Med Monthly March 2017

PHYSICIAN SOLUTIONS PRESENTS

Med Monthly MAGAZINE

March 2017

the

Locum Tenens issue

PA/NP Workforce:

Using Locums to Meet Your Practice Demand pg. 28

Emerging Trend:

Growing Demand for Locum Tenens Dentists pg. 22

Physician Solutions: Focused on the Future pg. 20

An Interim Management Solution pg. 26

contents

PHYSICIAN SOLUTIONS: Focused on the Future

features

20 PHYSICIAN SOLUTIONS: Focused on the Future

20

22 EMERGING TREND: Growing Demand for Locum Tenens Dentists 26 AN INTERIM MANAGEMENT SOLUTION 28 PA/NP WORKFORCE: Using Locums to Meet Your Practice Demand 7 MISTAKES TO AVOID WITH VALUE BASED MARKETING IN HEALTH

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practice tips 6

7 MISTAKES TO AVOID WITH VALUE BASED MARKETING IN HEALTH

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PEER SUPPORT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE FOR DIABETIC PATIENTS

10 10 TIPS TO PREVENT RANSOM ATTACKS! 12 NEW CDC PROGRAM CREATED TO HELP CANCER PATIENTS PREVENT INFECTIONS

More than ever, businesses are being audited by government agencies.

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Physician Solutions, Inc. Medical & Dental Staffing

The fastest way to be $200K in debt is to open your own practice The fastest way to make $100K is to choose

Physician Solutions

THE DECISION IS YOURS Physician Solutions, Inc. P.O. Box 98313 Raleigh, NC 27624 Scan this QR code with your smartphone to learn more.

phone: 919-845-0054 fax: 919-845-1947 www.physiciansolutions.com physiciansolutions@gmail.com

Med Monthly March 2017 Publisher Creative Director Contributors

Philip Driver Thomas Hibbard Naren Arulrajah Philip Driver Vishal Gandhi, BSEE, MBA Barbara Hales, M.D. Nick Hernandez, MBA, FACHE Lisa P. Shock, MHS, PA-C

contributors Naren Arulrajah is President and CEO of Ekwa Marketing, a complete Internet marketing company which focuses on SEO, social media, marketing education and the online reputations of Dentists and Physicians. If you have questions about marketing your practice online, call Naren direct at 877-249-9666.

Vishal Gandhi, BSEE, MBA is the founder and CEO ClinicSpectrum Inc. He is a well-known and widely respected authority on the “nitty-gritty” of medical practice workflow and technology. His Hybrid Workflow Model is quickly becoming a new healthcare industry standard model for combining human and computer workflow, to maximize revenue and minimize cost and he has appeared in prominent health IT publications.

Barbara Hales, M.D.

Med Monthly is a national monthly magazine committed to providing insights about the health care profession focusing on practical advice for physicians and practices. We are currently accepting articles to be considered for publication. For more information on writing for Med Monthly, please email us at medmedia9@gmail.com.

P.O. Box 99488 Raleigh, NC 27624 medmedia9@gmail.com Online 24/7 at medmonthly.com

is a skilled expert in promoting your health services. As seen on NBC, CBS,ABC and FOX network affiliates as well as Newsweek, Dr. Hales writes all the content you need to promote your medical services.

Her latest book is on the best seller list and she can do the same for you. Check out her site at www.TheMedicalStrategist.com.

For a free marketing assessment, call 561-325-9664.

Nick Hernandez, MBA, FACHE is the CEO and founder of ABISA, a consultancy specializing in solo and small group practice management. He has consulted with clients in multiple countries and has over 20 years of leadership and operations experience.

Visit www.abisallc.com for more information.

Lisa P. Shock, MHS, PA-C is a PA who has practiced in primary care and geriatrics. She enjoys part-time clinical practice and is the President and CEO of Utilization Solutions in Healthcare – a specialty consultant company for physician practices and hospitals, offering services to help implement and improve the utilization of PAs and NPs in the health care system. Contact her with questions at lisa@pushpa.biz MED MONTHLY MAGAZINE |5

practice tips

7

Mistakes to Avoid with Value Based Marketing in Health

By Barbara Hales, M.D. www.TheMedicalStrategist.com What is Value Based Marketing?

Value based marketing is a method to provide patient-perceived value within a much lower and reasonable budget. This method gets the most impact from the practice’s marketing strategies. By using the cost-effective marketing, you can attract the most potential patients or clients and persuade them to call for your services. You get the maximum value with minimum expense.

A major key to accomplish this while building your brand is being active in social media. More companies are incorporating social media into their marketing plans and including it into their marketing budgets.

The focus is to utilize the vast opportunities available in the social sphere like leads and conversion of these leads into paying clients.

Social media, forums and chat rooms enable physicians and health businesses to answer questions, provide solutions to problems people are struggling 22|| DECEMBER 2013 6 MARCH 2017

with and supply relevant information. Social media provides real-time access to vast networks of followers and friends.

Mistakes to Avoid Mistake #1- Sweeping negative feedback under the carpet Rather than deleting negative feedback, view it as an opportunity to receive valuable feedback. It is a chance to manage your reputation by reaching out and responding to the dissatisfied commenter. Admitting mistakes and learning from them is a great way to improve and strengthen your brand’s reputation. It converts a disgruntled client into a raving fan.

Mistake #2- Not answering questions and comments on Blogs, Twitter, or FaceBook Ignoring questions or problems that are presented to you builds resentment and implies that you don’t

care or that you are not listening to their concerns.

Your goal should be to reach out to them instead. Be known as the empathetic professional who relates to others.

Mistake #3- Being unaware of comments and questions made toward you Social media monitoring is crucial to become aware of comments that could damage your brand or reputation. Have a damage control plan for crisis management to thwart any crisis that arises. Have a community manager who can take action. Reach out to those issuing complaints and provide solutions (or an apology if this is called for). Convert dissatisfied patients into loyal fans.

Mistake #4- Not building relationships Participation in social media is all about building relationships. Remember the key that people do business with those they know, like and trust. This holds true for medical practices as well. Build relationships with journalists and media heads as well. Establish yourself as their go-to person for when they need information or help on one of their news-breaking stories.

Mistake #5- Not involving staff or having a support team Your time as a physician or head of a company is important and demanding responsibilities diverts your attention. Assign blog posts and comments to your staff members in areas that they have experience and knowledge in. This will alleviate pressure for you and ease the social media experience for you.

Mistake #6- Thinking you can work alone Patients and prospective patients are not the only ones who are important to building your brand. By connecting with influencers in social media and getting them to talk about you, you can leverage their base to spread your message to a wider audience.

Mistake #7- Not researching where your patients are Which social media sites do your patients hang out on? This must be researched. Loss of time and money occur by not knowing the answer to this question and spending time on the wrong site where your current and prospective patients won’t see your efforts.

There are social media monitoring tools like Sysomos Heartbeat that can locate where your patients are talk-

ing and sharing information. The Sysomos platform adds context to millions of online conversations and offers tools enabling engagement in real time. You can read about it at www.sysomos.com. Once armed with this information, you can then focus your efforts and strengthen your brand on these platforms.

Social media provides a huge opportunity for brand building. Executives in most major corporations throughout the world know that it’s not a question as to whether or not to use the various media channels but what the best way is to get involved to achieve the most effectiveness. They are aware that the value of their company is meshed with their online activity which is why they also have managers that are constantly cruising the sites to act upon damage control or to comment on questions or remarks.

So important is this opportunity, that if you don’t have the time (and most health professionals don’t), it is worth either getting your staff involved or outsourcing it.

If you have further questions, I would be happy to give you a free consultation. Call 561-325-9664. 

The Write Treatment

Ezines and NewslettersCost Effective Powerful Tools • Drive traffic to your business website • Build relationships between yourself and patients • Get new patients • Announce a new service or product • Give great impact Have you got a newsletter yet or want to spread a message?

Contact Barbara Hales, M.D. for a free consultation.

Barbara@TheWriteTreatment.com 516-647-3002

MED MONTHLY MAGAZINE

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practice tips

Peer Support Makes All the Difference for Diabetic Patients When University of North Carolina MD/PhD students Nick Brazeau and Anna Kahkoska volunteered at the Open Door Clinic, which provides free medical care to residents of Alamance County who do not have health insurance, they were surprised to see just how many patients with diabetes were unable to control their blood sugar levels. Brazeau was taken aback by the overwhelming challenges patients faced even though they desired to be healthy.

“Many of them are limited by time, resources, and even access to necessary medications and health care,” said Brazeau, who is a doctoral student in the Department of Epidemiology in the UNC Gillings School of Public Health.

“These barriers are immense and often seem insurmountable, which speaks to the tenacity and capacity of patients who strive to overcome them.”

The students wanted to change the entire clinic structure by transitioning from individual appointments to shared medical appointments so they applied to the Schweitzer Fellowship to implement their vision. The process involved collaboration from the clinic directors, the visiting endocrinologists, and all of the students who work at the clinic, including undergraduate students, PA students, and pharmacy residents. After almost a year of running shared medical appointments, they are seeing great signs of improvement among patients in their clinic.

“In aggregate, we’ve seen a reversal in the trend of HbA1c since we started shared medical appointments, where patients who have been seen in this model of care are show a substantial reduction in HbA1c levels over time.

The reduction in HbA1c represents an improvement in glycemic control and a decreased risk for complications down the line,” said Kahkoska, who is a doctoral student in the Department of Nutrition in the UNC Gillings School of Public Health and UNC School of Medicine.

Many underserved patients at the clinic have HbA1c levels (HbA1c measures the average level of glucose in the blood over the previous three months) that initially were high enough to cause serious clinical concern. The shared medical appointments offer 22|| DECEMBER 2013 8 MARCH 2017

time and space for patients to ask questions, share successes, and discuss barriers. However, it also offers patients the opportunity to share their successes and their positive experiences. One participant, for example, was able to bring her HbA1c level down within the target range after several months of shared medical appointments.

The patient had focused on taking her medication and begun walking daily, and through the shared medical appointment model, she was able to share her diet and lifestyle change with other patients. “She is a continued inspiration to the other patients in the shared medical appointment setting and to us on the clinic side,” said Brazeau. “Her story illustrates how a caring community and health support network can dramatically change someone’s life as well as set an example for others.”

In fact, the effectiveness of the shared medical appointments has been the most surprising part of Kahkoska’s Schweitzer Fellowship experience. “It has been really incredible to see patients directly influence and support each other in ways that just aren’t possible in the provider-patient relationship,” she said.

To further leverage that peer influence, Brazeau and Kahkoska have emphasized including patients that are having success managing their diabetes with others who are struggling to do the same in the same appointment. Kahkoska is moved by her patients’ generosity in listening to their peers, and sharing their own stories. “In this model, education, support, and inspiration don’t just come from the top down,” she says, “the success of the shared medical appointment directly relies on the interactions

between patients.”

One of the things that Brazeau and Kahkoska observed when they were volunteering at the Open Door Clinic is that patients with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, didn’t necessarily see the same provider at their health care visits, and didn’t experience the consequential emotional accountability to those healthcare professionals.

“Free care doesn’t necessarily mean improved outcomes if it isn’t accompanied by programming and community support that addresses the complicated and subjective experience of chronic disease management,” said Kahkoska.

With support from their UNC School of Medicine mentors Dr. John Buse and Dr. Laura Young, and Open Door Clinic Director Tracy Salisbury, Brazeau and Kahkoska settled on shared medical appointments as a way of providing continuity of diabetes care for patients, along with education, social support, and a community built on shared experience. In addition, the shared medical appointments provide a valuable education opportunity for all of the different students that staff the clinic. Aside from gaining exposure to novel models of care, students involved in the appointments have a chance to hear more about the patient-perceived experience of diabetes, other aspects of diabetes care, and great complexity involved with fitting the pieces together in a free clinic.

In addition to better glycemic control among their patients and more involvement by students from different programs, Brazeau and Kahkoska have also seen tremendous improvement in patient attendance thanks to the shared medical appointments. Three months into

the program, they began to see nearly 100 percent attendance by scheduled patients for the first time.

“We thought it was a testament to the fact that patients felt a real value in coming to clinic,” said Kahkoska.

Brazeau and Kahkoska are working to make their program the standard of care for diabetes patients at the Open Door Clinic and sustaining it through the involvement of students from Elon University, the UNC School of Medicine, and UNC endocrinologists. “The shared medical appointments allow substantially more interaction with a physician and permit patients to help, to coach, and to cheer each other on through their battle with diabetes,” said Brazeau. “We hope our legacy will be an improved standard of care and improved health outcomes in patients who previously struggled to control their diabetes.”

Brazeau and Kahkoska also have a broader goal to develop a scalable model for other free clinics and community health centers in North Carolina to address both the management and prevention of type 2 diabetes through shared medical appointments They believe that this model is a great way to integrate students from different health training programs in free clinicsto improve diabetes care for underserved patients.

“Working through a project like this changes the way that I think about health inequity,” says Kahkoska. “It gives me the proof of principle and self-efficacy to continue addressing the problems I see through service.”  Source: http://www.pressreleasepoint.com/peer-support-makes-alldifference-diabetic-patients

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practice tips

10 Tips to Prevent Ransom Attacks!

By Vishal Gandhi, BSEE, MBA Founder and CEO

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A

part from medical records, patient health and financial information are the latest targets for cyber criminals. Shielding your practice from ransomware attacks is extremely necessary.

Here are some tips to help you prevent your practice from ransom attacks: 1. Divide the practice/hospital’s network into separate sections so that the medical devices can run separately.

2. Check if any unused wireless connections or similar infrared ports are switched off. Always disable remote services so as to prevent any security vulnerabilities.

3. Use secure network drives to access patient health information and perform periodic back-up.

4. File sharing should be disabled so as to prevent the computer from getting affected by the other infected computer.

5. Update all of your software as well as devices by applying regular patches and updates to correct security glitches.

6. Implement a secure internal spam filter to catch any uncommon files or programs. Files with extension like .scr, .vbs, .exe. .tko, .xlv etc carry infectious viruses that can quickly spread through your system. Refrain from opening these attachments without scanning them.

7. Allow ‘blocking’ of unwanted programs while ‘whitelisting’ only certain programs. Also, avoid using auto-update to update all your devices. Keep an eye for any suspicious update requests.

8. Perform regular back-up periodically and store a copy in the cloud. This way you can still restore most of the data in case of any data loss.

9. Impose data access privileges on important files and documents so that only permitted individuals can modify them.

10. Turn off the internet connection as soon as there is any suspicious process detected.

Conclusively, build an action plan for a quick recovery should a ransomware attack occur. Unfortunately, it can not be completely avoided, but maintaining network security can certainly help you avoid longlasting damages to your practice. 

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practice tips

NEW CDC PROGRAM CREATED TO HELP CANCER PATIENTS PREVENT INFECTIONS

There is important news for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Did you know that one of the most dangerous side effects of chemotherapy cannot be seen? That’s right; a low white blood cell count puts cancer patients at a higher risk for getting an infection. This condition, called neutropenia, is common after receiving chemotherapy.

While chemotherapy can be an important part of a patient’s treatment for cancer, it can also damage infection-fighting white blood cells. So, when a cancer patient’s white bloodcell count dips too low during their chemotherapy treatment, so does their immune system, increasing their risk of infection. An infection in people with cancer is an emergency. In fact, it’s estimated that each year 60,000 cancer patients are hospitalized for chemotherapy-related infections and one patient dies every two hours from this complication.

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What are the signs and symptoms of an infection?

While fever may be the only symptom you have, it’s important that you know other signs and symptoms you might experience if an infection is looming. The CDC suggests you call your doctor right away if you have any of the following: • Fever- a temperature of 100.4° F or higher for more than 1 hour, or a one-time temperature of 101° F or higher.

• Chills and sweats • Change in cough or new cough • Sore throat or new mouth sore • Shortness of breath • Nasal congestion • Stiff neck • Burning or pain with urination • Unusual vaginal discharge or irritation

• Redness, soreness, or swelling in any area, including surgical wounds and ports • Diarrhea or vomiting • Pain in the abdomen or rectum • New onset of pain • Changes in skin, urination or mental status What can I do to protect myself against infections?

One of the best ways to prevent infections is to clean your hands often. This should include you, all members of your household, your doctors, nurses and anyone who comes into close contact with you. Don’t be afraid to ask people to wash their hands. Use soap and water to wash your hands, but it’s OK to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

To help address this problem, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed the Preventing Infections in Cancer Patients program.

The program includes two new educational tools for people with cancer, their caregivers and their healthcare providers. These resources include:

• Preventcancerinfections.org Web site — developed for patients and caregivers featuring a questionnaire and interactive educational materials to help them prepare, prevent and protect themselves against potentially life-threatening infections.

• Basic Infection Control and Prevention Plan for Outpatient Oncology Settings — developed for healthcare providers and facility administrators; the plan includes key infection control policies and procedures to be used by outpatient oncology settings, where more than one million patients receive cancer treatment.

For education materials and additional information, please visit www.cdc.gov/cancer/preventinfections.

This program was made possible through a CDC Foundation partnership with and funding from, Amgen. As part of the partnership, the CDC Foundation considered oncology expertise provided by Amgen.

For more information, visit CDC’s Web site at www. cdc.gov/24-7.  Source: https://www.cdc.gov/media/matte/2012/04_ cancer_patients.pdf

PRIMARY CARE PRACTICE East of Raleigh, North Carolina We are offering a well established primary care practice only minutes east of Raleigh North Carolina. The retiring physician maintains a 5 day work week and has a solid base of patients that can easily be expanded. There are 6 fully equipped exam rooms, a large private doctor’s office, spacious business office, and patient friendly check in and out while the patient waiting room is generous overlooking manicured flowered grounds. This family practice is open Monday through Friday and treats 8 to a dozen patients per day.

Currently operating on paper charts, there is no EMR in place. The Gross revenue is about $235,000 yearly.

We are offering this practice for $50,000 which includes all the medical equipment and furniture. The building is free standing and can be leased or purchased.

Contact Philip at 919-848-4202 to receive details and reasonable offers will be presented to the selling physician.

MedicalPracticeListings.com | medlisting@gmail.com | 919-848-4202

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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.

Our three signature sections include:  Performance review  Valuation  Projections

Scan this QR code with your smart phone to learn more.

919.846.4747 bizscorevaluation.com

U.S. OPTICAL BOARDS Alaska P.O. Box 110806 Juneau, AK 99811 (907)465-5470 http://www.commerce.state.ak.us/dnn/ cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/DispensingOpticians.aspx Arizona 1400 W. Washington, Rm. 230 Phoenix, AZ 85007 (602)542-3095 http://www.do.az.gov Arkansas P.O. Box 627 Helena, AR 72342 (870)572-2847 California 2005 Evergreen St., Ste. 1200 Sacramento, CA 95815 (916)263-2382 http://www.optometry.ca.gov/ Colorado 1560 Broadway St. #1310 Denver, CO 80202 (303)894-7750 http://www.dora.state.co.us/optometry/ Connecticut 410 Capitol Ave., MS #12APP P.O. Box 340308 Hartford, CT 06134 (860)509-7603 ext. 4 http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view. asp?a=3121&q=427586 Florida 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C08 Tallahassee, FL 32399 (850)245-4474 http://www.pof.org/opticianry-board/ Georgia 237 Coliseum Dr. Macon, GA 31217 (478)207-1671 http://sos.ga.gov/index.php/licensing/ plb/20 Hawaii P.O. Box 3469 Honolulu, HI 96801 (808)586-2704 http://hawaii.gov/dcca/pvl/programs/ dispensingoptician/

Idaho 450 W. State St., 10th Floor Boise , ID 83720 (208)334-5500 http://www.ironforidaho.net/

Oregon 3218 Pringle Rd. SE Ste. 270 Salem, OR 97302 (503)373-7721 http://www.oregonobo.org/optque.htm

Kentucky P.O. Box 1360 Frankfurt, KY 40602 (502)564-3296 http://www.opticiantraining.org/optician-training-kentucky/

Rhode Island 3 Capitol Hill, Rm 104 Providence, RI 02908 (401)222-7883 http://sos.ri.gov/govdirectory/index. php? page=DetailDeptAgency&eid=260

Massachusetts 239 Causeway St. Boston, MA 02114 (617)727-5339 http://1.usa.gov/zbJVt7

South Carolina P.O. Box 11329 Columbia, SC 29211 (803)896-4665 www.llr.state.sc.us

Nevada P.O. Box 70503 Reno, NV 89570 (775)853-1421 http://nvbdo.state.nv.us/

Tennessee Heritage Place Metro Center 227 French Landing, Ste. 300 Nashville, TN 37243 (615)253-6061 http://tn.gov/health

New Hampshire 129 Pleasant St. Concord, NH 03301 (603)271-5590 www.state.nh.us New Jersey P.O. Box 45011 Newark, NJ 07101 (973)504-6435 http://www.njsop.org/aws/NJSOP/pt/sp/ home_page New York 89 Washington Ave., 2nd Floor W. Albany, NY 12234 (518)402-5944 http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/od/ North Carolina P.O. Box 25336 Raleigh, NC 27611 (919)733-9321 http://www.ncoptometry.org/ Ohio 77 S. High St. Columbus, OH 43266 (614)466-9707 http://optical.ohio.gov/

Texas P.O. Box 149347 Austin, TX 78714 (512)834-6661 http://www.tob.state.tx.us/ Vermont National Life Bldg N FL. 2 Montpelier, VT 05620 (802)828-2191 http://vtprofessionals.org/opr1/ opticians/ Virginia 3600 W. Broad St. Richmond, VA 23230 (804)367-8500 http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/ HAS-Opticians/ Washington 300 SE Quince P.O. Box 47870 Olympia, WA 98504 (360)236-4947 http://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/MedicalCommission. aspx

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U.S. DENTAL BOARDS Alabama Alabama Board of Dental Examiners 5346 Stadium Trace Pkwy., Ste. 112 Hoover, AL 35244 (205) 985-7267 http://www.dentalboard.org/ Alaska P.O. Box 110806 Juneau, AK 99811-0806 (907)465-2542 https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/ cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardofDentalExaminers.aspx Arizona 4205 N. 7th Ave. Suite 300 Phoenix, AZ 85103 (602)242-1492 http://azdentalboard.us/ Arkansas 101 E. Capitol Ave., Suite 111 Little Rock, AR 72201 (501)682-2085 http://www.asbde.org/ California 2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1550Â Sacramento, CA 95815 877-729-7789 http://www.dbc.ca.gov/

Hawaii DCCA-PVL Att: Dental P.O. Box 3469 Honolulu, HI 96801 (808)586-3000 http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/dentist/ Idaho P.O. Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720 (208)334-2369 http://isbd.idaho.gov/ Illinois 320 W. Washington St. Springfield, IL 62786 (217)785-0820 http://www.isds.org/LawsLegislation/ boardOfDentistry.asp Indiana 402 W. Washington St., Room W072 Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317)232-2980 http://www.in.gov/pla/dental.htm

Colorado 1560 Broadway, Suite 1350 Denver, CO 80202 (303)894-7800 https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dora/ Dental_Board

Iowa 400 SW 8th St. Suite D Des Moines, IA 50309 (515)281-5157 http://www.state.ia.us/dentalboard/

Connecticut 410 Capitol Ave. Hartford, CT 06134 (860)509-8000 http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view. asp?a=3143&q=388884

Kansas 900 SW Jackson Room 564-S Topeka, KS 66612 (785)296-6400 http://www.dental.ks.gov/

Delaware Cannon Building, Suite 203 861 Solver Lake Blvd.

Dover, DE 19904 (302)744-4500 http://1.usa.gov/t0mbWZ

Kentucky 312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 101 Louisville, KY 40222 (502)429-7280 http://dentistry.ky.gov/

Florida 4052 Bald Cypress Way Bin C-08 Tallahassee, FL 32399 (850)245-4474 http://floridasdentistry.gov/ 16

Georgia 237 Coliseum Drive Macon, GA 31217 (478)207-2440 https://gbd.georgia.gov/

| MARCH 2017

Louisiana 365 Canal St., Suite 2680 New Orleans, LA 70130 (504)568-8574 http://dentistry.ky.gov/

Maine 143 State House Station 161 Capitol St. Augusta, ME 04333 (207)287-3333 http://www.mainedental.org/ Maryland 55 Wade Ave. Catonsville, Maryland 21228 (410)402-8500 http://dhmh.state.md.us/dental/ Massachusetts 1000 Washington St., Suite 710 Boston, MA 02118 (617)727-1944 http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/programs/hcq/dhpl/ dentist/about/ Michigan P.O. Box 30664 Lansing, MI 48909 (517)241-2650 http://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7154-72600_72603_27529_27533---,00. html Minnesota 2829 University Ave., SE. Suite 450 Minneapolis, MN 55414 (612)617-2250 http://www.dentalboard.state.mn.us/ Mississippi 600 E. Amite St., Suite 100 Jackson, MS 39201 (601)944-9622 http://bit.ly/uuXKxl Missouri 3605 Missouri Blvd.

P.O. Box 1367 Jefferson City, MO 65102 (573)751-0040 http://pr.mo.gov/dental.asp Montana P.O. Box 200113 Helena, MT 59620 (406)444-2511 http://bsd.dli.mt.gov/license/bsd_ boards/den_board/board_page.asp

Nebraska 301 Centennial Mall South Lincoln, NE 68509 (402)471-3121 http://dhhs.ne.gov/publichealth/Pages/ crl_medical_dent_hygiene_board.aspx

Ohio Riffe Center 77 S. High St.,17th Floor Columbus, OH 43215 (614)466-2580 http://www.dental.ohio.gov/

Nevada 6010 S. Rainbow Blvd. Suite A-1 Las Vegas, NV 89118 (702)486-7044 http://www.nvdentalboard.nv.gov/

Oklahoma 201 N.E. 38th Terr., #2 Oklahoma City, OK 73105 (405)524-9037 http://www.ok.gov/dentistry/

New Hampshire 2 Industrial Park Dr. Concord, NH 03301 (603)271-4561 http://www.nh.gov/dental/

Oregon 1600 SW 4th Ave. Suite 770 Portland, OR 97201 (971)673-3200 http://www.oregon.gov/Dentistry/

New Jersey P.O Box 45005 Newark, NJ 07101 (973)504-6405 http://njpublicsafety.com/ca/dentistry/

Pennsylvania P.O. Box 2649 Harrisburg, PA 17105 (717)783-7162 http://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Dentistry/ Pages/default.aspx#.VbkfjPlPVYU

New Mexico Toney Anaya Building 2550 Cerrillos Rd. Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505)476-4680 http://www.rld.state.nm.us/boards/Dental_Health_Care.aspx New York 89 Washington Ave. Albany, NY 12234 (518)474-3817 http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/dent/ North Carolina 507 Airport Blvd., Suite 105 Morrisville, NC 27560 (919)678-8223 http://www.ncdentalboard.org/ North Dakota P.O. Box 7246 Bismark, ND 58507 (701)258-8600 http://www.nddentalboard.org/

Rhode Island Dept. of Health Three Capitol Hill, Room 104 Providence, RI 02908 (401)222-2828 http://1.usa.gov/u66MaB South Carolina P.O. Box 11329 Columbia, SC 29211 (803)896-4599 http://www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/Dentistry/ South Dakota P.O. Box 1079 105. S. Euclid Ave. Suite C Pierre, SC 57501 (605)224-1282 https://www.sdboardofdentistry.com/ Tennessee 227 French Landing, Suite 300 Nashville, TN 37243 (615)532-3202 http://tn.gov/health

Texas 333 Guadeloupe St. Suite 3-800 Austin, TX 78701 (512)463-6400 http://www.tsbde.state.tx.us/ Utah 160 E. 300 South Salt Lake City, UT 84111 (801)530-6628 http://1.usa.gov/xMVXWm Vermont National Life Building North FL2 Montpelier, VT 05620 (802)828-1505 http://governor.vermont.gov/boards_ and_commissions/dental_examiners Virginia Perimeter Center 9960 Maryland Dr., Suite 300 Henrico, VA 23233 (804)367-4538 http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/dentistry Washington 310 Israel Rd. SE P.O. Box 47865 Olympia, WA 98504 (360)236-4700 http://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/ProfessionsNewReneworUpdate/Dentist.aspx West Virginia 1319 Robert C. Byrd Dr. P.O. Box 1447 Crab Orchard, WV 25827 1-877-914-8266 http://www.wvdentalboard.org/ Wisconsin P.O. Box 8935 Madison, WI 53708 1(877)617-1565 http://dsps.wi.gov/Default. aspx?Page=90c5523f-bab0-4a45-ab943d9f699d4eb5 Wyoming 1800 Carey Ave., 4th Floor Cheyenne, WY 82002 (307)777-6529 http://plboards.state.wy.us/dental/index.asp

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U.S. MEDICAL BOARDS Alabama P.O. Box 946 Montgomery, AL 36101 (334)242-4116 http://www.albme.org/ Alaska 550 West 7th Ave., Suite 1500 Anchorage, AK 99501 (907)269-8163 http://www.medlicense.com/alaskamedical-license.html Arizona 9545 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85258 (480)551-2700 http://www.azmd.gov Arkansas 1401 West Capitol Ave., Suite 340 Little Rock, AR 72201 (501)296-1802 http://www.armedicalboard.org/ California 2005 Evergreen St., Suite 1200 Sacramento, CA 95815 (916)263-2382 http://www.mbc.ca.gov/ Colorado 1560 Broadway, Suite 1350 Denver, CO 80202 (303)894-7690 http://www.docjungle.com/medicalboards/colorado-physician-licensing/ Connecticut 401 Capitol Ave. Hartford, CT 06134 (860)509-8000 http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view. asp?a=3143&q=388902 Delaware Division of Professional Regulation Cannon Building 861 Silver Lake Blvd., Suite 203 Dover, DE 19904 (302)744-4500 http://dpr.delaware.gov/ District of Columbia 899 North Capitol St., NE Washington, DC 20002 (202)442-5955 http://doh.dc.gov/bomed 18

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Florida 2585 Merchants Row Blvd.

Tallahassee, FL 32399 (850)245-4444 http://www.stateofflorida.com/Portal/ DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=115

Louisiana LSBME P.O. Box 30250 New Orleans, LA 70190 (504)568-6820 http://www.lsbme.la.gov/

Georgia 2 Peachtree Street NW, 36th Floor Atlanta, GA 30303 (404)656-3913 http://bit.ly/vPJQyG

Maine 161 Capitol Street 137 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333 (207)287-3601 http://www.maine.gov/md/

Hawaii DCCA-PVL P.O. Box 3469 Honolulu, HI 96801 (808)587-3295 http://hawaii.gov/dcca/pvl/boards/medical/

Maryland 4201 Patterson Ave. Baltimore, MD 21215 (410)764-4777 http://www.mbp.state.md.us/

Idaho Idaho Board of Medicine P.O. Box 83720 Boise, Idaho 83720 (208)327-7000 http://bit.ly/orPmFU

Massachusetts 200 Harvard Mill Sq., Suite 330 Wakefield, MA 01880 (781)876-8200 http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/borim/

Illinois 320 West Washington St. Springfield, IL 62786 (217)785 -0820 http://www.idfpr.com/

Michigan Bureau of Health Professions P.O. Box 30670 Lansing, MI 48909 (517)335-0918 http://michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-15472600_72603_27529_27541-58914--,00. html

Indiana 402 W. Washington St. #W072 Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317)233-0800 http://www.in.gov/pla/ Iowa 400 SW 8th St., Suite C Des Moines, IA 50309 (515)281-6641 http://medicalboard.iowa.gov/ Kansas 800 SW Jackson, Lower Level, Suite A Topeka, KS 66612 (785)296-7413 http://www.ksbha.org/ Kentucky 310 Whittington Pkwy., Suite 1B Louisville, KY 40222 (502)429-7150 http://kbml.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx

Minnesota University Park Plaza 2829 University Ave. SE, Suite 500 Minneapolis, MN 55414 (612)617-2130 http://bit.ly/pAFXGq Mississippi 1867 Crane Ridge Drive, Suite 200-B Jackson, MS 39216 (601)987-3079 http://www.msbml.state.ms.us/ Missouri Missouri Division of Professional Registration 3605 Missouri Blvd.

P.O. Box 1335 Jefferson City, MO 65102 (573)751-0293 http://pr.mo.gov/healingarts.asp

Montana 301 S. Park Ave. #430 Helena, MT 59601 (406)841-2300 http://bsd.dli.mt.gov/license/bsd_ boards/med_board/board_page.asp Nebraska Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services P.O. Box 95026 Lincoln, NE 68509 (402)471-3121 https://www.nebraska.gov/LISSearch/ search.cgi Nevada Board of Medical Examiners P.O. Box 7238 Reno, NV 89510 (775)688-2559 http://www.medboard.nv.gov/ New Hampshire New Hampshire State Board of Medicine 2 Industrial Park Dr. #8 Concord, NH 03301 (603)271-1203 http://www.nh.gov/medicine/ New Jersey P. O. Box 360 Trenton, NJ 08625 (609)292-7837 http://www.medlicense.com/new-jerseymedical-license.html New Mexico 2055 S. Pacheco St. Building 400 Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505)476-7220 http://www.nmmb.state.nm.us/ New York Office of the Professions State Education Building, 2nd Floor Albany, NY 12234 (518)474-3817 http://www.op.nysed.gov/ North Carolina P.O. Box 20007 Raleigh, NC 27619 (919)326-1100 http://www.ncmedboard.org/

North Dakota 418 E. Broadway Ave., Suite 12 Bismarck, ND 58501 (701)328-6500 http://www.ndbomex.com/

Texas P.O. Box 2018 Austin, TX 78768 (512)305-7010 http://www.tmb.state.tx.us/

Ohio 30 E. Broad St., 3rd Floor Columbus, OH 43215 (614)466-3934 http://med.ohio.gov/

Utah P.O. Box 146741 Salt Lake City, UT 84114 (801)530-6628 http://www.dopl.utah.gov/licensing/physician_surgeon.html

Oklahoma P.O. Box 18256 Oklahoma City, OK 73154 (405)962-1400 http://www.okmedicalboard.org/ Oregon 1500 SW 1st Ave., Suite 620 Portland, OR 97201 (971)673-2700 http://www.oregon.gov/OMB/ Pennsylvania P.O. Box 2649 Harrisburg, PA 17105 (717)787-8503 http://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Medicine/ Pages/default.aspx#.Vbkgf_lPVYU Rhode Island 3 Capitol Hill Providence, RI 02908 (401)222-5960 http://1.usa.gov/xgocXV South Carolina P.O. Box 11289 Columbia, SC 29211 (803)896-4500 http://www.llr.state.sc.us/pol/medical/ South Dakota 101 N. Main Ave. Suite 301 Sioux Falls, SD 57104 (605)367-7781 http://www.sdbmoe.gov/ Tennessee 425 5th Ave. North Cordell Hull Bldg. 3rd Floor Nashville, TN 37243 (615)741-3111 http://tn.gov/health

Vermont P.O. Box 70 Burlington, VT 05402 (802)657-4220 http://1.usa.gov/wMdnxh Virginia Virginia Dept. of Health Professions Perimeter Center 9960 Maryland Dr., Suite 300 Henrico, VA 23233 (804)367-4400 http://1.usa.gov/xjfJXK Washington Public Health Systems Development Washington State Department of Health 101 Israel Rd. SE, MS 47890 Tumwater, WA 98501 (360)236-4085 http://www.medlicense.com/washingtonmedicallicense.html West Virginia 101 Dee Dr., Suite 103 Charleston, WV 25311 (304)558-2921 http://www.wvbom.wv.gov/ Wisconsin P.O. Box 8935 Madison, WI 53708 (877)617-1565 http://dsps.wi.gov/Boards-Councils/ Board-Pages/Medical-Examining-BoardMain-Page/ Wyoming 320 W. 25th St., Suite 200 Cheyenne, WY 82002 (307)778-7053 http://wyomedboard.state.wy.us/

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features

Physician Solutions: Focused on the Future

By Philip Driver, CEO Physician Solutions, Inc

When I started Physician Solutions in 1990, we had computers but the Internet wasn’t born yet.

Fax machines were in every office, but social media didn’t have a place in business. Over the past 28 years in medical staffing, I have heard a lot of reasons that cause professionals to consider becoming locum tenens. Here are a few of the many scenarios and situations my company has accommodated over the years. l Margaret

graduated from medical school as a general practitioner. She was undecided about which specialty to pursue,

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so she chose locums work to expose herself to different specialties and make an informed decision. l Randy

is a semi-retired surgeon who sold his practice through our sister company, Medical Practice Listings. Randy moved closer to his daughter and grandchildren, but wasn’t ready for retirement just yet.

A locums assignment through Physician Solutions worked perfectly for him. Randy still practices two days a week, plays golf two days a week, and is a full time grandfather.

l Hank

moved to Raleigh from Ohio and contacted the North Carolina Medical Board and Medical Society once he was settled. Hank was looking for direction after leaving a practice where he had been a partner for four years. He had a less than perfect experience running the practice with his two partners and decided to make a big move just as a couple of his colleagues had done a year earlier. The first locums staffing company that popped up in his Google search was Physician Solutions. Dr. H now works for us on his own

ing firms that provide “temporary physicians” produce more than $4 billion in revenue annually.

The medical industry estimates that 6 percent of the more than 600,000 U.S. physicians work locum tenens at least some of the time, for a number of reasons. Among physicians who accept locum tenens assignments, approximately 30 percent practice this way exclusively.

There are many reasons to hire a locum physician or advanced practitioner: l To fill in for an absent staff member (who may be ill, on vacation, on sabbatical or maternity leave) l To cover while permanent staff attend CME courses or emergency leave l To supplement permanent staff during busy times l To staff new positions or facilities while providers are recruited

terms at the practices and locations he chooses. Hank makes more money than he did at his Ohio practice and sets his own schedule, all without the added stress of working with partners.

Why are Locum Tenens a Solid Solution for Most Practices?

The simple answer is because it works. The following is a comprehensive take on my experience overseeing a locums company.

Spending on locum tenens services has more than doubled in the past few years. Today, the recruit-

Also, in today’s competitive healthcare industry, more and more executives include locum tenens as an integral part of their master staffing plans. This allows them to maintain reasonable expectations for their doctors and extenders by bringing in a locum professional or two during busy days or seasonal periods. This is typically more efficient and cost-effective than maintaining peak staffing levels and paying for excess down time — in addition to employee benefits and physician or advanced practitioner perks.

Used strategically, locum tenens practitioners can help you attract and keep more of your staff, which helps your practice retain more patients and generate higher revenue.

Here is a list of reasons, shared

by doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners working for Physician Solutions, as to why they choose to work locum tenens. l Supplement income l Work while searching for the perfect full time position l Continue working between permanent jobs l Work at a practice to see if you wish to go permanent l Easily find work while relocating l Control your own schedule l Locum wages are very appealing l Simplify medicine without managing a business or staff l Continue practicing while semi-retired Over 25 years ago I owned a few Occupational Medicine practices in North Carolina. A colleague contacted me one day to inquire if one of my contracted doctors could work at his practice while he took off for a couple of weeks to settle his father’s estate. He and I put together a two week contract, which included mal-practice insurance, travel, and lodging. One assignment led to another, and then another, and Physician Solutions was born. Now, my practices have been sold and my main focus is ensuring Physician Solutions, headquartered in Raleigh, NC, can be depended upon every day to provide quality locum tenens to dozens of practices throughout the Southeastern United States. The demand has become so great that as of the first of this year, we have increased our staffing footprint to include Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia and Florida.

Physician Solutions is growing quickly, and we are focused on the future.  MED MONTHLY MAGAZINE

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features

Emerging Trend:

Growing Demand for Locum Tenens Dentists

By Naren Arulrajah Ekwa Marketing

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Introduction

There is a growing need for healthcare professions across the board.

The dental fraternity is no exception.

This is why temporary providers are increasingly being used to fill the gap between the demand and supply of healthcare professionals in private practices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities and groups.

Historically, locum tenens dentists and doctors were used to fill in for residents who were either ill, or on vacation, or otherwise absent due to any other reason. However, today temporary providers are not only common, but their use is prompted mainly due to a national shortage of healthcare providers among various verticals.

Demand for Locum Tenens Dentists Dentists are in big demand in rural as well as in metropolitan city communities. Dentists most in demand are - General practice, Pediatric, Endodontic, and Oral and Maxillofacial. Locum tenens dentists can effectively meet the growing demand, help maintain continuity of services and revenue, and step into temporary positions until permanent candidates can be hired.

Private dental practices both in rural and metropolitan areas are also actively using temporary providers in large numbers. The need for locum tenens dentists in private practice is mainly felt when the resident dentists need to take vacations, or due to illness or military deployment.

Temporary dentists are also used to fill in when the practice hires a new graduate. The locum tenens dentist serves from the time the graduate is licensed till the time they are ready to be absorbed into the practice.

continued on page 24

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continued from page 23

Another way in which locum tenens dentists can be used is when the practice wants to secure a new associate via the “temp-to-perm” process. The practice dentist can evaluate the work of the temporary dentist prior to offering them a permanent position at the practice. At some point, when the locum tenens dentist is permanently employed and comfortable with the practice, they may eventually purchase the practice. Additionally, locum tenens dentists can also serve in specialty areas on an ‘’as and when needed’’ basis to provide services that the practice otherwise will be required to refer out.

Benefits Vs. Cost of Hiring Locum Tenens Dentists

An illness cannot be avoided. And dentists need vacation or other reasons for taking time off from work just as any other working professional. A practice cannot afford to take a hit in revenue and loss in its patient base in the absence of a dentist and or other supporting dental staff. In the absence of a dentist, patient wait times go up. This can impact not only high revenue generation procedures, but also patients who come in for routine appointments which can lead to patients seeking services elsewhere.

As mentioned earlier in the article, locum tenens dentists can help a practice maintain continuity of care and ensure revenue is not impacted. Anytime a dental practice decides to hire a temporary provider, patients should be informed that they will be seen by a dentist who is filling in the spot while their regular dentist is out for the day or week. It is always a good idea to have the temp dentist introduced by the regular dentist or if that is not possible, then the staff should inform patients that the temporary dentist was hand-picked by their regular dentist. In such instances, the practice benefits from better patient impressions; instead of referring patients to a dentist at a different practice or office, patients will be seen by a dentist selected by the practice in the same office.

Locum tenens dentists can be paid in one of two ways -- a per diem option or a production option. If opting for a per diem option, the practice is required to pay a daily rate (which may vary) for the locum tenens dentist’s services. If paying via the production formula, the practice is required to pay the staffing agency a specific percentage cut of the revenue that is

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generated by the locum tenens dentist when the figure reaches the agreed upon base line of revenue.

Why Dentists are opting to Work as Locum Tenens

Today dentists are actively opting to work as locum tenens for a number of reasons. Experience is one reason. Most locum tenens dentists have good experience years behind them and instead of retiring permanently, these dentists prefer to work locum tenens. It allows them an easier schedule and a steady source of income.

The other reason is flexibility. Locum tenens dentists have the option to choose when and where they want to practice. They are not bound by legal and or professional obligations to work at a practice. If they need to travel during an assignment, their travel, accommodations, and malpractice insurance are covered.

Locum tenens is a viable option among the new generation of dentists as well. These dentists can use locum tenens assignments to gauge the working environment at different practice settings before deciding to take on a permanent role. A locum tenens assignment is also an ideal option if they are waiting till a permanent job begins.

Conclusion

Clearly, the benefits of hiring locum tenens dentists are impactful to continuity of patient care and practice revenue. However, locum tenens dentists are still an emerging trend among the dental workforce. How quickly the trend pick-ups will depend largely on how the on-going demand and supply inconsistencies for dentists are addressed. If the in-consistencies continue, then the role of locum tenens dentists will only get bigger and more important.  About the Author: Naren Arulrajah is President and CEO of Ekwa Marketing, a complete Internet marketing company which focuses on SEO, social media, marketing education and the online reputations of Dentists and Physicians. With a team of 140+ full time marketers, www.ekwa.com helps doctors who know where they want to go get there by dominating their market and growing their business significantly year after year. If you have questions about marketing your practice online, call 855- 598-3320 to speak one-on-one with Naren.

features

An Interim Management Solution

By Nick Hernandez, MBA, FACHE CEO and Founder of ABISA

Have you given thought to engaging an interim manager while simultaneously taking on the recruitment process? Do you have issues that perhaps need to be resolved before onboarding a permanent employee/practice manager? Are you sure you know the duties for this newly created position before the “new hire� starts working at your practice? Do the decision makers really agree to the roles and responsibilities of the person who is about to be hired? If there is any ambiguity or uncertainty in your hiring decision pro26

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cess for managers, you may want to consider engaging an interim manager first. For the recruiters in the audience, are you confident that placing a candidate into one of these types of scenarios will not backfire on you and thereby trigger your contractual guarantee?

An interim manager is someone whom you can employ in your business for a short period of time to solve a specific business problem. Interim managers can offer instant experience and capability since they often know what best practice looks like and may even

have had a recent assignment at a similar business.

They are committed to their role as a short-term staff member and their varied experience in critical situations gives them a strategic advantage when handling new problems. An interim manager is hired as an independent person on the basis of his or her personal abilities and reputation. They handle challenging leadership situations with a combination of sensitivity and seriousness so they can integrate themselves into organizations and quickly engage a workforce.

Unencumbered by company politics or culture, interim managers provide a fresh perspective and are able to concentrate on what is best for the business, highlighting areas that require attention. Being independent operators, they are able to contribute honestly without constituting a threat to the existing management team. Interim managers are provided the authority and credibility to effect significant change within a company. Unlike a “temp”, they are not just there to hold down the fort. They actively add value to the client’s business as a result of their expertise and approach, even when the work and the decisions to be made are difficult.

By definition an interim manager should be hired on a temporary basis and are known for their impartiality. Successful interim managers can roll with the punches and are not fazed by uncertainty and ambiguity. Remember that interims speak very openly to clients! They can be objective and won’t be side-tracked into office politics.

Interim managers are adept at appropriately pointing out the elephants in the rooms. Not tied to employment, they are well placed to address uncomfortable truths, difficult discussions, and unpopular activities. Interim managers can professionally and candidly share with clients things that they need to know, regardless of political expediency. What the client does with the information is up to them, but the insight can be priceless. Consequently, interim managers need the authority and control to make a difference, or they will have one hand tied behind their back, reducing their value to your practice.

Interim management assignments often address needs in the change management space. The individual oversees the company’s current operations, develops strategies for improvement and then implements the strategies. However, businesses who attempt to interview the interim manager as if they were

a permanent employee run the risk of having a crosspurpose conversation that fails to unlock the added value of the interim manager. Assignment discussions should not be thought of as a permanent interview.

Interim managers are not a candidate for a permanent employee role. Rather, an initial assignment meeting should be used to qualify the individual for a finite project or situation.

Another benefit is that interim managers are often available immediately, whereas it could take a minimum of four months to hire a permanent employee serving a notice period. Note that once a contract is signed, an interim typically needs five working days to fully understand the role and requirements but they can hit the ground running. Interims should have a clear scope of work and terms of reference for their assignment. You should agree to the aims and timescales of the assignment at the outset, so that both parties understand their key objectives. Review these objectives and progress often. Furthermore, communicate to employees that you have hired an interim and that the success of any assignment depends on support from the business. Ensure employees also know that they can learn from the interim.

Finally, don’t compare the pay levels of permanent employees with interims; it is misleading. Remember, an interim charges an inclusive rate and does not enjoy benefits such as pensions or holidays. The interim manager will negotiate a daily rate with the client since they are usually only paid for the actual days worked.

An interim management solution can be very effective in resolving business problems, whether the need is for a change in direction, climbing out of a hole, invigorating a business or dealing with an unexpected situation. Interim managers provide businesses with a seasoned, flexible capability and resource to achieve a wide range of outcomes. They give added value in their ability to transfer skills and competences into organizations and to drive outcomes in the most challenging circumstances. Their commitment to a comprehensive exit plan is a unique, transparent offering of great benefit to clients.  Nick Hernandez, MBA, FACHE, is CEO and founder of ABISA, an independent consultancy specializing in strategic growth initiatives (www.abisallc.com).

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features

PA/NP Workforce: Using Locums to Meet Your Practice Demand

By Lisa P. Shock, MHS, PA-C President/CEO Utilization Solutions in Healthcare, Inc.

R

edesigning teams to include increased

numbers of primary care providers, not just physicians but also PAs and NPs, is a significant part of the solution to alleviate the well-known shortage in primary care. Improving utilization of Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) will be an integral part of the primary care delivery solution. Often, the addition of a PA/NP to a medical practice offers enhanced patient satisfaction, improved physician work-life balance, improved revenues and greater access to care for patients.

Suburban, rural and smaller practices all complain that they cannot recruit to their area because they cannot pay as much in salary as their competition.

However, often these groups are missing the mark as they often qualify for loan repayment within the state, or they might offer flexibility within a clinical work schedule that is appreciated by the provider.

Staffing with a temporary PA or NP may alleviate an

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immediate need within a practice such as a maternity leave or high visit demand in flu season.

Staffing agencies provide PAs and NPs with the flexibility to work in the state they want, when they want. For example, if a PA/NP has family in California, they can travel there on an assignment in the summer and catch wine country while there. If one likes to ski, they can take an assignment in Park City, Utah and catch some of the best powder in the U.S.A. Unlike PA/NPs that are hired into traditional full-time positions, traveling PA/NPs have the flexibility and leeway to travel and see the country.

A great benefit of working as a traveling PA or NP is the opportunity to learn and practice new specialties.

If a PA/NP has always worked in primary care but wanted to try orthopedics or dermatology, they would be able to practice in both settings working as a traveler. By working with a staffing agency, one is able to get placed on various locums assignments and

‘‘

Practices benefit by using locums providers to help meet access to care demands and provide patients with increased provider availability.

practice a variety of clinical skills. This is a great way to use and apply the generalist experience of PA/NP training while test-driving a potential new direction for one’s clinical career. Benefits to employers include dedicated, hardworking and often-experienced providers. Consideration of locums work is also a great transition for those PAs and NPs with many years of clinical experience that are not yet ready for full retirement.

PAs and NPs often use locums to supplement their income. Many times, life can get chaotic and unexpected financial expenditures will arise. Kids’ orthodontics work, college loans, new car payments – these are unavoidable issues that can put a burden on one’s budget. By taking paid vacation on their regular job and working as a locum during vacation, PA and NPs may achieve additional income and pay off some of life’s big expenses faster. Locum assignments vary from a few days to a few months and there is often a

selection of choices right in one’s home state or city.

Practices benefit by using locums providers to help meet access to care demands and provide patients with increased provider availability. The compelling and exciting reasons to travel as a PA/NP may offer clinical and financial flexibility unmatched in traditional job markets. Ultimately, locums staffing can be a win/win for both providers and employers.  About the Author: Lisa P. Shock, MHS, PA-C, is a seasoned PA who has worked with clients to expand health care teams in both large and small settings. She enjoys part time clinical primary care practice and is the President and CEO of Utilization Solutions in Healthcare – a specialty consultant company for physician practices and hospitals, offering a wide range of services to help implement and improve upon the utilization of PAs and NPs in the health care system. Contact her at lisa@pushpa.biz MED MONTHLY MAGAZINE

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Practices for Sale Medical Practices Pediatric Practice Near Raleigh, NC

Location: Minutes South of Raleigh, North Carolina List Price: $145,000 Gross Yearly Income: $350,000 Year Established: 1980(s) Average Patients per Day: 16-22 Total Exam Rooms: 5 Building Owned/Leased: Owned. Will sell or lease.

Contact: Philip or Wendy at (919) 848-4202

Urology Practice near Lake Norman, NC Location: Minutes from Charlotte, NC List Price: $165,000 Gross Yearly Income: $275,000 Year Established: 1980 Average Patients per Day: 12 to 15 Building Owned/Leased: Leased Contact: Philip or Wendy at (919) 848-4202

Primary Care specializing in Women’s Practice

Family Practice/Primary Care

Location: Hickory, North Carolina List Price: $425,000 Gross Yearly Income: $1,5000,000 Year Established: 2007 Average Patients Per Day: 24-35 Total Exam Rooms: 5 Building Owned/Leased: Lease or Purchase Contact: Philip or Wendy at (919) 848-4202

Location: Morehead City, N.C. List Price: Just reduced to $20,000 or Best Offer Gross Yearly Income: $540,000 average for past 3 years Year Established: 2005 Average Patients per Day: 12 to 22 Building Owned/Leased: MD owned and can be leased or purchased Contact: Philip or Wendy at (919) 848-4202

Med Spa

Family Primary Care Practice

Practice Type: Mental Health, Neuropsychological and Psychological

Location: Minutes East of Raleigh, North Carolina List Price: $15,000 or Best Offer Gross Yearly Income: $235,000 Average Patients per Day: 8 to 12 Total Exam Rooms: 6 Physician retiring, Beautiful practice Building Owned/Leased: Owned (For Sale or Lease) Contact: Philip or Wendy at (919) 848-4202

Location: Coastal North Carolina List Price: $550,000 Gross Yearly Income: $1,600,000.00 Year Established: 2005 Average Patients Per Day: 25 to 30 Total Exam Rooms: 4 Building Owned/Leased: Leased Contact: Philip or Wendy at (919) 848-4202

Location: Wilmington, NC List Price: $110,000 Gross Yearly Income: $144,000 Year Established: 2000 Average Patients Per Day: 8 Building Owned/Leased/Price: Owned Contact: Philip or Wendy at (919) 848-4202

Special Listings Offer We are offering our “For Sale By Owner” package at a special rate. With a 6 month agreement, you receive 3 months free.

Considering your practice options? Call us today.

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| MARCH 2017

THINKING ABOUT SELLING YOUR PRACTICE?

Medical Practice Listings can help you sell your practice online!

Now offering two types of listings to better serve all practice specialties and budgets.

For Sale by Owner Listing The For Sale by Owner Listing offers you the opportunity to gain national exposure by posting your listing on our website which is viewed daily by a network of qualified professionals. This option includes a brief practice consultation to explain the benefits of marketing through the Medical Practice Listings website. Our special rate for the For Sale by Owner listing through the end of 2017 is only $29.95 per month.

Professional Listing In addition to the benefits in the standard listing our Professional Listing affords you access to services provided by our expert legal and marketing team and a Bizscore Practice Valuation. This valuation compares your practice with other practices in your area, provides projections and determines what your practice is worth.

Visit us today at www.medicalpracticelistings.com to learn more.

919.848.4202 | medicalpracticelistings.com

Located on NC’s Beautiful Coast,

Morehead City

Primary Care Specializing in Women’s Health Practice established in 2005, averaging over $540,000 the past 3 years. Free standing practice building for sale or lease. This practice has 5 well equipped exam rooms and is offered for $20,000.

919.848.4202 medlisting@gmail.com medicalpracticelistings.com

Discounts as big as a house.

Or condo.

Or apartment.

Lindsay Gianni, Agent 12333 Strickland Road Suite 106 Raleigh, NC 27613 Bus: 919-329-2913 lindsay.gianni.f23o@statefarm.com

North Carolina Dentist Opportunities

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Call us today if you are available for a few days a month, on-going or for permanent placement. Please contact Physican Solutions at 919-845-0054 or physiciansolutions@gmail.com

Pediatrics Practice Wanted

Internal Medicine Practice in the Heart of Raleigh

Pediatrics Practice Wanted in NC Considering your options regarding your pediatric practice? We can help. Medical Practice Listings has a well qualified buyer for a pediatric practice anywhere in central North Carolina.

Contact us today to discuss your options confidentially.

Medical Practice Listings Call 919-848-4202 or e-mail medlistings@gmail.com www.medicalpracticelistings.com

This is a beautiful practice, well appointed with great street visibility, parking and a very strong patient following. There are 4 exam rooms and a procedure room. The lobby is very comfortable with hardwood floors and tastefully decorated.

The gross revenues are over $600,000 with a strong income after expenses.

Call 919-848-4202 or e-mail medlistings@gmail.com www.medicalpracticelistings.com

PRIMARY CARE PRACTICE - Hickory, North Carolina This is an outstanding opportunity to acquire one of the most organized and profitable primary care practices in the area. Grossing a million and a half yearly, the principal physician enjoys ordinary practice income of over $300,000 annually.

Hickory is located in the foot-hills of North Carolina and is surrounded by picturesque mountains, lakes, upscale shopping malls and the school systems are excellent. If you are looking for an established practice that runs like a well oiled machine, request more information.

The free standing building that houses this practice is available to purchase or rent with an option. There are 4 exam rooms with a well appointed procedure room. The owning physician works 4 to 5 days per week and there is a full time physician assistant staffed as well.

For the well qualified purchasing physician, the owner may consider some owner-financing. Call us today.

List price: $425,000 | Year Established: 2007 | Gross Yearly Income: $1,500,000

MedicalPracticeListings.com | medlisting@gmail.com | 919-848-4202 MED MONTHLY MAGAZINE

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We have several qualified MDs seeking established Urgent Care Practices in North Carolina.

Urgent Care Practices Wanted If you have an urgent care practice and would like to explore your selling options, please contact us. Your call will be handled confidentially and we always put together win-win solutions for the seller and buyer.

Call Medical Practice Listings today and ask for Philip Driver 919-848-4202.

Internal Medicine Practice for Sale Located in the heart of the medical community in Cary, North Carolina, this Internal Medicine practice is accepting most private and government insurance payments.

The average patients per day is 20-25+, and the gross yearly income is $555,000.

Listing Price: $430,000

Call 919-848-4202 or e-mail medlistings@gmail.com www.medicalpracticelistings.com

Eastern North Carolina Family Practice Available Well-appointed Eastern North Carolina Family Practice established in 2000 is for sale in Williamston, NC. This organized practice boasts a wide array of diagnostic equipment including a GE DEXA scanner with a new tube, GE case 8000 stress testing treadmill and controller and back up treadmill, Autoclave and full set of operating equipment, EKG-Ez EKG and much more. The average number of patients seen daily is between 12 to 22. The building is owned

by MD and can be purchased or leased.

The owning physician is relocating and will assist as needed during the transition period. The gross receipts for the past three years average $650,000 and the list price was just reduced to $185,000. If you are looking to purchase a well equipped primary care practice, please contact us today.

919-848-4202 medlisting@gmail.com medicalpracticelistings.com

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| MARCH 2017

PEDIATRICIAN

or family medicine doctor needed in

FAYETTEVILLE, NC

NC MedSpa For Sale MedSpa Located in North Carolina We have recently listed a MedSpa in NC This established practice has staff MDs, PAs and nurses to assist patients. Some of the procedures performed include: Botox, Dysport, Restylane, Perian, Juvederm, Radiesse, IPL Photoreju Venation, fractional laser resurfacing as well as customized facials. There are too many procedures to mention in this very upscale practice. The qualified buyer will be impressed with the $900,000 gross revenue. This is a new listing, and we are in the valuation process.

Comfortable seeing children. Needed immediately.

Call 919- 845-0054 or email: physiciansolutions@gmail.com www.physiciansolutions.com

MD STAFFING AGENCY FOR SALE IN NORTH CAROLINA The perfect opportunity for anyone who wants to purchase an established business.

Contact Medical Practice Listings today to discuss the practice details.

For more information call Medical Practice Listings at 919-848-4202 or e-mail medlistings@gmail.com

www.medicalpracticelistings.com

Primary Care Practice For Sale in Wilmington, NC Established primary care on the coast of North Carolina’s beautiful beaches. Fully staffed with MD’s and PA’s to treat both appointment and walk-in patients. Excellent exam room layout, equipment and visibility.

Contact Medical Practice Listings for more information.

l One

of the oldest Locums companies client list l Dozens of MDs under contract l Executive office setting l Modern computers and equipment l Revenue over a million per year l Retiring owner l Large

Medical Practice Listings

Please direct all correspondence to driverphilip@gmail.com.

Only serious, qualified inquirers.

919.848.4202 | medlistings@gmail.com www.medicalpracticelistings.com MED MONTHLY MAGAZINE

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Modern Med Spa Available

Located in beautiful coastal North Carolina Modern, well-appointed med spa is available in the eastern part of the state. This Spa specializes in BOTOX, facial therapy and treatments, laser hair removal, eye lash extensions and body waxing as well as a menu of anti-aging options. This impressive practice is perfect as-is and can accommodate additional services like primary health or dermatology.

The Gross revenue is over $1,500.000 with consistent high revenue numbers for the past several years. The average number of patients seen daily is between 26 and 32 with room for improvement. You will find this Med Spa to be in a highly visible location with upscale amenities. The building is leased and the lease can be assigned or restructured. Highly profitable and organized, this spa is POISED FOR SUCCESS. 919.848.4202 medlisting@gmail.com medicalpracticelistings.com

Practice for Sale in Raleigh, NC

Urology Practice minutes from Lake Norman, North Carolina

Primary care practice specializing in women’s care Raleigh, North Carolina The owning 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 profit 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 and beautifully decorated throughout. New computers and medical management software add to this modern front desk environment.

List price: $435,000

Urology Practice minutes from Lake Norman is now listed for sale. This excellent located practice is convenient to Charlotte, Gastonia, Lincolnton and Hickory. With a solid patient base, procedures currently include; Adult & Pediatric Urology, Kidney Stones, Bladder Problems, Incontinence, Prostate Issues, Urinary Tract Infections, Wetting Problems, Erectile Dysfunction and related issues. Three exam rooms with two electronic tables and one flat exam table.

Established: 1980 l Gross Yearly Income: $275,000 Average Patients per Day: 12 to 15 l List Price: $165,000

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

36 | MARCH 2017

Contact Philip or Danielle at 919-848-4202 or email medlistings@gmail.com

Pediatric Practice Available Near Raleigh, NC

State of Cha-Ching.

Pediatric practice located minutes south of Raleigh, North Carolina is now listed for sale. Located in an excellent area convenient to Raleigh, Cary, and Durham, it is surrounded by a strong health care community. This is a well established practice with a very solid patient base. The building is equipped with a private doctor’s office, five exam rooms, and an in-house lab.

Lindsay Gianni, Agent 12333 Strickland Road Suite 106 Raleigh, NC 27613 Bus: 919-329-2913 lindsay.gianni.f23o@statefarm.com

™

Established: 1980s l Gross Yearly Income: $350,000 Average Patients per Day: 16 to 22 l List Price: $145,000

Call 919-848-4202 or e-mail medlistings@gmail.com www.medicalpracticelistings.com

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PHYSICIANS NEEDED: Mental health facility in Eastern North Carolina seeks: PA/FT ongoing, start immediately Physician Assistant needed to work with physicians to provide primary care for resident patients. FT ongoing 8a-5p. Limited inpatient call is required. The position is responsible for performing history and physicals of patients on admission, annual physicals, dictate discharge summaries, sick call on unit assigned, suture minor lacerations, prescribe medications and order lab work. Works 8 hour shifts Monday through Friday with some extended work on rotating basis required. It is a 24 hour in-patient facility that serves adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.

FT ongoing Medical Director, start immediately The Director of Medical Services is responsible for ensuring all patients receive quality medical care. The director supervises medical physicians and physician extenders. The Director of Medical Services also provides guidance to the following service areas: Dental Clinic, X-Ray Department, Laboratory Services, Infection Control, Speech/Language Services, Employee Health,

Pharmacy Department, Physical Therapy and Telemedicine. The Medical Director reports directly to the Clinical Director. The position will manage and participate in direct patient care as required; maintain and participate in an on-call schedule ensuring that a physician is always available to hospitalized patients; and maintain privileges of medical staff.

Permanent Psychiatrist needed FT, start immediately An accredited State Psychiatric Hospital serving the eastern region of North Carolina, is recruiting for permanent full-time Psychiatrist. The 24 hour in-patient facility serves adolescent, adult and geriatric patients. The psychiatrist will serve as a team leader for multi-disciplinary team to ensure quality patient care/treatment. Responsibilities include:

evaluation of patient on admission and development of a comprehensive treatment plan, serve on medical staff committees, complete court papers, documentation of patient progress in medical record, education of patients/families, provision of educational groups for patients.

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 PH: (919) 845-0054 | email: physiciansolutions@gmail.com MED MONTHLY MAGAZINE

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Physician Solutions, Inc. Medical & Dental Staffing

The fastest way to be $200K in debt is to open your own practice The fastest way to make $100K is to choose

Physician Solutions

THE DECISION IS YOURS Physician Solutions, Inc. P.O. Box 98313 Raleigh, NC 27624 Scan this QR code with your smartphone to learn more.

phone: 919-845-0054 fax: 919-845-1947 www.physiciansolutions.com physiciansolutions@gmail.com