Resources & Mentions:Access the webinar: https://webinars.patientcaremarketingpros.com/value-vs-vanity [https://webinars.patientcaremarketingpros.com/value-vs-vanity] 💬 Stay Connected: Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content. Website: https://patientcaremarketingpros.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patientcaremarketingpros LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patient-care-marketing-pros/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9nwkAwIyiVvsLTWGoeRbWA Want to be a guest, recommend someone for the show, or ask a question? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at hello@patientcaremarketingpros.com 🎵 Intro/Outro Music by Devin Smith:  https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UdQjNXnACFE2VpkEoP8v2?si=pDx5jsgtRFOtwrpMOKOkuQ

Ep. 208: The Strange Connection Between Storm Patterns and Healthcare Visits

Nick and Michael are diving into one of the strangest, most unexpected trends affecting urgent care patient volume in 2025. What do Google search trends, flu season, and a total lack of hurricanes have in common? More than you think. In this data-backed (but totally human) episode, the guys break down a theory that’s been stirring in real client conversations, Google Trends graphs, and a surprising comment from Alabama’s favorite weatherman. Here’s what they unpack: 🌡️ Why urgent care search demand is down 20–30% compared to last year 💻 How real-time Google Trends can reveal hidden shifts in patient behavior 💰 Why fewer people are “sick enough” to justify a copay right now 🌪️ What hurricane pressure systems have to do with sinus drainage and clinic visits 🧠 The mindset behind skipped visits—and what it means for your marketing 📉 What clinic owners can (and can’t) control when volume dips This episode is part insight, part weather report, and 100% focused on helping you understand what’s really happening with patient behavior right now so you can lead with clarity and prepare for what’s next. 🔗 Resources & Mentions: * Join the Clinic Growth Mastermind Wait List! https://clinicgrowthmastermind.com/ [https://clinicgrowthmastermind.com/] * Google Trends: https://trends.google.com/ [https://trends.google.com/] * James Spann (Alabama Meteorologist): https://abc3340.com/weather [https://abc3340.com/weather] * Learn about Patient Care Marketing Pros' 90-Day Patient Acquisition Framework: https://patientcaremarketingpros.com/schedule-a-call/ [https://patientcaremarketingpros.com/schedule-a-call/] 💬 Stay Connected: Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content. Website: https://patientcaremarketingpros.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patientcaremarketingpros LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patient-care-marketing-pros/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9nwkAwIyiVvsLTWGoeRbWA Want to be a guest, recommend someone for the show, or ask a question? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at hello@patientcaremarketingpros.com 🎵 Intro/Outro Music by Devin Smith:  https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UdQjNXnACFE2VpkEoP8v2?si=pDx5jsgtRFOtwrpMOKOkuQ

Ep. 207: Healing Healthcare with Insight, Innovation, and Intention - Interview with Josh Russell, MD, Chief Medical Officer at UCP Merchant Medicine

When it comes to urgent care, Dr. Josh Russell is the real deal. Chief Medical Officer at UCP Merchant Medicine, editor of UC Max and CorePendium, AI advisor, board-certified medical editor, and now host of the new podcast The Focused Exam—Dr. Russell brings the rare mix of clinical excellence, tech-savvy, and straight-up curiosity that today’s medical landscape desperately needs. In this episode, Nick and Michael sit down with Dr. Russell to explore the real-world impact of AI in urgent care and how tools like Intellivisit are redefining patient flow, documentation, and burnout. From automating charting and streamlining care delivery to teaching clinicians how to embrace a growth mindset, Josh unpacks how AI—when done right—can help bring humanity back to medicine. And yes, we also talk DJ names, Jeopardy dreams, and the one thing patients really want (but rarely ask for) in a visit. 🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: 🧑‍🏫 Why “doctor” still means “teacher”—and how patient education drives retention💻 How Intellivisit is reshaping workflow, documentation, and decision support⏳ What AI can (and can’t) do to fix burnout and reclaim time with patients🩺 Why the biggest shift clinicians need to make isn’t technical—it’s mental🎧 How Dr. Russell is using DJing, podcasting, and entrepreneurship to beat burnout and expand what it means to be a modern physician 🧠 About Our Guest:Dr. Josh Russell is the Chief Medical Officer at UCP Merchant Medicine, a board-certified emergency physician, medical editor, and host of the upcoming podcast The Focused Exam. With deep experience in clinical care, AI-powered workflow design, health tech strategy, and physician coaching, Dr. Russell is on a mission to rewire what success looks like for modern clinicians. He’s also a trivia enthusiast, aspiring Jeopardy contestant, and hobbyist DJ under the name Ultra Sound. No, really. 🔗 Resources & Mentions: * Learn more about Intellivisit → intellivisit.com [https://www.intellivisit.com/] * Explore Josh’s work and podcast → thefocusedexam.com [https://thefocusedexam.com/] * Connect with Dr. Josh Russell on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/joshua-russell-md [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-russell-md/] 💬 Stay Connected: Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content. Website: https://patientcaremarketingpros.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patientcaremarketingpros LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patient-care-marketing-pros/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9nwkAwIyiVvsLTWGoeRbWA Want to be a guest, recommend someone for the show, or ask a question? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at hello@patientcaremarketingpros.com 🎵 Intro/Outro Music by Devin Smith:  https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UdQjNXnACFE2VpkEoP8v2?si=pDx5jsgtRFOtwrpMOKOkuQ

Ep. 206: The Cost of Digital Marketing: What Clinics Need to Know Before They Budget

This week’s episode features a clip from our recent webinar, The Cost of Digital Marketing — a deep dive into what urgent care owners and operators really need to know about marketing budgets in 2026. We’re breaking down the dollars, data, and decisions that drive real growth — not just clicks. We cover: 💰 Why marketing costs are rising even with AI on the scene 📈 How to budget smarter for awareness, conversion, and retention 🌐 Why your website is your digital brick-and-mortar — and what it should actually cost 🔍 How to find your ad spend “sweet spot” without wasting dollars ⚙️ The systems that separate sustainable growth from guesswork 💡 Common mistakes clinics make (and how to fix them before next year) If you’re setting your marketing budget for 2026, this episode will help you make confident, informed decisions — and understand exactly where your money should be going. 🎙️ Don’t miss what’s next: Join our upcoming live webinar on Thursday, November 20, where we’ll dig into Value vs. Vanity Metrics — how to stop chasing empty numbers Register here: https://webinars.patientcaremarketingpros.com/value-vs-vanity [https://webinars.patientcaremarketingpros.com/value-vs-vanity] 🔗 Resources & Mentions: Access the webinar: https://webinars.patientcaremarketingpros.com/cost-of-marketing 💬 Stay Connected: Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content. Website: https://patientcaremarketingpros.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patientcaremarketingpros LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patient-care-marketing-pros/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9nwkAwIyiVvsLTWGoeRbWA Want to be a guest, recommend someone for the show, or ask a question? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Email us at hello@patientcaremarketingpros.com 🎵 Intro/Outro Music by Devin Smith: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UdQjNXnACFE2VpkEoP8v2?si=pDx5jsgtRFOtwrpMOKOkuQ