Med Monthly June issue

Med Monthly June 2011 | Vol. 1 Issue 2

Top 9

Best a irp restaur ort ants

Jungle Look A look inside a family pediatric dental practice

50

places for your brochure

Why dental marketing should be a team effort

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contents features 12 SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING

How to make medical practice marketing social

14 THE IMPORTANCE OF FRIENDLY STAFF

Don’t leave your patients feeling unwelcome

18 TOP 50 PLACES FOR BROCHURES And why you still need one

28 WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE

All Kids Dental has more than fun and games

Medical treatment cheaper overseas

32 SEARCH & RESCUE

How SAR dogs save lives

38 Can a jog help prevent skin cancer?

36

research and technology 10 MAGALOGS FOR TECH MARKETING

your practice 16 DENTAL OFFICE MANAGERS 20 MEDICAL MARKETING TIPS 22 IMPORTANCE OF TEAMWORK 24 MINDING YOUR Ps & Qs

healthy living 36 MEDICAL TRAVEL DESTINATIONS 38 PREVENTING SKIN CANCER 41 BACK AWAY FROM THE BUFFET

the kitchen 42 THE HEALTHY SWEET POTATO

in every issue 6 editor’s letter 26 book review

45 for sale 50 top nine

Cover photo of All Kids Dental lobby courtesy of Dr. Brie Pyszka.

What’s your practice worth?

When most doctors are asked what their practice is worth, the answer is usually, “I don’t know.”

Doctors can tell you what their practices made or lost last year, but few actually know what it’s worth.

In today’s world, expenses are rising and profits are being squeezed. A BizScore Performance Review will provide details regarding liquidity, profits & profit margins, sales, borrowing and assets.

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editor’s letter

H

Suzy Buck takes a break from her editor duties and enjoys the warmer weather outside the office.

ere at Med Monthly we are so excited to present our readers with our June issue. Each month it is our goal to provide our readers with the most compelling and interesting topics in the healthcare and medical fields.

Readers will find returning contributors as well as new faces in our pages. This month Alice Osborn writes about a pediatric dental practice in Colorado with tremendous creativity. Imagine children looking forward to visiting the dentist and leaving all smiles! I am sure everyone will enjoy the whimsy of this practice as well as learn from their marketing strategies.

Our June issue focuses on Marketing Your Practice and we have several articles devoted to that subject. We believe there is always room to grow your practice and we are here to help you do that. Our newest contributor, Mary Pat Whaley effectively communicates why practices still need a practice brochure. She goes a step further outlining what should be in your brochure and where you should distribute information on your practice.

Advice like this can only help a practice operate more efficiently whether you are a new practice or have been around for years. Bree Sullivan, another contributor, gives her input from the patient’s point of view. As busy practices provide their patients with proper medical care Bree reminds us that a smile and friendliness can keep a patient coming back.

We are also adding a few new departments to our June issue. We are happy to welcome Megan Cutter who will be providing us with a book review every month. This month Megan has reviewed The Brand Called You. Megan found this book to be helpful for all physicians no matter what size or services you are providing. Learning the effective ways to promote your business is something we can all benefit from.

We are pleased to bring the June issue to you and we look forward in the coming months to providing more stories on research, practice management, medical updates and physician profiles. I encourage our readers to contact us with suggestions, recommendations and comments. We look forward to hearing from you and hope you enjoy our June issue!

Suzy Buck Managing Editor

6 | JUNE 2011

Med Monthly June 2011

Publisher

Philip Driver

Managing Editor

Suzy Buck

Creative Director

Courtney Flaherty

Contributing Editor Contributors

Advertising Director Editorial Intern

Alice Osborn Bree Sullivan Cathy Warschaw Kimberly Licata Lenox Powell Mary Pat Whaley Megan Cutter Shauna Smith Duty Bill Turner Megan Goodfellow

Subscription Information Subscriptions are $69 for one year or $89 for two years. Individual copies are $5.95 each. To subscribe call 919.747.9031 or visit medmonthly.com Med Monthly is a national monthly magazine committed to providing insights about the health care profession, current events, what’s working and what’s not in the health care industry, as well as practical advice for physicians and practices.

We are currently accepting articles to be considered for publication. For more information on writing for Med Monthly, check out our writer’s guidelines at medmontly.com/writersguidelines.

P.O. Box 98313 Raleigh, NC 27624 medmedia9@gmail.com Online 24/7 at medmonthly.com

contributors Bree Sullivan is an office administrator residing in North Carolina. She is recently married and she and her husband share the love of two golden retrievers.

Bree recently became interested in writing and looks forward to publishing several articles with Med Monthly.

Cathy Warschaw is the Director of the Warschaw Learning Institute. She has participated in hotel management overseas, owned an international restaurant, supported and worked on the boards of a number of multi-cultural organizations. Cathy is also the Director of the Dental Management Club a unique membership site for dentists and dental team members worldwide.

Lenox Powell is a freelance copywriter for resultsdriven marketers in the medical device technology industry. She helps these innovative B2B companies improve volume and quality of prospects, shorten sales cycles, and enhance customer lifetime value through strategic and extremely well-targeted copy. You can contact Lenox at: lenox@lenoxpowellcopywriting.com.

Mary Pat Whaley, FACMPE is Board Certified in Healthcare Management and a Fellow in the American College of Medical Practice Executives. She has worked in healthcare and healthcare management for 25 years. She can be contacted at marypatwhaley@gmail.com.

Shauna Smith Duty has written and edited numerous websites, articles, advertisements, and blogs. She is President and C.O.O at Modern Dental Practice Marketing, an internet marketing company that caters to the dental and medical communities. Learn more about Duty at moderndentalmarketing.com.

MEDMONTHLY.COM |7

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Today we know a lot about preventing this disease. If you smoke, quit. Eat more vegetables, fruits, and vegetarian meals.

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research & technology

Marketing device that gives medical technology buyers what they want Will magalogs replace the catalog?

By Lenox Powell

S

urvey most medical device companies and you’ll find that many have a product catalog on their website.

While rather dry and featuresfocused, catalogs still rank high as a medical marketing device.

But with marketing under more pres-

A great read: Magalogs are an effective way to provide knowledge to potential buyers

10 | JUNE 2011

sure than ever to:  increase response rates  improve efficiency  track ROI  and better align themselves with sales... ...the reality is that medical device marketing resources need to communicate your brand, increase the volume of opportunities and quality prospects, and serve as a powerful sales tool.

Enter the magalog.

This attractive, savvy, interesting cousin of the catalog looks and feels like a magazine.

Magalogs usually have color, a glossy cover, pictures and graphics, call-out boxes, and include interesting, useful stories in a more “conversational” tone.

But make no mistake-its potential to drive sales is significant.

The challenge

for traditional catalogs--be it for a medical device company or a clothing designer-- is that they mainly focus on the products features: X product is Y dimensions and uses Z materials. They do not go that extra step and elaborate on why the buyer should want it.

Magalogs, on the other hand, by the very nature of their layout, design, and content-heavy focus, help marketers fill that communication gap, and give buyers what they want.

Recent findings from a Custom Publishing Council poll show that consumers are increasingly attracted to “custom publications” like magalogs because they include useful information:  68 percent say it helps them make better purchasing decisions when companies provide product information through custom publications.  78 percent don’t mind sponsors selling their products and services through custom publications - as long as the information is interesting.  74 percent say getting information from an interesting collection of articles is more appealing than getting information from ads.  59 percent read print custom publications, whereas only 36 percent look through electronic custom publications.

Instead of the “X product is Y size” features-focused tactic, the magalog elaborates on the benefits of those features by telling the story behind the product in an enjoyable, engaging, non-threatening way.

While most medical device companies are offering a bare-bones catalog that just shows a list of all their products, innovative companies can offer a magalog.

Its layout provides the room for marketers to elaborate on why a particular adhesive or component is used, or why the device is shaped in a certain way.

But it’s not about using a magalog as a vehicle to just push your message via content. Magalogs are an extremely effective way to provide knowledge, expertise, and innovation that is focused on relating to the reader, their lifestyle and the issues they care about.

It’s the inclusion of this additional editorial that increases response rates and can help medical device marketers position their company as a thought leader and trusted advisor.

Deliverability is also impressive.

Where catalogs are often tossed aside in discerning mail rooms, magalogs get through because of their magazine-like design.

Converting the magalog into a PDF-like many medical device companies do with their catalog-enables marketers to also leverage it both offline and online.

By blending direct-response copy with editorial content and an appealing, magazine-like design, magalogs can help medical device companies build better relationships with their customers and generate interest from qualified prospects much more effectively.

What about you? If you currently use a catalog to market your medical technologies, would you consider a magalog?

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Marketing your practice with social media can be a great tool as long as you play by the rules.

12 | JUNE 2011

your practice

Social media “medical� marketing Tips on how to make health care social

By Kelly Cutler

W

hy are healthcare organizations so hesitant to join the social media movement?

Simply put, healthcare providers operate within extremely strict regulatory guidelines when it comes to marketing and communications.

The fear of those regulations and the lack of guidance are sidelining these organizations. But by not participating in social media, healthcare companies are missing out on important opportunities to increase their online presence, and engage with their customers.

The FDA and Division of Drug Marketing and Communications (DDMAC) have not yet released formal participatory guidelines. As such, we recommend to our healthcare clients that they work closely with their legal team to create a clearly defined social media policy. This is to ensure that all regulations are met until the FDA, or DDMAC, formally release guidelines.

As you get started, healthcare organizations need to look beyond direct promotion and client acquisition, and focus on engagement. Because the healthcare industry can be a difficult landscape to navigate at times, it is extremely important that the social media messaging is authentic and Article reprinted courtesy of EzineArticles.com/?Expert=Kelly_Cutler

personal. We encourage healthcare organizations to explore the opportunities within social marketing. As you get started, below are some things to take into consideration when mapping out your marketing plan.

Education Everyone involved in the marketing process needs to be educated on its importance, and how their involvement will help to bring awareness to your organization. Highlight the need to be included in the conversation that is already taking place around your brand.

People talk about healthcare, they want a response, and they want information, social media is a perfect platform for continued engagement.

Play by the rules Your legal team will be your biggest asset when creating a policy. Yes, marketers and attorneys can work together. Even though they look at the risk and the reward differently, both will still benefit greatly from the collaboration.

Rules of engagement As mentioned above, the way you avoid risk is by creating and enforcing very specific guidelines for your employees to follow when engaging in

social media. You need to be careful not to try and regulate what they do on their personal profiles. Instead establish strong controls, and set solid expectations of what you expect from your staff regarding their participation in marketing.

Ongoing analysis After you release your guidelines, continue to monitor and review your marketing program. This will help to identify potential fire drills regarding regulatory issues like privacy laws.

Humanity People choose healthcare providers based on referrals, credentials and shared values. Healthcare organizations need to remind themselves that health is of universal importance.

Humans by nature share things that evoke emotion. Social media is driven by people seeking connections. If you want a successful social media program, identify and highlight compelling stories that show the benefits of your organizations.

Social media is a very powerful communication tool that allows healthcare organizations to tell their story. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to share your message because you are scared to take a risk; consult with your online marketing agency today.

MEDMONTHLY.COM | 13

your practice A simple smiling face from your staff is enough to make your patients want to come back.

The importance of friendly staff

By Bree Sullivan

I

recently went to a dermatology appointment for a routine checkup. I should tell you first I am an Irish girl who spent her entire college career at the beach, so a dermatologist needed to be on my payroll. One day I had yet another freckle that told me I should have used 150 SPF sun block in my early twenties, so after a referral from a friend, I made an appointment with a local doctor. The doctor was great. He was friendly, a good listener and had warm hands (one of the most important qualification if you ask me) but his staff was unpleasant. No one smiled, and when I checked in the receptionist never once made eye contact with me. She instead tapped the sheet where I was to sign in and pointed at the waiting room. I eventually got called into a room where the nurse started my work up.

I was nervously chattering along, cracking jokes and attempting to make polite conversation because that is

14 | JUNE 2011

my way of dealing with anxiety. All I received back were cold responses and by the end of it I just felt ridiculous and even more nervous. It came time to book an excision the next week, meanwhile the staff member responsible for scheduling my appointment was busy speaking to another staff member about her relationship problems and made me wait until she finished her conversation. I left the office that day feeling unwelcomed and found another physician that week.

The importance of a friendly staff should never be overlooked. This applies to many businesses and services and especially in the medical profession where most patients are looking for answers to their problems. Doctors are educated in the importance of bedside manner to include the proper tone of voice, body language, and attitude to make the patient comfortable. This attention shouldn’t stop with the doctor, it should be circulated throughout the entire office.

When an employee of a doctor’s office is helpful, polite and proactive, then the recipients of this positive attitude will feel more comfortable and better about why they are in a doctor’s office in the first place. Personally, I find that a kind and caring staff member can make all the difference in the doctor patient relationship/dynamic. If a friendly nurse or receptionist can make a patient feel more comforted and welcome, then that patient might feel less anxious or discouraged, which in turn encourages a patient to open up and explain their issues more freely to their physician. I know that I get incredibly anxious at the doctor’s office and the interactions with the physician’s staff are just as important as the interaction with the physician. These solutions don’t cost money and they don’t take up extra time. They are as simple as having a friendly voice answer the phone, starting a polite conversation with a patient or just simply smiling.

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your practice

The importance of a good dental office manager And how to know if your hiring the right person

By Cathy Warschaw

D

ental office managers help your business succeed, but how do you know you are hiring the best person for the job?

Hiring an office manager to run

your dental practice is a necessity.

Your focus should be on your patients’ teeth while your office manager should be concerned with the day to day activities that come about as

a result of having a business. Otherwise, in between seeing patients, how are you supposed to: oversee the receptionist and others’ performance; handle payroll; pay the utility bills;

Your focus should be on the patient, not the daily business needs.

16 | JUNE 2011

ensure the supplies are fully stocked; deal with the insurance companies; motivate your staff; bill your patients; and the hundreds of other regular tasks in your office? The truth is, no matter how you excel at multi-tasking, your practice will suffer if you try to take this all on yourself. That is where a talented office manager can be a lifesaver.

When hiring an office manager for your dental practice, you need to find someone who is trained at the skills mentioned above and more and is a good fit for your practice. It is incredibly important to find someone who understands your personality (you might be slow to make a decision or bark out orders like a drill sergeant) and can work with you. Otherwise, you will go through all the trouble of hiring a fantastic office manager, only to have them quit due to frustration shortly after! Besides these major points, also look for someone who:  Is professional and poised (it instills confidence in your dental practice pa-

‘‘

It is incredibly important to find someone who understands your personality (you might be slow to make a decision or bark out orders like a drill sergeant) and can work with you.” tients to see staff that look the part).  Is willing to continue their dental practice office manager training  May not have dental practice experience. People skills are much more important here; the dental practice skills can be taught!  Might be from a recruitment agency; this will save you time doing background and resume checks.  Is positive and motivated about the changes they will be able to put into place to improve your dental practice.  Understands the importance of

consistently coming to work and the value of being on time.  Has a sense of loyalty (again, it does not do you any good to train someone, only to have them see the job as “temporary”).  Appreciates that every dental practice runs with a bottom line and knows how to bargain shop for supplies and necessities that do the job but are not so cheap they make doing the job difficult or impossible.  Is prepared to “do it all” in order to get the job done. This may mean filling in for the receptionist if they call in sick, staying late to handle a supply delivery or cleaning the bathroom out if a patient got a little queasy after a procedure.

Remember, your office manager is an ally in ensuring your dental practice is a success. Make sure you work together as a team to make it a win-win situation! © 2011, Dental Management Club; DentalManagementClub.com

MEDMONTHLY.COM | 17

your practice

50 Places your rejuvenated practice brochure should be And Yes! you still need a practice brochure

By Mary Pat Whaley

I

admit to being a great fan of electronic media for healthcare. My fandom, however, does not mean that I believe all paper and ink informational and marketing mediums are dead.

Because most practices have some portion of their patient population depending on paper for information and may also market to that population (whether patients or referrers), my opinion is that the practice brochure remains a viable and important piece of paper. You might want to give yours an update, though, to make it more usable and meaningful to everyone.

Using your brochure for your patients – new, established and future.

About

A brief sentence or two making it clear what ages, genders and types of problems your practice works with. You might also want to note if you do not see your patients in the hospital. A Mission Statement is a waste here – the reader wants facts. A history of the practice is also a waste here – save this for your website. You don’t even really need to itemize your providers here. Think of someone who knows nothing at all about you. Their first question is “Is this a practice I need and want?”

Your about page could even be on the front of the brochure, so the patient doesn’t have to spend time reading the entire brochure if they are not a fit for your practice. Here’s an ‘About’ example: 18| JUNE 2011

“Main Street Urology helps men and women ages 18 and older with problems such as urinary infections, kidney stones and prostate problems. We see patients in our two offices, as well as at XXX and XXX hospitals.”

New and established patients

Answer the second most common question next, which is “How do I get services?” Try to make this brochure as applicable to as many people as possible, so do not assume that the person reading the brochure has already signed on as a new patient. Consider the person that knows nothing about you and briefly describe all ways people can contact you to become a patient.  Your website – do people complete their registration electronically and do you call them to set the appointment or do they request an appointment and you e-mail a response? How is it done?  Your phone number – hopefully you are in step with the modern world and know that people don’t always think about establishing or following up on medical care during office hours. Do you have a way besides your website for patients to request appointments that are not urgent? Can they call and leave a message or do they get your answering service asking them to call back during office hours?  Stop by the office – largely discouraged by most offices, patients in the rural communities I’ve worked in know that

stopping by the office is the quickest way to get service. Do you welcome that “interruption”?  Walk-in hours, work-ins, or same-day sick visits – what is appropriate for a same-day visit? When should patients go to the emergency room or call 911?

Prescriptions

The third most-common question is about getting new prescriptions and refills. With most people hoping to get a prescription without an office visit charge (who doesn’t want to save that copay?), requests for prescriptions are one of the primary reasons most specialties are struggling to keep the phones answered. If you are not going to prescribe a new medication without an office visit, put it in writing. If all refills are obtained by calling the pharmacy, say so, and state how long it typically takes to get an existing prescription refilled. If you require a visit every 6 months for chronic illness medications, and a visit every month for chronic pain medications, say so. For practices with large numbers of chronic pain patients, spell out your terms including pain medication contracts and periodic laboratory tests.

Payments

Now is a good time to state your payment policy. What is due at time of service? What kinds of payments do you accept? Do you require a credit card on file? Do you collect deductibles and

co-insurance? Surgery or procedure deposit? Fee for no-shows? Fee for forms completion? Fee for NSF checks? Do you give discounts for self-pay patients? Do you have a sliding scale for financial need patients? Do you send statements? One of my big management philosophies is: Don’t Surprise The Patient. Don’t think it indelicate to discuss money before the visit. It is a business transaction and it is only fair to let the one paying the bill know and understand your policy upfront before the service has been rendered.

Communication

This is where most misunderstandings take place. How can you provide as many straightforward means of communication between the practice and the patient as efficiently and productively as possible?  Main practice number – should get the patient to a real person during office hours and give an alternative after hours.

Malpractice companies will tell you that patients should not be able to leave a message on the main practice number as they may assume it is monitored and your practice may have liability. For routine questions, let your answering service take a message to be passed along on the next business day, or have voice mail box for the answering service to utilize.  Automated attendant number – some patients will prefer the automated attendant, especially if your options are published on the website or in the practice brochure and patients can call any time to leave a message.  Website – should have detailed information about contacting the practice during and after office hours. If you allow or encourage non-medical emails from patients, let the writer know how and when a response will come. Make clear what types of questions are appropriate in non-encrypted email and use a secure portal or encrypted email for emails with protected health information (PHI.)

More tips for your brochure  To be as inclusive as possible, do not use medical terminology, abbreviations or jargon and aim for a readability level

of 6th grade. Use the active voice and simple, short declarative sentences, a font of 12 or more and use as few multi-syllabic words as possible. Microsoft Word 2007 and newer has a function you can turn on for a readability score at the conclusion of your spelling and grammar check.  Use as little text in paragraphs and use as many headings and bullets as possible.  Don’t cram the brochure with every little detail you can think of – keep it simple with plenty of white space.  A map is always a good idea.  Your practice name, website, phone numbers and office hours should appear

at least twice – maybe on the inside and the outside. Having the basics on both sides is helpful to patients who place your brochure on their refrigerator or tape it inside the kitchen cupboard for easy reference.  This article assumes a tri-fold brochure, but your brochure could be bigger or smaller. A tri-fold is not only easy to fold in half and stick in a pocket or a purse, it is also feasible to produce yourself.  A digital copy should be available on your website for patients to print out, either in the tri-fold style, or on standard 8 1/2” x 11”.

Make your practice brochures do double duty by providing them to:  The Welcome Wagon  The Chamber of Commerce  Real Estate offices  Rental agency offices  Hotels  Any location with a display of brochures of local events and services  Libraries and museums  Hospitals  Urgent Cares  Campgrounds, RV sites, theme parks  Sporting event locations  Spas  Hairdressers and nail salons  Malls and shopping centers  Daycares  Continuing Care Communities  School nurses  Gyms and sports clubs  Parish nurses  Churches  Any place you give a talk or program  Correspondence you send welcoming a new business to the area  Chiropractors  Complimentary Care Practitioners (accupuncture, meditation, etc.)  Convention centers  The Health Department  Employers  The State Welcome Center  State rest stops

 Service clubs (Rotary, Kiwanis, Jaycees)  Medical office programs in local schools (high schools, technical schools, vocational schools, community colleges)  Nursing programs  Other medical offices in your building or medical park  Medical employment agencies  Home Health agencies  The Red Cross  Durable Medical Equipment and Supply Stores  Dentists  Community Centers  Afterschool programs  Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians  Physical Therapists  Massage Therapists  Parks and Recreation Centers  Airports  Train stations  Bus stations  Rental car agencies  Any business or individual you buy goods or services from  Radio and television stations  Bonus #51: Give them to your new staff so they understand the fundamentals about your practice very quickly.

your practice

Medical marketing tips that will help medical practitioners thrive What marketing strategies work in a down economy

By Hi Heeman

V

ery few doctors will admit that making lots of money lies in their marketing and public relations abilities since it conflicts with their professional ego. However, most doctors can agree on the fact that attracting new patients, return patients, and patients with more disposable income is the key to running a successful practice.

In order to achieve these goals, you must have a medical marketing plan. A successful plan will prevent you from wasting money on unnecessary advertising and get the public and media exposure you need in a cost-effective manner. Particularly during these difficult economic times, it is increasingly important to expand your practice using precise marketing strategies.

The Importance of Visibility Visibility is essential because it helps to make you an authority in your field.

For example, if you are a dentist with visibility in your local area, the first person people will think of when they need to go to the dentist is you. In order to create a positive reputation for yourself and establish yourself as an authority, you have to become a 20 | JUNE 2011

beloved figure in your community. This means that people come to trust you on a personal level. You can have the latest and greatest tools and all the credentials but they won’t mean much if you don’t have visibility. Professional qualifications are overrated, in fact. In order to survive an economic crunch, you must use precise medical marketing and PR techniques.

Many medical practitioners mistakenly believe that they are not affected by economic slumps due to the simple fact that people always need to go to the doctor. However, the fact of the matter is that many people will put off the medical care they need as their discretionary income shrinks.

How to Become More Visible Be much more visible than any other medical practitioner in your field in the local market. Public relations are far more effective than advertising so focus your efforts on that instead.

When you get third party endorsements from the media and community, it boosts your credibility substantially.

PR is great since it is cost-effective. As many doctors are forced to cut advertising costs during grim economic times, they can take advantage of smart PR methods to survive and thrive.

The goal should be to become a beloved figure in the local community.

This gives you positive press and more word-of-mouth advertising. People come to trust you on a personal level.

Your level of expertise matters little if you can manage to get yourself known by sending out the right message to the right people, at the right time.

Developing an Effective Marketing Mix There is not one single medical marketing method that works all the time so you need to mix the strategies you use. Use a variety of long-term and short-term messages and avenues.

The first place to start when develop-

ing your marketing plan is to define who your preferred patients are. You then have to make sure you send your marketing messages out to wherever they are so anytime they require medical services in your field, they think of you and not your competitor. Learn the demographic and needs of your preferred patients. You can’t be everything to everyone so make sure you only send your message out to your niche market.

Keep Current Patients Rather than focusing fully on attracting new patients, you should focus your strategy on keeping current ones because it is cheaper. Your current patients will refer you to others they know and come back to you time and time again for treatments. You can stay in touch with your current patients that are individually-oriented. Develop a database with your patients’ contact information and use sophisticated software to personalize your marketing messages.

Use Long-Term and ShortTerm Strategies Long-term strategies include branding, search engine optimization, community outreach and public relations. Shortterm strategies include gift certificates, direct mail, in-house events, and Internet marketing. Long-term strategies build awareness of your brand and practice whereas short-term strategies boost revenue immediately while you build your reputation. Let’s take a look at some of the most important strategies.  Branding: Branding is your image and it is what patients see, hear or read about you. It constitutes the feeling Hi Heeman is a medical marketing expert who works full time with health care providers to increase their visibility on the web space to get people connected with the medical professionals.

that people get about you when they hear about your practice. Fine tune your marketing message to ensure that you’re building the reputation you intend to.  Community Outreach: Get involved in your community through attending fundraising events and joining local charities. When you give off the image of being caring and committed to your community, it is highly beneficial to your PR campaign.  Direct Mail: Promote a product or treatment with persuasive direct mail pieces sent out to both prospects and current patients.

 In-House Events: Hold an event at your practice and invite patients, telling them to invite their friends and family. Educate them about some of the treatments you offer and promote your products/services. Remember, your prospects may not become patients immediately. It could even take months for them to actually give you a call and set up an appointment. It takes different messages and avenues to connect with your target market so be sure your marketing strategy is constant so they know you are there to address their needs when the time comes.

Article reprinted courtesty of EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hi_Heeman MEDMONTHLY.COM | 21

your practice

Team effort

Dental marketing has to invovle the whole team to be successful

By Shauna Smith Duty

W

hen you build a great dental practice marketing strategy and leverage it for optimal results, every part of the team should contribute. Ultimately, the dentist chooses the practice’s branding: logo, mission, vision, and overall image.

However, marketing that brand, both in the office and outside of the office, is best achieved when the dental practice team works together with a respected dental marketing professional. Placing all marketing decisions on the dentist’s shoulders significantly limits the capacity for success.

Teamwork is a solid strategy for marketing success.

Front office staff members connect with patients before, between, and after dental visits. This not only includes check in and checkout, but also phone calls about scheduling, billing, and postoperative or emergency questions. The way the phone is answered, how quickly calls are returned, and the amount of assistance the front office team extends to patients is significant to marketing.

22 | JUNE 2011

Back office personnel connect with patients during their visits, when patients are available, and often eager, to learn about their health. They can provide information about services the patient may not be aware of, like Invisalign, sleep apnea treatment, or one-visit crowns.

Both the front and back office teams encounter daily opportunities to gather input from your patients. In addition, the dental team has an opportunity to tell patients about special promotions, upcoming events, and referral rewards programs.

Marketing involves much more than a direct mail program and newsletters. Proactive marketing requires that every team member know how to share good information with patients, for the benefit of the patients and the practice. Remember, the best adver-

tising is word of mouth. To maximize wordof-mouth referrals, the dental team should actively provide patients with interesting information to pass on to friends and coworkers.

The nucleus of a superb dental marketing campaign is the dental practice website.

Two-thirds of Americans use the Internet. There’s no denying that potential patients look for dentists online. By the end of 2011, experts believe that half of Americans will use smart phones, which means that your dental practice website can be accessed anywhere, anytime, by anyone. The quality of your website’s optimization determines if potential patients can find you online. However, your website must

also convey information that not only attracts potential patients, but prompts them to schedule a dental visit at your office. Design, content, and promotion of your website are key. Because team members know your patients, they can provide great insight into the most beneficial elements for an effective and popular website.

Interacting with patients between visits can improve retention and referrals.

Create a marketing committee While it may seem like a chore, creating a committee to assist with dental practice marketing has multiple benefits. Not only will you receive input from the people who directly communicate with your patients, but you’ll also have the advantage of different perspectives and ideas. Consider

Facebook is not just for teenagers. The supergiant of social media has effectively accumulated an audience that includes people of all ages, from kids to senior citizens. While it’s hard to measure a return on the time invested in Facebook, if your dental team members actively post office updates, patient testimonials, and fun information on your Facebook business page, your dental practice’s online presence grows.

You need a marketing professional on your team.

Whether you work with a dental consultant who can guide your marketing decisions, or you rely on your website company for marketing advice, it’s important to have an expert on your team.

The marketing industry, particularly Internet marketing, changes constantly.

To stay on top of your game, you need a professional. If your internal marketing committee needs ideas or facts before making important decisions, an expert can provide wise advice about what works and what doesn’t.

your marketing committee to be a team of advisors, and look to your marketing expert when making final decisions. Initially, creating a committee and establishing a solid marketing campaign will take time. Once all the important parts are in place, however, the system can work like a well oiled machine, and your dental practice will reap the rewards.

Facebook business page tips A Facebook business page is free, but marketing it can be a challenge.

Once you have 25 likes on your page, you can set up a unique username to shorten your domain. Visit Facebook.com/username. Then post your Facebook username in your office for patients to see. Send out an e-blast or e-newsletter to announce your Facebook page. You might also provide a token gift to fans who like your practice on Facebook.

How to set up team participation for marketing:  Ask for a volunteer from the front and back office to work on your marketing committee.

If you have a large office, seek volunteers from each department.  Assign a spokesperson on the committee and recommend that the group meet twice a month or more initially, then monthly once a good marketing program is in place.  Committee members should contribute information and ideas for the practice website, blog, and special events. They should

also regularly contribute to your Facebook page with posts.  Set goals for the committee: two Facebook posts per week; one special event per quarter; monthly contest ideas; blogging once a week; website updates every six months.  The dentist should attend committee meetings, at least once a month, and read minutes from all meetings. Committee members should know, all marketing programs, budget allotments, and events must get approval of the doctor prior to initiation.

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your practice

Minding your Ps & Qs Ten things to keep in mind about HIPAA

By Kimberly Licata

P

rivacy, protected health information, personal data. In talking with my colleagues, it is clear that many people who work in health care know something about these topics, but surprisingly, few people really know what that they need to know. Eight years ago last month was the compliance date for the Privacy Rule issued pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”).

Six years ago last month was the compliance date for the HIPAA Security Rule for most covered entities. During this time, most people have learned the acronym “HIPAA” and know that information about patients are protected somehow some way. To avoid an expensive incident, providers need to be more aware of HIPAA’s requirements.

What are ten things you need to know about HIPAA? 1. HIPAA requires covered entities (and their business associates) to protect the privacy and security of certain information about individuals, so-called protected health information (“PHI”) and sets some very specific requirements.

This is a loaded statement and if only all laws could be summarized so concisely.

Knowing this requires that you know whether you are a “covered entity” or a “business associate” (and what those terms mean). If you are a physician who Kimberly Licata is an attorney at Poyner Spruill, who practices health law. She may be reached at klicata@poynerspruill.com or 919-783-2949.

24| JUNE 2011

provides services and submits any bill (or transmits information) for health care services electronically, you are a covered entity. Some physicians are not at all electronic, and if that describes you, you need not read on (but are invited to do so!). “PHI” is information, including demographic data (zip code, state, etc.), that relates to:  the individual’s past, present or future physical or mental health or condition,  the provision of health care to the individual, or  the past, present, or future payment for the provision of health care to the individual, and that identifies the individual or for which there is a reasonable basis to believe it can be used to identify the individual. “Privacy” and “security” are fundamental HIPAA concepts.

“Privacy” refers to a patient’s right that his or her medical information is kept private and not shared with people who would use it for commercial advantage, personal gain or malicious harm.

HIPAA generally requires a signed authorization for a covered entity to use and disclose PHI for activities not related to treatment, payment and health care operations (or some other permitted uses that do not require an authorization). “Security” means a covered entity’s protection of the integrity of electronic health information and prevention of unauthorized breaches of this information. Security measures can be administrative (like policies and procedures for access control, personnel designations, training and sanctions), physical (like doors, locks and id badges), or technological (like encryption

and user authentication).

HIPAA is not merely a policy statement (“Let there be Privacy and Security!” with any specific guidance); HIPAA has very specific requirements for covered entities (and business associates). Now is a good time to revisit HIPAA, review its key terms, and focus on its requirements.

2. The government is very interested in your compliance with HIPAA and other privacy and security laws.

HIPAA is enforced by the Office of Civil Rights (“OCR”) of the federal Department of Health and Human Services. Recent months have included eye-catching multi-million dollar settlements with covered entities who allegedly violated HIPAA through their practice. As of March 31, 2011, OCR reported having received over 55,000 complaints that HIPAA’s Privacy Rule or Security Rule had been violated.

Roughly 13,600 of these resulted in more formal cases, investigations, and resolutions. Private practices have seen the largest number of complaints. The number of reported complaints and incidents continue to rise. In addition to the OCR’s enforcement activities, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) remains aggressive in its enforcement

of various federal laws when businesses and individuals experience breaches of personal information. Experiencing a privacy complaint or security incident will cost you money in fines, “clean up costs”, and future business. The best defense is a good offense.

3. Know your vulnerabilities and fix them.

In the rush to be in business and work on growing a business, many people do not make time to assess the risks of their business. In health care, you must take time (or pay someone else) to assess the vulnerability of your practice and your systems containing protected health information. This “risk assessment” lays the foundation for your compliance and security plans. Failing to assess your risks (or fix them) increases the odds that OCR, the FTC and other government agencies will assess significant penalties against you or will force you to agree to an arduous compliance program or corporate integrity agreement to resolve any privacy or security incident that arises. A prudent businessperson won’t limit their risk assessment to privacy and security, but will look for risks affecting all aspects of the business. Some risks can be addressed through policies and procedures, others through contract, and still others through insurance coverage. This is time well spent.

4. Have policies and procedures in place; review and revise these as needed to address your risks.

HIPAA compliance requires that certain policies and procedures be implemented. You must have policies and procedures in place that represent what you actually can do and do in practice.

Having a dusty binder on the shelf that bears no relationship to your practice will not help you now or if the government visits you in person or by letter.

5. Know the top five issues that are raised in HIPAA complaints and don’t let them be issues for you.

The top issues include: (i) impermis-

sible uses and disclosures of protected health information; (ii) lack of safeguards of protected health information; (iii) lack of patient access to their protected health information; (iv) uses or disclosures of more than the “minimum necessary” protected health information; and (v) complaints to the covered entity. Your risk assessment in number 2 above will help you avoid or address these issues.

6. Be aware of special situations: minors, psychotherapy notes, substance abuse records.

HIPAA (and states laws) has a different set of rules for certain individuals and certain types of information about individuals. When you revisit your privacy and security policies, look out for these special situations. Do you treat minors?

Do you create sensitive records, such as psychotherapy notes or records of treatment for substance abuse? Are you subject to mandatory reporting requirements in your state for certain medical conditions? Remember HIPAA sets the floor, but your state law could set even stronger controls over the privacy and security of information.

7. Assemble a team and assign responsibilities for ensuring privacy and security.

HIPAA requires that a covered entity have a Privacy Officer and a Security Officer. In small practices, these positions may be filled by the same person, but the positions fulfill different functions and implicate significantly different skills. Identify someone who knows or is willing to learn all about information privacy and security and work with consultants or attorneys as needed to maximize your compliance.

8. Know what your business partners and vendors are doing and make sure you are protected.

Although we expect some changes to current HIPAA policies following the amendments to HIPAA that were made as part of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical

Health Act in 2009 (“HITECH”), it has always been important for health care providers to investigate all potential and actual business partners carefully.

In that evaluation, be sure to ask about HIPAA compliance and verify the adequacy of their program. Execute the appropriate contract to document your reasonable assurances that your business partner or vendor is abiding by HIPAA or other applicable laws. This may be a Business Associate Agreement or some other agreement.

9. Don’t despair, you aren’t alone in not fully understanding HIPAA, privacy, or security.

Thankfully in the years since HIPAA was first passed and then final rules issued, people have had the opportunity to become very experienced in HIPAA compliance. If you need help, you can find it.

10. Know what HIPAA resources are available.

OCR, your professional associations, and your medical societies have many resources available online to help you learn more about HIPAA. Visit the American Health Information Management Association’s website, www.

AHIMA.org, or the American Medical Association’s website, www.ama-assn. org, for useful articles on privacy, security and confidentiality.

Today’s fast-paced changes to the health care landscape create some notso-easy-to-solve privacy and security problems for health care providers and employers. There are consultants, lawyers, and businesses built on providing health care providers with an all-in-one HIPAA program or solution for the providers’ business needs. Remember to think carefully about what you have, what you need, and what you don’t need. Prioritizing the privacy and security of patient information will benefit your practice in the long run.

Editors note: These comments are not intended to establish an attorney-client relationship and are not intended to be legal advice.

MEDMONTHLY.COM | 25

book review

Book offers branding advice

Review by Megan M. Cutter

T

he Brand Called You: Create a Personal Brand That Wins Attention and Grows Your Business by Peter Montoya with Tim Vandehey offers businesses and organizations vital information on branding. Whether you’re just starting to build your practice or have been a successful health care facility for many years, this book offers practical advice and up to date information on personalized branding strategies.

Dispelling myths and offering a little truth that, “Your visibility is more important than your ability,” Montoya first examines why personal branding is so significant to building your practice. Take a moment to ask yourself, who is your most optimum client? Honing in your ideal client list, while at the same time scaling back on clients who gnaw away on your time and energy will offer you benefits of greater income, lower cost, and more personal work enjoyment.

As health care practitioners, your focus

26 | JUNE 2011

is where it should be, on your patients, and you may ask, what does branding have to do with my practice?

Over the last five years, trends have shifted from “the biggest and best” brand to the integrity and values a practice holds.

Moreover, building your personal brand allows potential clients to gain personal insight into who you are as a professional, showing them who you are behind your work and how you are involved in the local community and beyond. Even if you prefer that your clients do not know your personal history, giving that sense of your values solidifies existing clients and connects you to potential referrals.

With an abundance of service options, your clients are more interested in you as a person than what you do, and The Brand Called You offers a step-by-step guide on the channels that connect you with your potential clients.

Building brand identity isn’t just about your business cards or tri-folds, it’s the identity of your practice and what you bring to it in person, print, online, business to business networking opportunities, community events, conferences and every where that your name is mentioned.

Whether you like it or not, you are permanently linked to your business. In a time when all markets are in flux, personal branding also offers you the ability to carry the strength of your brand beyond your current practice, ensuring that your values and ethic will enhance any organization you stand beside.

While Montoya doesn’t include discussion of the creating a specific vision or mission statement you hold for your business, he does look at branding as stepping

stones to create the ideal vision for your practice.

In addition to a 12-month plan to launch your brand, The Brand Called You provides successful profiles and case studies, simple step-by-step actions for the week or month, and a detailed breakout of marketing and referral channels.

Many health practitioners shy away from Internet marketing because of concerns over privacy and confidentiality, and it’s true that health professionals must use the tools of the Internet in compliance with confidentiality regulations. Yet, using personalized websites, blogs and social media pages connects you to your optimum clients and provide a platform for personal and community involvement.

Offering an array of services on your website such as completing patient forms, and current blogs with everyday-tips that are relevant, Montoya argues, can increase your visibility exponentially. Confused over which channels of media are best for you? The Brand Called You Breaks down each media channel from in person networking to print, referral programs, or on-line marketing, and gives you the pros and cons of each avenue, so that you can make the best decisions for your practice.

Are you ready to focus on building your practice, revitalizing your customer base or increasing your visibility in the local or national community? Pick up The Brand Called You! Megan Cutter is an NC based writer.

She can be reached at megan@cuttersword.com or by visiting cuttersword.com.

Some diets bring more dramatic results than others.

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www.AtkinsDietAlert.org Brought to you by the PHYSICIANS COMMITTEE FOR RESPONSIBLE MEDICINE

feature

WELCOME TO Father and daughter enterprise has more than just fun and games

By Alice Osborn

26 | JUNE 2011 28| JUNE 2011

THE JUNGLE

The Tooth God guards the Golden Tooth located in the All Kids Dental lobby. The jungle theme is very popular with the kids and helps reduce their anxiety about visiting the dentist. All photos courtesy of Dr. Pyszka MEDMONTHLY.COM | 29

W

e’ve all heard of a mom and pop store, but how about a father and daughter pediatric dental practice? Drs. Brianne “Brie” Pyszka and Dr. Robert “Bob” Henry opened All Kids Dental, in Evergreen, Colorado, 35 miles west of Denver, two years ago. Both Dr. Brie and Dr. Bob graduated with top honors from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where they are both from.

Pyszka states, “My father and I work so well together; he’s a wonderful mentor expert in the field. I’ve even been able to teach him some of the latest techniques in cavity prevention such as probiotics.”

Before they opened their joint practice, Henry had a successful practice in Glenwood Springs, which he started while Pyszka was in high school. Dr. Brie soon got the pediatric dentistry bug as well as his love of colorful and playful interior themes, which made his practice different from the competition. Pyszka decided on the jungle theme for All Kids Dental from her years of studying biology and going abroad to Ecuador. “We didn’t want it to be cartoonish since we see patients up to age 18. The jungle was a place that always fascinated me and it seemed like a fun environment to create for kids. I hired a company out of Chicago that specializes in theme construction.”

All Kids Dental’s elaborate jungle theme is always a big hit with the kids as it helps minimize their anxiety. In the waiting room there is a playground with slides and games so kids can climb, play, and relax before they see the dentist. Video games are available in the hygiene on-deck area where the walls seem to break away. While they’re getting their teeth cleaned, children can view butterflies on the ceiling, illuminated thanks to the projectors. Pyszka says, “The theme’s been so successful. I’m jealous of the receptionist because the first time a family comes to the office they say ‘Wow!’” All Kids Dental has an open door

30 | JUNE 2011

A tree slide is just one of the many attractions for kids at All Kids Dental.

Dr. Brie and Dr. Bob take time out from their busy practice to pose for a picture

policy that helps establish the “triangle of trust” between the doctor, parent and child. “I’m proud of my ability to work with children and get them through difficult procedures and parents appreciate the ability to be part of that,” says Pyszka. Pediatric

business card moms have a space to write their name. If their friends come in for a visit, they get a free Sonicare toothbrush and the referees get dinners and other gifts in the mail. “It’s our way to express to them that we hope you enjoy how you’ve

I’m proud of my ability to work with children and get them through difficult procedures” dentists have two additional years of training with just treating children to include much study dedicated to the psychological aspects of guiding children through the dental experience.

“A lot of our families come to our office after being seen by a general dentist. Baby teeth are not small permanent teeth. Cavities happen a lot faster in kids and we understand the cavity process in children and how it’s different than in adults. We know how to get the kids through it in a way so they still enjoy dentistry,” adds Pyszka.

“We work very hard at marketing” When it comes to marketing their practice, Pyszka says, “It’s a lot of blood, sweat and tears.” They market themselves online through their Facebook page and pound a lot of pavement by going to elementary schools, preschools, daycares, and health fairs to conduct dental screenings.

The practice hosts a “Dentist For a Day” field trip where preschools and daycares bring the kids to the office when they’re not seeing patients. The children visit the different stations and learn how to best take care of their teeth through brushing and flossing. “It’s a great way to expose people to our practice, but also educate people about the importance of oral health care,” Pyszka remarks.

Pyszka notes that All Kids Dental gains new patients by directly asking all of their current patients for referrals. They use the Ambassador Mom program where on the back of their

been treated and to please tell your friends and family about us.”

Another one of their successful marketing programs is the Cavity-Free Club. After a cavity-free visit patients place their name in the drawing to pick out a special monthly prize, like free movie tickets or attending a game night. Winners pose with a giant toothbrush and become listed as a “Patient of the Month” on the website. Incidentally, even though Colorado is known as one of the healthiest states in the nation, the caries rate in Colorado is on par with the national average where a third of kindergarteners have cavities and 10% of two year olds experience tooth decay. According to Pyszka, oral health is not as huge a focus as physical activity is in Colorado.

When they opened their office two years ago Drs. Pyszka and Henry strove to provide the highest pediatric quality and customer service. “If you provide excellence in everything you do, you’re bound to be successful.” As the economy is bouncing back and their marketing is catching on fire, All Kids Dental is growing so they can serve even more children who may dislike going to their dental appointments. Pyszka and Henry want to make a difference in their community. Says Pyszka, “We want to psychologically get children through dental procedures and educate them so they can appreciate and value oral health.”

Alice Osborn is the contributing editor for Med Monthly.

MEDMONTHLY.COM | 31

feature

Saving one life at a time

By Alice Osborn

A

SAR (Search and Rescue) dog has only one task: to find the injured fast so a medical team can save lives. Search and Rescue work is long on training and short on missions. During 10-14 day deployment, the dogs and handlers try to find the victims within the first 48 hours after the disaster, hopefully sooner rather than later.

About 75% of rescue teams in the U.S. are volunteers, while there are 28 FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) teams who are paid during the FEMA-deployed mission. FEMA-certified dogs must pass the Basic and Advanced certifications, which can take a year to eighteen months to complete. You can apply to a FEMA team and they will support you through training and certification. They also provide your gear when you’re called on deployment.

FEMA handles large domestic disasters and the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) handles them outside the U.S. The OFDA has a contract with the Virginia and Los Angeles SAR task forces. Bill Dotson of Ruckersville, Virginia, the founder of Applied K-9 Technologies, Inc. developed a search dog unit for the OFDA and led many successful missions in his 35 years of training SAR

32 | JUNE 2011

the kitchen

‘‘

We need to get in under 24 hours to start searching. It’s critical. The decision to go somewhere is based on how fast we can get there.”

Recon and JIm on search and resuce duty after Hurricane Katrina.

Photos courtesy Bill Dotson and Wilma Melville.

MEDMONTHLY.COM | 31

dogs. Dotson says, “After 72 hours the survivability drops. What we’re trying to do is a speed game, to find them [victims] fast so the doctors can save them. Paramedics and doctors work as a team and sometimes I’ve seen doctors start IVs left-handed and leaning on their back with their feet above their head—it’s a different kind of medicine.” SAR dogs locate victims

observation, she founded Search Dog Foundation in 1996 with a mission to recruit rescued dogs, have them become FEMA-certified and then partnering them with firefighters at no cost to the firefighters. Prior to SDF’s program, only around 15% of the dogs that were trained ever achieved certification by FEMA and now that rate is 85%. Using FEMA’s Advanced

Some dogs have most of the traits we want, but they don’t want to walk on things that move so we have to find them another job. And some dogs don’t like loud noises, which distract them and put them off. A dog who likes other dogs and people, too, is also important.” by relying on scent that travels on air currents. SAR dogs can also be trained in wilderness, arctic and water rescue situations.

Dotson remarks that with an earthquake which occurs in 30 to 90 seconds there’s more time for victims to move around and locate places where they might survive, as opposed to a bomb blast where people are frantically trying to get out. “We need to get in under 24 hours to start searching. It’s critical. The decision to go somewhere is based on how fast we can get there. For example, in 1996 we were standing in San Salvador, El Salvador 20 hours after the quake, we pulled out 30 live victims in under 48 hours; after 48 hours no one else was found.”

On the other coast, Wilma Melville is the founder of Search Dog Foundation (SDF), a non-profit, nongovernmental organization based in Ojai, California. Originally from New Jersey and a retired physical education teacher before she jumped into SAR work, she always loved dogs as a child. She and her dog were FEMAcertified and were one of eleven task forces deployed for the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. After that tragedy she realized more victims could have been rescued if the teams had been better trained. As a result of this 34| JUNE 2011

Certification as a starting point, SDFtrained teams all go well beyond this skill level with their six-step training program. Currently there are 74 SDFtrained search teams located in California, Florida, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah. Melville remarks, “We want to build on that number, but not without the dogs and handlers being highly trained.”

Why are her reasons for choosing rescued dogs for SAR training that go on to rescue others? Melville says, “Because of their high energy when they’re young, people don’t know how to train these puppies. People don’t recognize that this youthful energy needs to be directed. The dog is not a couch potato, which most families would prefer. Hopefully we find that kind of dog at the shelter. People don’t realize what a jewel of a dog they have since they don’t know about proper training and they don’t have a concept of consistency with training. If we’re lucky we find that dog, but I’m sure we miss many of them, we hunt for them and it’s like looking for that needle in the hay stack.”

What traits do you look for in a rescue dog?

According to Melville, a SAR dog needs to have drive and the ability to focus— their reward is being able to play with a

tug toy or a ball. The particular breed is not as important as the dog possessing a bold nature and not caring about unsure footing, especially around rubble.

Says Melville, “Some dogs have most of the traits we want, but they don’t want to walk on things that move so we have to find them another job. And some dogs don’t like loud noises, which distract them and put them off. A dog who likes other dogs and people, too, is also important.”

Dotson adds to this list, “You need a dog who is willing to pursue at any cost.

We see how enthusiastic that dog wants to chase after an object and how hard will they hunt for it even if it’s thrown in high grass. The dog also needs to be resistant to stressors—like noise or getting banged up.”

Always be prepared SAR FEMA-trained handlers have their gear always packed in three bags with two bags for themselves and one for the dog. Dotson adds, “The last thing you throw in is the dog food.”

As soon as the Search Dog Foundation handlers become FEMA-certified, the dog goes with them to the fire station since they can’t lose time in getting the dog once they must be mobilized in three hours. The dog is part of them for eight to ten years. Handlers choose their vacation time when their task force is unlikely to be deployed and they know their rotation schedules two years in advance.

“It’s an all-consuming passion” Becoming involved with a disaster dog is both time-consuming and rewarding.

Dotson emphasizes, “It is an altruistic pursuit and all-consuming passion.

There’s lot of training with few missions. It’s all about the lost person and there’s a reason they’re there. We need to get them to medical attention.” He’s currently training five dogs and does one seminar a month throughout the country. Not only does he love the rescue training, he loves learning about dogs from the science and psychology perspectives.

A SAR dog and their handler are together for 8-10 years. L-R Jason, Mavrick and Wilma Melville.

When Melville’s not working at SDF with her board work and curriculum development for new trainers, she’s flying planes. She lives by her six F’s: Foundation [SDF], Fun, Family, Friends, Fitness, and Flying. “If someone asks me to do something and if doesn’t fit into one of these categories, then I won’t have time for it.”

National training center for SAR coming soon Ever wanting to get more dogs and handlers better trained to rescue more people, the Search Dog Foundation is in the midst of building a national training center that will raise the bar for all teams in the country, and not just Search Dog Foundation’s. The training center should be built within two years in Santa Paula, California.

This training center will provide training for all types of environments to include tropical and arctic climates.

Melville explains, “Take Japan with its

miles and miles of devastation where it was snowing and cold; I believe we should take teams who have already trained in snowy, wet conditions. California teams rarely train the snow, but our Training Center will provide snow and cold to recreate training like they found in Japan before they even go. By environmentally controlling a building we’ll be able to give our handlers training for different climates.”

Melville continues, “The United States recognizes the need to be better prepared for a wide variety of disasters.

As a result, most states are developing urban search-and-rescue capabilities.

The demand for canine search teams is growing rapidly. SDF is responding to this need, providing highly skilled teams to be placed throughout the country. When disaster strikes, SDF will be there, ready to save lives.”

Alice Osborn is the contributing editor for Med Monthly.

Finally!

A prescription with side effects you want.

Blueberries and red beans are powerful remedies against cancer. Research shows that fruits, vegetables, and other low-fat vegetarian foods may help prevent cancer and improve survival rates. A plant-based diet can also lower cholesterol.

For a free nutrition booklet with cancer fighting recipes, call toll-free 1-866-906-WELL or visit www.CancerProject.org MEDMONTHLY.COM | 35

healthy living

3

Top medical travel destinations

And why medical travel is so popular

By John David Mcgee

M

edical travel is becoming increasingly popular with many Americans seeking complex and often specialzed services that are often cheaper or easier to obtain then here in the U.S. Here are just a few of the top locations for medical tourism.

36 | JUNE 2011

Costa Rica Few of the basic requisites of a medical travel destination are advanced health care system, availability of highly developed medical facilities, proficient doctors, caring hospital staff, great sightseeing options, suitable weather and a supportive national

infrastructure for a trouble free healthcare journey. Costa Rica is one such place that offers all these things in great abundance with extremely superb medical and healthcare facilities, highly competent medical professionals and great support system in terms of staff and other facilities.

Costa Rica has a highly developed tourism industry. It is perhaps the world’s leader in eco-tourism with dense topographical rain forests, stunning mountains, diverse flora and fauna, fabulous beaches, suitable climate and friendly & generous people.

All this combined with the high quality medical facilities available at amazingly low prices makes this country a top choice for many. Every year thousands of United States citizens head toward Costa Rica to acquire treatment while on vacation.

India A rich potpourri of various cultures and religions, India is also a preferred destination for medical tourism as well. It is perhaps one of the world’s least expensive medical tourism destinations.

Offering cost effective treatment for chronic heart diseases to cosmetic surgeries to years old Yogic and Ayurvedic spa treatments, India attracts patients from all over the globe who want to acquire in-budget medical treatment as well taste the rich cultural diversity found in abundance here.

Rightly known as the land of Yoga and cultural diversity, India has been attracting millions of American, Australian, European and other foreign nationals to travel here for treatments ranging from cardiac to orthopedic.

Several state-of-the art hospitals and medical facilities are available in New Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai and Chennai. Indian doctors are world-over recognized for their expertise. The staff is extremely friendly and proficient in English.

Malaysia The stunning land of Malay Kingdom - Malaysia experiences a great turnover of tourists coming every year to experience its rich topographies and affordable plastic and cosmetic procedures, dental surgery, orthopedic and bone procedures, to more severe open heart surgeries.

Healthcare facilities in Malaysia ensure that they provide world-class facilities to patients while creating personalized care.

Emerging as Asia’s most recognized country for medical tourism, Malaysia has a wide variety of specialist hospitals, clinics and surgery centers. The standards of health care services throughout the country, are of world class standard and the medical cost in Malaysia is one of the most competitive in the world, supporting it to emerge as a most sought out medical destination.

MEDMONTHLY.COM | 37

healthy living

yourself to extreme heat conditions when unnecessary, you are actually in effect, rendering yourself to the risks of developing skin cancer in no time. To combat or prevent cancer of the skin, make eating a lot of vegetables and fruits your daily habit.

2

Living a sedentary life is another triggering factor of skin cancer. If you do not have any activity or exercise to make you move about, you are in effect slowing down not just your rate of metabolism but at the same time your defense or immune system. As a result, you tend to attract more illnesses which can have a big impact on your physical condition and overall health and wellness.

Can a healthier diet actually prevent skin cancer?

Skin Cancer Why skin cancer is so prevalent today

By Olympia Rorer Poulenc

P

erhaps you have noticed the growing number of people who are getting skin cancer these days? Are you surprised that there are a multitude of them despite all the efforts to prevent it? These questions have surely prompted you to ask the question about “why skin cancer is so prevalent today.” Yes, it can be quite puzzling considering the countless number of techniques people use to avoid getting the disease. These include having to buy the most expensive sun block lotions to ward off the harmful effects of the UV rays, staying out Article reprinted courtesy of EzineArticles. com/?expert=Olympia_Rorer_Poulenc

38 | JUNE 2011

Lack of exercise or activity

of the sun as much as possible to not cause damage to their skin and wearing long sleeves on a scorching day just so they can protect their skin from getting burned. Here are a few other things that you may want to know about why skin cancer is so prevalent today:

diet or nutritional 1Poor deficiency

Lack of a healthy diet is actually the culprit in this condition or in any other type of cancer. For this, you will need to be more selective of the food you eat. Otherwise, if you are so carefree about the food you consume and at the same time, you keep exposing

much emotional 3 Too stress

Did you know that emotional stress is also another factor that can greatly contribute to developing cancer of the skin? Yes, when you are down and distressed, or you are flooded with problems, or perhaps you are going through a financial or business crisis, make sure that you still find other means to laugh, smile and be active.

Otherwise, with a weakened system, you may suddenly get struck with this type of cancer or perhaps another kind of cancer for that matter.

4

The kind of lifestyle we lead

Last but not least, some of the reasons “why skin cancer is so prevalent today” is due to the fact that a myriad of people continue to patronize processed foods which have very high content of salt, refined sugar, and fats. Also, a lot of the cosmetic products that people use these days have toxic chemicals in them which are known for being carcinogenic or cancer-causing. To make sure that you get rid of all those toxins, exercise.

After all; exercise is known to boost one’s defense and immune system to fight off skin cancer more effectively!

ď‚Ą Research and technology articles

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healthy living

Buffet line tips  Check out what’s offered and plan what to eat before picking up a plate  Use a salad or bread plate, rather than a dinner-size plate  Sit further away from the buffet and don’t face it  Take small bites (use chopsticks at the Chinese restaurant!)  Chew, chew, chew!

Back away from the buffet

By Katie Jay, MSW

A

t a restaurant recently I ate too much. I hadn’t planned to. In reality, I hadn’t planned at all. I went into lemming mode and followed along with a group of women from a business group.

We lined up at a buffet and filled our dinner plates. We sat close to and facing the buffet. We used forks (it was a Chinese buffet, so we could have use chopsticks).

One of the newer buzz phrases used to help people overcome eating problems is “Mindful Eating.” We certainly did NOT do that. We were busy talking and laughing. Of course the end result for me was a stomach ache and guilt. I know better.

When I read a new study that looked at

Article reprinted courtesty of news.cornell.edu/stories/July08/buffet. eating.study.sl.html

how both obese and non-obese people behave at buffets, I realized what I had done.

I went to the buffet as “Big Katie” instead of “Healthy Katie.” Big Katie doesn’t limit herself. She ignores the cries of her healthier self and focuses on the FOOD. She wants to feel normal and be part of the group.

That part of me, though, is not my best self. It’s my sabotaging self. While she doesn’t come out to play nearly as often as she used to, she still lives in me.

The new study about behaviors at buffets showed that 71 percent of healthyweight diners looked over (and evaluated) all the food offerings before serving themselves, while only 33 percent of obese diners did. Almost three times the number of healthy-weight people chose to use chopsticks rather than forks, which

means they took smaller bites and took longer to eat.

The overweight people sat much closer to the buffet and were significantly more likely to face the buffet. Finally, non-obese diners chewed each bite longer than the obese diners.

In light of this study, I see that I could have changed a few simple behaviors and had a much more satisfying (and much less guilt-inducing) experience.

Being mindful of how I eat makes a huge difference in how much I eat, what I eat, and how I feel afterwards. The next time I am out at a buffet, I am going to remember this study and invite Healthy Katie to take charge.

I am certain I’ll be just as satisfied, if not more so, with my meal.

And I won’t miss the guilt or the extra pounds I could pack on!

MEDMONTHLY.COM | 41

the kitchen

Sweet potatoes

Adding flavor and nutrition to traditional dishes

W

hat’s sweet, filling, can be used in many types of cooking and contains no fat, saturated fat, trans fat or cholesterol? The answer is sweet potatoes, a traditional, yet often overlooked component in traditional American cuisine.

For many of us, sweet potatoes have been a staple side dish at family gatherings for years. Sweet potatoes stand well on their own - baked or mashed - because of their distinctive sweet-and-savory-at-once flavor. What many people may not realize is those same attributes make sweet potatoes a refreshing addition to many traditional dishes that could use a little boost.

Have you ever thought of adding sweet potatoes to your ham casserole, cornbread or even a staple such as chili? You may have noticed that many forms of ethnic cooking, such as Thai and Indian food, use sweet potatoes liberally, but the truth is sweet potatoes fit right in with many recipes in standard American cuisine.

Sweet potatoes contain natural sugars -- they’re something good that’s good for you. They may be the most nutritious vegetable available, and they’re available all year round. Sweet potatoes contain more fiber than a bowl of oatmeal, and they are packed with vitamins A and C. Additionally, they contain such key nutrients as vitamins B6 and E, calcium, copper, iron, folate and almost as much potassium as a banana.

The distinctive taste of this super-nutritious root vegetable may also have led you to believe that it doesn’t marry well with other flavors. But the truth is whether they’re standing on their own or blended into your favorite dish, sweet potatoes offer taste and nutrition with every bite.

Summer holidays are the perfect opportunity to try a new take on your traditional dishes. Try adding sweet potatoes to your family’s favorite casserole, baking a sweet potato pie or cooking some sweet potato fries to accompany hot dogs and hamburgers on the Fourth of July. If you’re looking for some recipes to get you started, the United States Sweet Potato Council offers all kinds of different takes on cooking sweet potatoes at www.sweetpotatousa.org or try this Cheesy Ham and Sweet Potato Casserole for your next gathering.

42| JUNE 2011

Article reprinted courtesty ARA content

Cheesy Ham & Sweet Potato Casserole Makes six servings Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds fresh sweet potatoes Salted water 1/4 cup butter or margarine 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/4 cup flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon basil, crushed 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard 1/8 teaspoon pepper 1 1/2 cup milk 1 1/2 cups grated Swiss cheese 3/4 pounds cooked ham, cubed Directions Wash sweet potatoes. Cook unpeeled sweet potatoes, covered, in small amount of boiling salted water until tender, about 20 to 30 minutes. Cool. Peel and slice 1/4-inch thick; set aside.

Melt butter in medium saucepan.

Add onion, cook until tender.

Remove from heat; stir in flour, salt, basil, mustard and pepper.

Cook over low heat until bubbly, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in milk all at once. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Boil and stir one minute. Remove from heat. Stir in 3/4 cup of the cheese and the ham. Pour half of mixture into greased 2-quart casserole dish. Arrange half of sweet potatoes on top. Repeat layers. Bake at 350 F for 25 minutes.

Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake three to four minutes longer, or until cheese has melted.

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the sales

Classified To place a classified ad, call 919.747.9031

Seminars and Courses

Physicians needed

South Carolina

North Carolina (cont.)

Pediatric Update

Methadone Treatment Center located near Charlotte, North Carolina has an opening for an experienced physician. You must be comfortable in the evaluation and treatment within the guidelines of a highly regulated environment. Practice operating hours are 6:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Send copies of your CV, NC Medical License, DEA certificate and NPI certificate with number to Physician Solutions for immediate consideration. Physician Solutions, P.O. Box 98313, Raleigh, NC 27624, and PH: (919) 845-0054, E-mail: physiciansolutions@gmail.com

July 11-14, 2011 Kiawah Island, SC Make plans to join us for our 34th Annual Pediatric Update Conference with topics including: Pediatric Gastroenterology, Lice and Bedbugs, Genetics for primary care, and a special presentation about how implementing patient-and familycentered care into your practice has been proven to improve the quality of care (MCG Health and the MCG Children’s Medical Center have been recognized as national leaders in Patient and Family Centered Care). Concurrent Breakout Sessions will return, with Dr Bill Lutin presenting his problem cases in pediatric cardiology, (with Dr Bill’s Rhythm Review) and Dr. Chris White’s always popular interactive “Rash Decisions”! We are also pleased to have Dr Jatinder Bhatia, Chair of the AAP Committee on Nutrition presenting “need-to-know” updates on nutrition. We will also continue to offer Breakfast Roundtables - small group discussions of problem cases, with each table led by one of our Faculty. Finally, we will have a whole morning dedicated to coding and reimbursement which will more than pay for itself in improving your practice’s bottom line. Visit our web site for additional conference information and on-line registration: http://www.georgiahealth.edu/ce/pedupdate2011.html

Physicians needed North Carolina Occupation Health Care Practice located in Greensboro, North Carolina has an immediate opening for a primary care physician. This is 40 hours per week opportunity with a base salary of $135,000 plus incentives, professional liability insurance provided and an excellent CME, vacation and sick leave package. Send copies of your CV, NC Medical License, DEA certificate and NPI certificate with number to Physician Solutions for immediate consideration. Physician Solutions, P.O. Box 98313, Raleigh, NC 27624, and PH: (919) 845-0054, E-mail: physiciansolutions@gmail.com Family Practice physician opportunity in Raleigh, North Carolina.

This is a locum’s position with 3 to 4 shifts per week requirement that will last for several months. You must be BC/BE and comfortable treating patients from 1 year of age to Geriatrics. You will be surrounded by an exceptional, experienced staff with beautiful offices and accommodations. No call or hospital rounds. Send copies of your CV, NC Medical License, DEA certificate and NPI certificate with number to Physician Solutions for immediate consideration. Physician Solutions, P.O. Box 98313, Raleigh, NC 27624, and PH: (919) 845-0054, E-mail: physiciansolutions@gmail.com

Family Practice physician is needed to cover several shifts per week in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. This high profile practice treats pediatrics, women’s health as well as primary care patients of all ages. If you are available for 30 plus hours per week for the remainder of the year, this could be the perfect opportunity. Send copies of your CV, NC Medical License, DEA certificate and NPI certificate with number to Physician Solutions for immediate consideration. Physician Solutions, P.O. Box 98313, Raleigh, NC 27624, and PH: (919) 845-0054, E-mail: physiciansolutions@gmail.com Cardiology practice located in High Point, North Carolina has an opening for a Board Certified Cardiovascular physician. This established and beautiful facility offers the ideal setting for an enhanced life style. There is no hospital call or invasive procedures. Look into joining this 3 physician facility and live the good live in one of North Carolina’s most beautiful cities. Send copies of your CV, NC Medical License, DEA certificate and NPI certificate with number to Physician Solutions for immediate consideration. Physician Solutions, P.O. Box 98313, Raleigh, NC 27624, and PH: (919) 845-0054, E-mail: physiciansolutions@gmail.com Family Practice Physician needed for full time employment in established primary care practice in High Point, North Carolina. Salary with full benefits and production incentive for an energetic Board Certified FP. The ideal candidate can begin practicing as early as June 2011. Please send a copy of your current CV, North Carolina medical license, DEA certificate and NPI certificate with number along with your detailed work history and CME courses completed to; Physician Solutions, P.O. Box 98313, Raleigh, NC 27624. E-mail: physiciansolutions@ gmail.com or phone with any questions, PH: (919) 845-0044.

Board Certified Internal Medicine Physician position is available in the Greensboro, North Carolina area. This is an out-patient opportunity within a large established practice.

The employment package contains salary plus incentives.

Please send a copy of your current CV, North Carolina medical license, DEA certificate and NPI certificate with number MEDMONTHLY.COM | 45

Practice for Sale in Raleigh, NC

EXCELLENT FAMILY PRACTICE FOR SALE

Primary Care practice specializing in Women’s care

North Carolina Family Practice located about 30 minutes from Lake Norman has everything going for it.

Raleigh, North Carolina The owning female physician is willing to continue with the practice for a reasonable time to assist with smooth ownership transfer. The patient load is 35 to 40 patients per day, however that could double with a second provider. Exceptional cash flow and profitable practice that will surprise even the most optimistic practice seeker. This is a remarkable opportunity to purchase a well-established woman’s practice.

Spacious practice with several well-appointed exam rooms, tactful and well appointed throughout. New computers and medical management software add to this modern front desk environment.

List price: $435,000.

Call Medical Practice Listings at (919) 848-4202 for details and view our other listings at www.medicalpracticelistings.com

Medical Practice Listings For more information call (919) 848-4202. To view other practice listings visit medicalpracticelistings.com

Gross revenues in 2010 were 1.5 million and there is even more upside. The retiring physician is willing to continue to practice for several months while the new owner gets established.

Excellent medical equipment, staff and hospital near-by, you will be hard pressed to find a family practice turning out these numbers.

Listing price is $625,000.

Exceptional North Carolina Primary Care Practice for Sale

Practice at the beach Plastic Surgery practice for sale with lucrative E.N.T. specialty Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Practice for sale with room for growth and located only three miles from the beach. Physician’s assistant, audiologist, esthetician, and well-trained staff. Electronic medical records, Mirror imaging system, established patient and referral base, hearing aids and balance testing, esthetic services and Candela laser. All aspects of Otolaryngology, busy skin cancer practice, established referral base for reconstructive eyelid surgery, Botox and facial fillers. All new surgical equipment, image-guidance sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty, nerve monitor for ear/parotid/thyroid surgery. Room for establishing Allergy, Cosmetics, Laryngology & Trans-nasal Esophagoscopy. All the organization is done, walk into a ready made practice as your own boss and make the changes you want, when you want. Physician will to stay on for smooth transition. Hospital support also an option for up to a year. The listing price is $395,000.

For more information call Medical Practice Listing at (919) 848-4202. To view our other listings, visit medicalpracticelistings.com.

46 | JUNE 2011

Established North Carolina Primary Care practice only 15 minutes from Fayetteville, 30 minutes from Pine Hurst, 1 hour from Raleigh, 15 minutes from Lumberton, and about an hour from Wilmington. The population within 1 hour of this beautiful practice is over one million. The owning physician is retiring and the new owner will benefit from his exceptional health care, loyal patient following, professional decorating, beautiful and modern free standing medical building with experienced staff.

The gross revenue for 2010 is $856,000 and the practice is very profitable. We have this practice listed for $415,000. Call today for more details and information regarding the medical building.

Our Services: • Primary Health • Well Child Health Exams • Sport Physical • Adult Health Exams • Women’s Health Exams • Management of Contraception • DOT Health Exam • Treatment & Management of Medical Conditions • Counseling on Prevention of Preventable Diseases • Counseling on Mental Health • Minor surgical Procedures For more information call Medical Practice Listing at (919) 848-4202.

To view our other listings, visit medicalpracticelistings.com.

the sales

Classified To place a classified ad, call 919.747.9031

Physicians needed

Practice sales

North Carolina (cont.)

Indiana

along with your detailed work history and CME courses completed to; Physician Solutions, P.O. Box 98313, Raleigh, NC 27624. Email: physiciansolutions@gmail.com or phone with any questions, PH: (919) 845-0054.

Pain Management Practice located in Indiana is now listed for sale. The main practice has been serving the community with two satellites located about 30 miles from the main practice. All three practices are being offered for $785,000 with the main practice building offered for $950,000. The two satellite practices being leased for a very reasonable monthly rent. If you are interested in a Pain Management practice that will generate impressive profits from month one, this could be your opportunity.

Contact Medical Practice Listings at (919) 848-4202 for more information. View additional listings at; www.medicalpracticelistings.com

Locum Tenens opportunity for Primary Care MD in the Triad Area, North Carolina. This is a 40 hour per week on-going assignment in a fast pace established practice. You must be comfortable treating pediatrics to geriatrics. We pay top wage, provide professional liability insurance, lodging when necessary, mileage and exceptional opportunities. Please send a copy of your current CV, North Carolina medical license, DEA certificate and NPI certificate with number along with your detailed work history and CME courses completed to; Physician Solutions, P.O. Box 98313, Raleigh, NC 27624.

E-mail: physiciansolutions@gmail.com or phone with any questions, PH: (919) 845-0054.

Virginia Urgent Care opportunities throughout Virginia. We have contracts with numerous facilities and 8 to 14 hour shifts are available. If you have experience treating patients from Pediatrics to Geriatrics, we welcome your inquires. Send copies of your CV, VA Medical License, DEA certificate and NPI certificate with number to Physician Solutions for immediate consideration. Physician Solutions, P.O. Box 98313, Raleigh, NC 27624, and PH: (919) 845-0054, E-mail: physiciansolutions@gmail.com Pediatric Locums Physician needed in Harrisonburg, Danville and Lynchburg, Virginia. These locum positions require 30 to 40 hours per week, on-going. If you are seeking a beautiful climate and flexibility with your schedule, please consider one of these opportunities. Send copies of your CV, VA Medical License, DEA certificate and NPI certificate with number to Physician Solutions for immediate consideration. Physician Solutions, P.O. Box 98313, Raleigh, NC 27624, and PH: (919) 845-0054, E-mail: physiciansolutions@gmail.com

MEDICAL PRACTICE LISTINGS View national practice listings or contact us for a confidential discussion regarding your practice options.

919.848.4202

medlistings@gmail.com | medicalpracticelistings.com

North Carolina Impressive Internal Medicine Practice in Durham, NC; The City of Medicine. Over 20 years serving the community, this practice is now listed for sale. There are 4 well equipped exam rooms, new computer equipment and a solid patient following. The owner is retiring and willing to continue with the new owner for a few months to assist with a smooth transition. Contact Medical Practice Listings at (919) 848-4202 for more information. View additional listings at: www.medicalpracticelistings.com Modern Vein Care Practice located in the mountains of North Carolina. Booking 7 to 10 procedures per day, you will find this impressive vein practice attractive in many ways. Housed in the same practice building with an Internal Medicine, you will enjoy the referrals from this as well as other primary care and specialties in the community.

We have this practice listed for $295,000 which includes charts, equipment and good will. Contact Medical Practice Listings at (919) 848-4202 for more information. View additional listings at: www.medicalpracticelistings.com Family Practice located in Hickory, North Carolina. Well established and a solid 40 to 55 patients split between an MD and physician assistant. Experienced staff and outstanding medical equipment. Gross revenues average $1,500,000 with strong profits. Monthly practice rent is only $3,000 and the utilities are very reasonable. The practice with all equipment, charts and good will are priced at $625,000. Contact Medical Practice Listings for additional information. Medical Practice Listings, P.O. Box 99488, Raleigh, NC 27624. PH: (919) 848-4202 or E-mail: medlistings@gmail.com Internal Medicine Practice located just outside Fayetteville, North Carolina is now being offered. The owning physician is retiring and is willing to continue working MEDMONTHLY.COM |47

the sales

Classified To place a classified ad, call 919.747.9031

Practice for sale

Practice for sale

North Carolina (cont.)

South Carolina (cont.)

for the new owner for a month or two assisting with a smooth transaction. The practice treats patients 4 and ½ days per week with no call or hospital rounds. The schedule accommodates 35 patients per day. You will be hard pressed to find a more beautiful practice that is modern, tastefully decorated and well appointed with beautiful art work. The practice, patient charts, equipment and good will is being offered for $415,000 while the free standing building is being offered for $635,000.

Contact Medical Practice Listings for additional information. Medical Practice Listings, P.O. Box 99488, Raleigh, NC 27624. PH: (919) 848-4202 or E-mail: medlistings@ gmail.com

Hospital support is also an option for up to a year. The listing price is $395,000 for the practice, charts, equipment and good will. Contact Medical Practice Listings for additional information. Medical Practice Listings, P.O. Box 99488, Raleigh, NC 27624. PH: (919) 848-4202 or E-mail: medlistings@gmail.com

Primary Care practice specializing in women’s care.

The owning female physician is willing to continue with the practice for a reasonable time to assist with smooth ownership transfer. The patient load is 35 to 40 patients per day, however that could double with a second provider. Exceptional cash flow and profitable practice that will surprise even the most optimistic practice seeker. This is a remarkable opportunity to purchase a well-established woman’s practice. Spacious practice with several well-appointed exam rooms, tactful and well appointed throughout. New computers and medical management software add to this modern front desk environment. This practice is being offered for $435,000.

Contact Medical Practice Listings for additional information. Medical Practice Listings, P.O. Box 99488, Raleigh, NC 27624. PH: (919) 848-4202 or E-mail: medlistings@ gmail.com

South Carolina Lucrative E.N.T. practice with room for growth, located three miles from the beach. Physician’s assistant, audiologist, esthetician, and well-trained staff. Electronic medical records, Mirror imaging system, established patient and referral base, hearing aids and balance testing, esthetic services and Candela laser. All aspects of Otolaryngology, busy skin cancer practice, established referral base for reconstructive eyelid surgery, Botox and facial fillers. All new surgical equipment, image-guidance sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty, nerve monitor for ear/parotid/ thyroid surgery. Room for establishing Allergy, Cosmetics, Laryngology & Trans-nasal Esophagoscopy. All the organization is done, walk into a ready-made practice as your own boss and make the changes you want, when you want. Physician will to stay on for smooth transition.

48| JUNE 2011

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By placing an ad in Med Monthly you’ll reach: family medicine, internal medicine, physician assistants and more!

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When your physician can’t work tomorrow do you have a plan B? With an extensive network of healthcare providers and over 20 years of experience in physician staffing, Physician Solutions is a leader in the industry. We specialize in primary care and place doctors in facilities such as familly practices, urgent cares, pediatrics offices and occupational health.

Short term or long term, Physician Solutions has your covered

P.O. Box 98313, Raleigh, NC 27624 phone: 919.845.0054 fax: 919.845.1947 e-mail: physiciansolutions@gmail.com www.physiciansolutions.com

top I

f you are an on-the-go physician, travel nurse or health care executive you probably haven’t scheduled a meeting at an airport restaurant or considered having a gourmet meal in a terminal building. Based on my personal travels, input from Med Monthly writers, editors, reporters and a few friends I have compiled the Med Monthly top 9 list. I have to plug New York’s JFK Terminal 5 as the best overall in the States. If you discover an exceptional wateringhole during your travels, please let us know. Email us your delightful culinary experience to medmedia9@gmail.com.

1 One Flew South

Located in Terminal E in Atlanta, One Flew South specializes in a mix of Southern cusine with Asian influences.

2

4

Legal Sea Food

Cocktails

At The Mall Concourse E in Minneapolis has great burgers, super cocktails and lots of vintage charm.

8 Encounter at LAX

Is in the center of the airport before security at LAX, a familyfriendly restaurant with an outer space theme.

Deep Blue Sushi

In Terminal 5 at New York-JFK features modern Asian fare by chef Michael Schulson.

7 Ike’s Food and

A branch of the popular seafood chain is located in Terminal C at Boston’s Logan Airport.

5 Tortas Frontera

In Terminal 1 at Chicago O’Hare specializes in Mexican fare including griddle baked sandwiches.

3 Bisoux French Bistro 6 Brasserie La Vie At the Delta Food Court in New York’s LaGuardia offers French fare such as creme brulee to weary travelers.

50 | JUNE 2011

Features old world French country cooking and is located in Terminal 5 in New York’s-JFK

9 42

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Street Oyster Bar

At Terminal 2 in Raleigh has roots back to 1931 and offers up some of the best oysters and drinks in North Carolina.

June is Men’s Health Month On average, men live about 5 years less than their female counterparts • Men have a higher death rate for most of the leading causes of death, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes and suicide • 1 in 2 men will develop cancer in their lifetime • Men make ½ as many physician visits for prevention as women

Want to see tHese stats cHange? scHedule a cHeckup today! do it for yourself and for those who count on you.

Learn more at

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