Podcast Summary: Med Spa CEO – "Packaging Success: A New Model for Healthcare Providers" with Christa Elza
Release Date: March 12, 2025
Host: Heather Terveen
Guest: Christa Elza
Introduction
In the episode titled "Packaging Success: A New Model for Healthcare Providers," Heather Terveen welcomes Christa Elza, a family practice nurse practitioner and founder of Elive Health, to discuss innovative approaches in integrating functional medicine with aesthetics. This conversation delves into how packaging services can enhance patient outcomes, differentiate med spas in a competitive market, and increase business profitability without sacrificing personal well-being.
Guest Background and Elive Health
Christa Elza shares her journey from primary care to functional medicine, emphasizing her commitment to addressing the root causes of health issues.
"[00:40] A: ...functional medicine, which is really the study of root cause, cause of why we experience symptoms..."
Christa founded Elive Health in Texas to provide a holistic practice that not only focuses on health span—ensuring patients feel their best decades into the future—but also integrates aesthetic services to help patients look as good as they feel. This dual focus stems from her observation that those seeking to improve their health often desire aesthetic enhancements as well.
The Functional Medicine Approach
Christa elaborates on her functional medicine practices, primarily catering to women aged 30-60, but also serving men who are increasingly seeking comprehensive health solutions.
"[03:18] A: ...personalized approach to their own health issues with extensive lab work, all of that really helps us pinpoint what they personally need to get back on track."
"[06:03] A: ...solving the problem. I'm not just going on guidelines... it's a different mindset."
She utilizes various diagnostic tests—blood, stool, saliva, urine—to uncover underlying health drivers, enabling personalized treatment plans. Christa emphasizes preventative care, aiming to extend patients' health span by addressing issues before they escalate into chronic conditions.
Transition to Aesthetic Services
Recognizing that health and appearance are interconnected, Christa integrated aesthetic services into her practice to provide a more comprehensive wellness experience.
"[01:39] A: ...there was a missing link there. And so from the functional medicine standpoint, I Thought, let's add onto that."
This integration ensures that patients not only feel healthier but also achieve their desired aesthetic goals, thus enhancing overall satisfaction and loyalty.
Packaging Success: The Core Concept
A significant portion of the discussion centers around packaging services to offer comprehensive, result-driven solutions for patients, moving beyond ad-hoc treatments.
"[17:33] A: ...putting things in packages helps to explain... this is about we want you to actually get the result that you came in here for."
By bundling services into packages, Christa ensures that patients receive a structured and accountable treatment plan. This approach contrasts with traditional models where patients might receive one-off treatments without follow-up, leading to suboptimal outcomes.
Benefits of Structured Packages
Implementing packaged services offers multiple advantages:
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Enhanced Patient Accountability and Follow-Up: Continuous engagement ensures patients adhere to their treatment plans, leading to better health and aesthetic results.
"[00:00] A: ...without some accountability, without some kind of follow up..."
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Differentiation in the Market: Offering comprehensive packages sets Elive Health apart from typical med spas that provide isolated services.
"[15:47] A: ...I didn't want to be categorized as just another med spa in our town."
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Streamlined Operations for Practitioners: Having predefined packages reduces decision fatigue for providers, allowing them to deliver consistent and reliable results efficiently.
"[20:22] B: ...this helps keep some of the pressure and the confusion off of the provider as well..."
Implementing MedSpa Advantage (MSA) Programs
Christa discusses her collaboration with MedSpa Advantage (MSA) and how it has impacted her business operations and growth.
"[25:51] A: ...the organization of the back end modules are really helpful..."
"[25:56] B: ...the secret to success is support..."
Key Components of MSA That Benefited Christa:
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Back-End Modules: Organized resources that she can access as needed, allowing flexibility amidst her busy schedule.
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Staff Training Access: Empowering her team with direct access to training materials ensures consistent implementation of strategies without overburdening her.
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Group Calls and Community Support: Regular interaction with peers offers emotional support, normalization of challenges, and collaborative problem-solving.
"[29:19] B: ...the secret to success is support...."
"[22:47] A: ...it just adds more trust and it does allow the provider to come across as much more knowledgeable and professional..."
Strategic Frameworks and Mindset
Christa highlights the importance of having a structured process and the right mindset to manage both business growth and personal well-being.
"[23:46] A: ...I've learned that just over time, to throw everything at someone at one time feels really, really crazy."
"[33:42] B: ...handling upper limit problems and nervous system regulation..."
She emphasizes:
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Systematic Approaches: Implementing step-by-step plans avoids overwhelming patients and practitioners alike.
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Mindset Modules: Addressing the psychological aspects of business growth ensures sustainable progress without burnout.
Future Plans and Goals
Looking ahead to 2025, Christa outlines ambitious plans to expand her practice and personal brand.
"[34:21] A: ...create a little bit more of a back end DIY modules, much like what you have..."
"[36:28] B: ...check her out as well."
Key Goals for 2025:
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Online Program Expansion: Developing DIY modules to broaden her reach and provide accessible health guidance.
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Collaborative Initiatives: Partnering with her husband, a pilot, to create specialized health programs for aviation professionals, addressing unique challenges like irregular schedules and lifestyle stresses.
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Enhanced Community Outreach: Continuing to grow her local presence while leveraging online platforms to serve a wider audience.
Conclusion
Christa Elza's integration of functional medicine with aesthetic services through packaged offerings exemplifies a forward-thinking model for med spa and healthcare providers. Her collaboration with MedSpa Advantage has further streamlined her operations and supported her growth, allowing her to deliver exceptional results for her patients while maintaining a balanced personal life. This episode provides valuable insights for med spa owners seeking to innovate their service delivery and enhance both profitability and patient satisfaction.
Connect with Christa Elza:
- Website: Live-Health.com
- Instagram: @kristaelza
Join MedSpa Advantage:
If you're a boutique, results-driven med spa owner aiming to grow your revenue profitably without compromising your well-being, consider joining MedSpa Advantage. Apply and learn more at heatherturveen.com/apply.