Med Monthly MARCH 2014
the
enens Locum T l & Trave Nurses
TRAVEL NURSING IN HIGH DEMAND pg. 40
issue
PA/NP Workforce:
Using Locums to Meet Your Practice Demand pg. 44
TOP
Travel Nurse Hospitals for 2014 pg. 76
Practices and Hospitals Embrace Locum Tenens Option pg. 38
contents
features
38 PRACTICES AND HOSPITALS EMBRACE LOCUM TENENS OPTION 40 TRAVEL NURSING IN HIGH DEMAND 44 PA/NP WORKFORCE: Using Locums to Meet Your Practice Demand
52
PALLIATIVE PLEASURE
international
insight
24 IMPROVING HEALTH CARE IN WEST AFRICA
10 MOBILE MEDICAL DOCTOR NOW SERVICING CHARLOTTE, NC AREA WITH HOUSECALLS
research and technology
12 GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE DURING EMERGENCY MEDICAL VISITS CAN MAKE YOUR PRACTICE OUTSTANDING 14 HEALTH CARE REFORM’S OVERLOOKED DEADLINES
practice tips 16 USE YOUR EXPERTISE TO GROW YOUR MEDICAL PRACTICE 18 CAN YOU CAPITALIZE ON OR PARTICIPATE IN MEDICAL TOURISM? 20 WHY DOES YOUR HEALTHCARE PRACTICE NEED CONTENT MARKETING? TRAVEL NURSING IN HIGH DEMAND
40
26 SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT CENTERS OF AMERICA CURE SLEEP APNEA WITH NEW INNOVATIVE THERAPY 28 PAHCOM ENGAGES WITH OTHER INDUSTRY LEADERS ON ICD-10 “IMPLEMENTATION SUCCESS INITIATIVE” 30 NIH, INDUSTRY AND NON-PROFITS JOIN FORCES TO SPEED VALIDATION OF DISEASE TARGETS
legal 32 PROPOSED REGULATIONS EXPAND THE DEFINITION OF EXPECTED BENEFITS 34 CMS ADOPTS NEW POLICY PERMITTING RELEASE OF PHYSICIAN MEDICARE BILLING DATA TO THE PUBLIC 36 ACOs SHOW SOME SAVINGS POTENTIAL: Legislative and Regulatory Initiatives Ramping Up
the arts 52 PALLIATIVE PLEASURE
healthy living 54 3 IDEAS TO INCREASE YOUR SPINACH INTAKE
in every issue 4 editor’s letter 8 news briefs
56 resource guide 76 top 9 list
January 1, 2014 begins the attestation period for Stage 2 Meaningful Use. If you are a member of the North Carolina Medical Society, you have access to the resources provided for our members to help your practice achieve Meaningful Use in 2014.
Call us today at 919-833-3836 x141
Providing Jobs, Services, Vendors, and CME www.ncmedsoc.org
HELPING YOU WITH REAL ESTATE, SO YOU CAN FOCUS ON HELPING OTHERS.
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We understand that most physicians cannot take valuable time away from seeing patients and managing their day-to-day operations of their practice to think about real estate. For over 100 years we have been helping clients find the best real estate solutions in the Triangle. Our combination of energetic young leaders, wisdom of established team members, and full range of real estate services have provided our healthcare clients with peace of mind, ideas and solutions.
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BROKERAGE LEASING PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT SECURITY MAINTENANCE LANDSCAPING
editor’s letter
There is no doubt that a shortage of primary care doctors in the US exists. Practices are turning to locum tenens providers to fill in the gaps in coverage due to the length of time it takes to find the right permanent doctor. Other reasons clinics rely on locums are maternity leave, CMEs, sickness and vacation. Practices do not only use locums physicians; mid-levels are increasingly being hired on a temporary basis. If a practice is short handed, the choices for the owner are obvious: either increase the hours of the employees or reduce the number of patients seen. In “Practices and Hospitals Embrace Locum Tenens Option”, Philip Driver discusses the reasons why locum coverage would be cost effective. The ability of your practice to generate income in the physician’s absence minus the cost of a provider’s benefits simply makes good business sense. Opportunities for locums nurses in particular has sky rocketed. Thomas Hibbard’s “Travel Nursing in High Demand” delves into the history, success and the reasons a nurse might want to travel. He believes that technology is the number one reason this facet of medical care has grown. Nurses can easily make arrangements with practices via phone and email, and are able to bank and pay bills online. Benefits of working as a locums nurse include higher pay, control over the location that you work, and the frequency of your work. Locums are not limited to physicians and nurses of course. In “PA/NP Workforce: Using Locums to Meet Your Practice Demand” by Lisa Shock, we learn of the benefits of doing locums as a Physician Assistant as well. Not unlike the reasons in Mr. Hibbard’s article, this feature reinforces the fact that locums can create an enhanced “work-life balance”. Top notch pay, flexibility and the ability to strengthen your CV are other strong considerations to travelling for work. Please stay tuned for our next issue. The theme, “Staging Your Practice for Success,” will capture your attention for another great edition of MedMonthly!
Ashley Austin Managing Editor
4 | MARCH 2014
Med Monthly March 2014 Publisher Philip Driver Managing Editor Ashley Austin Creative Director Thomas Hibbard Contributors Ashley Acornley, MS, RD, LDN Philip Driver Lori Gertz Amy Gordon Barbara Hales, M.D. Megan Mardy Susan M. Nash Denise Price Thomas Nisha Salim Lisa P. Shock, MHS, PA-C Andrew J. Shin Isabelle T. Walker Jesse Witten
contributors Lori Gertz is the chief genius at her 15 year old strategic marketing company, Freakin’ Genius Marketing. Her intense focus on brand building is further strengthened by her uncanny ability to weave points-ofdifference through all of the tactical solutions, most specifically 1:1 marketing solutions. Her bestselling book on grassroots marketing techniques, Be the News: A Guide to Going Viral With Your Human Interest Story is available on Amazon.
Barbara Hales, M.D. 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.TheWriteTreatment.com
Denise Price Thomas
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 medmonthly.com/writers-guidelines P.O. Box 99488 Raleigh, NC 27624 medmedia9@gmail.com
retired in 2009 as a surgical practice administrator where she was employed for 32 years. She is certified in healthcare management through Pfeiffer College. Speaking invitations have taken her from NC to SC, Georgia, Florida, Chicago, Alaska and more. Website: www.denisepricethomas.com
Lisa P. Shock, MHS, PA-C is a PA who has practiced in primary care and geriatrics. She enjoys parttime 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
Online 24/7 at medmonthly.com
WWW.MEDMONTHLY.COM |5
designer's thoughts From the Drawing Board Med Monthly’s “Research and Technology” section for March covers innovative new sleep apnea therapy, the development of an ICD-10 Implementation Success Initiative, and a unprecedented partnership to transform the current model for identifying and validating the most promising biological targets of disease for new diagnostics and drug development. “Sleep Apnea Treatment Centers of America Cure Sleep Apnea with New Innovative Therapy”, reports on a new treatment called radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The success rate is impressive with a 73% sleep apnea cure rate and 100% of the RFA patients experiencing some improvement. Although CPAP is still the preferred treatment, it does not cure sleep apnea as RFA does. The Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange (WEDI) in the article “PAHCOM Engages With Other Industry Leaders on ICD-10 Implementation Success Initiative”, shares their partnership with CMS and other private and public organizations to serve as a hub to field questions regarding ICD-10 and to develop a coordinated education effort regarding ICD-10 implementation. Robert Tagalicod, Director of the Office of EHealth Standards and Services at CMS states, “We appreciate WEDI’s work in leading this effort and of all the partners for their cooperation. By working together, sharing knowledge and collaborating, this initiative will become a valuable resource for industry issues as we move toward the ICD-10 transition.” Another collaboration taking place is with the National Institutes of Health, several biopharmaceutical companies and nonprofit organizations aiming to distinguish biological targets of disease most likely to respond to new therapies and characterize biological indicators of disease, known as biomarkers. “NIH, Industry and Non-Profits Join Forces to Speed Validation of Disease Targets” describes how this partnership will leverage the strengths of both industry and NIH to ensure faster translation of scientific knowledge into next generation therapies to address the urgent needs of Alzheimer’s, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis/lupus patients. MedMonthly will continue in its endeavors to report on the latest medical research and technology. If there are topics or insights on advances in medical technology you would like to share with us for future issues, please contact us at medmedia9@gmail.com.
Thomas Hibbard Creative Director
6 | MARCH 2014
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news briefs
New Book Answers Questions About Concierge Medicine Today a new publication is available about concierge medicine, a growing model of primary care in which the patient pays an annual membership fee. The book, “Achieving Individualized Healthcare Through Concierge Medicine,” is available on iTunes and Amazon. Written by David Jones, M.D., founder of Principal Medical Group and one of Northern Virginia’s premier concierge physicians, the e-book will help Americans understand the reasons behind the challenges they face in receiving quality healthcare today, and identify steps they can take now to circumvent problems and ensure their health is receiving the attention it deserves. “I wrote this book because the medical landscape is changing, especially with the expected influx of more than 30 million newly-insured individuals into the healthcare system because of the Affordable Care Act,” says Jones. “Patients are already frustrated with the long waits, impersonal service and rushed appointments at traditional healthcare practices. They know the current approach to care isn’t working, but feel powerless to change it.” For an estimated 1.5 million Americans, concierge medicine is their solution to eliminating these frustrations. Experts expect that number to grow as the primary care system struggles to accommodate the newly insured and more patients join concierge practices. “Concierge medicine alleviates many patient complaints by restoring the integrity of the physician-patient relationship,” continues Jones. “Because it operates differently than traditional primary care practices, concierge practices are able to reducing long wait times and eliminate hurried appointments.” About David J. Jones, M.D. A leading primary care physician in Northern Virginia, David J. Jones, M.D., is certified from the American Board of Internal Medicine and a member of the American Academy of Private Physicians. Dr. Jones received his undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland in 1989, and received his doctorate in 2001 from Ross University School of Medicine. His internship and residency training was completed at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. Early in his career, Dr. Jones provided in-patient medicine as a hospitalist (providing medical care to acutely ill hospitalized patients). In this role, Dr. Jones built a thriving practice in partnership with 11 other physicians. Now, Dr. Jones applies his training, communication skills and personal approach to the patients at Principal Medical Group, a concierge medical practice. Dr. Jones is affiliated with Inova Fairfax Hospital and the Virginia Hospital Center, Arlington. Source: http://www.newswiretoday.com/news/138118/ 8 | MARCH 2014
STERLING CONSULTANTS PUBLISHES NEW STUDY ON TOP AREAS OF STRESS FOR OPTOMETRIC PRACTICE OWNERS The two top areas of stress for optometric practice owners are “getting staff to be more productive” and “not enough profit” according to an in-depth study conducted by practice management consulting firm Sterling. The recently-concluded study was based on a series of online surveys of optometrists throughout the United States. “It is not surprising to see these two particular areas of stress for the practice owners,” says Sterling president Barbara Wilson. “Unproductive staff and low profitability go hand-in-hand. That’s why the initial focus of our consulting programs is to immediately increase staff productivity. If new staff are needed, we also help the practice owner find the best ones.” The study also revealed these areas of concern for optometric practice owners: 41% holes in the appointment book. 38% insurance reimbursement. 38% feeling that they cannot get to the next level. About Sterling Sterling (sterling.us) is a consulting firm which provides customized management consulting and training to optometrists to help them achieve a better practice for a better life. In business for over three decades, Sterling has twice appeared on Inc. Magazine’s list of the 500 fastest-growing privatelyheld U.S. companies and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. To date, the company has delivered management seminars to over 175,000 professionals and their staff and more than 70,000 training courses to clients and their staff. Sterling’s courses cover all key aspects of having a successful practice including the essentials of practice management, executive basics, management by statistics and formulas for business success. Sterling consultants have delivered over a million hours of consulting, coaching and training. As a result, Sterling clients have seen their revenues and productivity rise to unprecedented levels. Source: http://www.newswiretoday.com/ news/138363/
University Scientists’ Work Could Lead To Parkinson’s Breakthrough Scientists at the University of Sheffield are part of a major European project which could revolutionise treatment for Parkinson’s sufferers. One of the biggest challenges for treating Parkinson’s is the unpredictable nature of the condition as it affects everyone differently and progresses in individuals in different ways. Now researchers from the University’s INSIGNEO, Institute for in silico medicine, are among those working to create a computer model that will be able to accurately predict how a person’s condition will develop over time. Professor Kevin Gurney, from INSIGNEO, said: “This project aims to lay the foundations for a step change in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. In the future health professionals will be able to tailor treatment to each individual and help people and their families to plan for the future. “Here at The University of Sheffield INSIGNEO is leading the way in in silico medicine. Working in partnership with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust we aim to put computers at the heart of healthcare making it possible to individualise and improve healthcare treatment and reduce costs.
“We are very proud to be part of this research project which is an excellent example of how in silico medicine can develop and improve the treatment options of devastating diseases like Parkinson’s.” The three year project called No Tremor has been funded by the European Commission to the tune of €2.9m (£2.4m) and sees the University and researchers from across Europe working in partnership with Parkinson’s UK. The scientists will make models personalised to each patient using their specific clinical data enabling prediction of disease progress on an individual basis. By using these unique models, along with existing data sets, they aim to develop new clinical tools for use by both Parkinson’s healthcare professionals, and by pharmaceutical companies for the development of new drugs. Source: http://www.pressreleasepoint.com/university-scientists-work-could-lead-parkinson-s-breakthrough
SOON COMING NTHLY O IN MED M
coming In the up ed 4 issue, M April 201 l be theme wil ’s ly th n o M ce our Practi Staging Y ss for Succe
WWW.MEDMONTHLY.COM |9
insight
MOBILE MEDICAL DOCTOR NOW SERVICING CHARLOTTE, NC AREA WITH HOUSECALLS
10 | MARCH 2014
OnCall Mobile Medical and Wellness PLLC is a mobile medical practice that specializes in providing housecalls to patients of all ages. By utilizing premier innovative mobile technology to streamline patient’s healthcare experience, OnCall Mobile Medical and Wellness is able to offer primary care, urgent care, and addiction medicine treatment in the privacy of a home, office, hotel, or other convenient setting. They are even able to provide EKGs, ultrasounds, x-ray services, and lab tests right on-site for a personalized and comprehensive care experience. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tracei D. Ball said,“My goal is to deliver the highest quality care when and where you need it most. I know people are looking to spend less time in the waiting room and more time with a doctor who is able to listen to their health concerns. I want to help them do just that by increasing accessibility to care.” Ideal for parents with children in the home, busy professionals, homebound, disabled, elderly, retirees, tourists, travelers and those who value a more personalized approach to healthcare, OnCall Mobile Medical and Wellness (oncallmobilemedical.com) offers a full menu of total health and wellness solutions including pediatrics, internal medicine, eldercare, urgent care, medical consultation services, and corporate wellness care . They can partner with a patient’s primary care provider to assure one receives continuity of care. They also work with a comprehensive community network to provide the best medical care possible. OnCall Mobile Medical and Wellness is also the only practice in the Charlotte area to offer private, in-home addiction medicine treatment. Here’s how it works: Step 1 Call and schedule an appointment at a convenient location. Download or complete the online patient registration forms and use a credit card to secure an appointment time. Step 2 A highly skilled physician will meet you at your chosen location for a medical visit. The doctor will bring all necessary equipment and supplies to complete an on-site evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. Step 3 The doctor will accept credit, debit, health savings account card, traveler’s check, or cash as payment for services rendered. Patients can seek reimbursement from their insurance companies, and forms will be provided to complete and submit to insurance carriers. OnCall Mobile Medical and Wellness does not guarantee reimbursement from insurance companies. Step 4 If OnCall Mobile Medical and Wellness is not the patient’s primary care provider (PCP), information about the visit can be forwarded, at request, to the patient’s PCP for continuation of care. Source: http://www.newswiretoday.com/news/139202/
Subscribe to receive Med Monthly e-news Click here to join our e-news subscribers and get current medical news as it happens Visit us online anytime at medmonthly.com WWW.MEDMONTHLY.COM | 11
insight
Great Customer Service During Emergency Medical Visits Really Can Make Your Practice Outstanding Health Care Professional Experiences First Hand Fantastic Service For Her Out-of-Town Dilemma
By Denise Price Thomas
After a great flight and taxi ride to the hotel, I was anxious to put the finishing touches for my presentation for a health care conference the following day. I found a nice quiet spot to review my notes and get into my “zone” as I call it. All done. I felt ready to present the program the next day and looking forward to meeting new friends. My topic was to address experiences that were most important in the world of customer service in a health care setting. 12 | MARCH 2014
Entering the “sleepy zone” I had begun to prepare for bedtime. All of a sudden while brushing my teeth, “was that popcorn?” I thought…..but I haven’t had any popcorn! Please, oh please, tell me it isn’t what I think. I was so afraid to even look in the mirror that I showered first…. shedding tears behind the curtain. Once out of the shower, I finally found enough courage to look in the mirror. Then I had to find the courage to turn the light on and look in the mirror again. It was just
as I had thought.....my tooth! My front tooth had broken off! How could this happen? I’m out of town, speaking at a health care conference the following day and I was thinking, “why couldn’t this be a dental conference?” I use lots of humor while getting some serious points across so I could see me going up to the podium with a missing front tooth, they would NEVER forget that entrance. Some people go to great lengths to make a great first impression and I am one of those. That would top them all. I cried myself to sleep, not knowing where to turn. I awakened hours before the sun and as soon as I could, I was making calls. I called the concierge and they gave me several dentist names to try. There is definitely job security in answering services and these had not been trained in compassion, customer service or care, they didn’t even listen to my story. Finally with the 11th number I dialed I reached a person, a real person answering the phone. She listened and could detect the fear and anxiousness in my voice. She didn’t rush me, she was quietly taking it all in. After hearing my story, she responded, “I am just so sorry this has happened to you. I can imagine that you would be a little afraid, being out of town and knowing no one.” I said, “Mam, you are correct about everything except for one thing….I am not a little afraid…..I am AFRAID BIGTIME!” She asked if I could hold on just for a moment, she wanted to check with the dentist. She quickly returned to the phone to tell me that he would see me as soon as I could get there. Knowing I was expected at the conference at 1:00, I was upset, I needed to hurry, I could not stand the thought of someone riding in the car with me, the “snaggletooth speaker.” My personality is such that I speak to and smile at everyone. That day, I smiled with my lips closed. I decided to call for a limo, not wanting to take a chance on others riding along. I didn’t want to have to explain. (Now just who do you know that takes a limo to the dentist?) A very nice limo driver arrived in a sparkling clean black limo, I felt as though I was headed to the morgue. I did smile and talk to him, explaining what had happened just so he would know we were headed to the dentist vs. the funeral home. Arriving in the parking lot, sight unseen and only going by the exceptional customer service given by the “girl at the front desk” we were finally there. There were beautiful urns and flowers by the doorway, a very nice lobby and I was greeted by a wonderful smile from the “girl at the front desk.” She was very aware of my embarrassment, so as soon as I had completed the necessary paperwork, she brought me around to another room. I didn’t want to open my mouth, I was just so humiliated and embarrassed but when the dentist arrived, I knew I was in the right place. He was kind, very patient with me, told
me exactly what he could do and said he would get me “up and running my mouth in no time” he said and he did just that. As I was leaving, I was no longer embarrassed to talk to everyone and you will never believe what I learned. The “girl at the front desk” was the dentist’s wife. They were CLOSED that day, but a patient of theirs had a problem and they had opened the office just for that patient, meeting them there early. I had called while the dentist was seeing that patient. She explained the situation and asked him if he would see me. They had a meeting with their builder at their house but they even called to see if he could meet them at their office. This story is a great reminder of just how important it is to always treat people the right way. The way that you would hope to be treated if and when you or your family member is out of town and in need of assistance. Kindness cost nothing and it is very contagious. And as a health care presenter this experience had taught me first hand that the best way to teach customer service is to experience it and to live it daily. Their kindness, compassion and willingness to see me, along with his workmanship will always be remembered. The tooth is still intact and I’m “up and running my mouth every day!”
“Training Wheels in Heels” Denise Price Thomas Trainer for Health Care Professionals Focusing on Exceptional Customer Service, Effective Communication & Exemplary Compassion 34+ year career in health care and certified in health care management Undercover Patient Providing Insight to Your Practice Through the “Eyes of a Patient” Conference Speaker Presenting also as “Gladys Friday”, Health Care Comedienne
Home Grown/Nationally Known www.denisepricethomas.com denisepricethomas@gmail.com 704-747-8699 WWW.MEDMONTHLY.COM |13
insight
eHealth, Inc, which operates eHealthInsurance.com, the nation’s first and largest private online health insurance exchange, released information about health reform’s overlooked deadlines for consumers who intend to enroll in coverage during the current open enrollment period. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) established an annual nationwide open enrollment period for individual and family health insurance plans. The current open enrollment period began on October 1, 2013 and continues through March 31, 2014. Consumers without employerbased health coverage (or without Medicare, Medicaid, or another form of minimum essential coverage) who do not purchase health insurance 14
| MARCH 2014
by March 31 may be subject to a tax penalty on their 2014 federal tax return1. After March 31, 2014, uninsured consumers may not be able to obtain coverage under an individually-purchased health plan until the next open enrollment period, or unless they experience a qualifying event such as marriage, the birth of a child, or the loss of employer coverage. According to a recent poll2, fewer than half (45%) of all Americans are able to correctly identify March 31, 2014 as the deadline to enroll in health insurance and avoid a tax penalty. Despite the fact that the March 31, 2014 deadline has been well publicized, 55% of consumers are unable to identify the last day of open enrollment.
Overlooked Obamacare Enrollment Deadlines If relatively few consumers are aware of the March 31, 2014 deadline marking the end of open enrollment, even fewer are likely to know the following deadlines which may also affect their access to health insurance and the date on which their coverage can take effect.
February 15, 2014:
• Consumers who want their coverage to start as soon as possible (March 1, 2014), must complete their enrollment by February 15. The way the enrollment process typically works, consumers need to enroll in a health insurance plan no later than the 15th of any given
month if they want coverage to start on the first day the next month. Those who enroll on the 16th day of the month or later will usually have to wait for the first day of the month after next before their coverage can begin. As such, consumers who miss the February 15 deadline and wait until February 16 or later to enroll may not be able to start coverage under their new health insurance plan any sooner than April 1, 2014.
February 16, 2014:
• Enrolling on this date or later means that a consumer’s coverage will not likely come into effect earlier than April 1, 2014, which is outside of the open enrollment period. This might have made the enrollee subject to a tax penalty if he or she had been uninsured since January 1 (that is, for three consecutive months). However, the federal government has said that consumers who enroll during open enrollment (that is, by March 31, 2014) will not need to pay a tax penalty. In order to avoid paying the tax penalty, these consumers should know that they may be required to claim a special hardship exemption when filing their 2014 federal tax returns3.
March 15, 2014:
• This is the last date on which consumers may enroll in health insurance plans for coverage to begin on April 1, 2014. Consumers enrolling at this time may be required to claim a hardship exemption on their 2014 federal tax return in order to avoid a tax penalty.
March 16, 2014:
• Consumers who enroll in health plans between March 16 and March 31, 2014 (the end of open enrollment) may not be able to obtain coverage starting earlier than May 1, 2014. Again, consumers enrolling in this
period may be required to claim a hardship exemption on their 2014 federal tax return in order to avoid a tax penalty.
Why Consumers Should Enroll Today eHealth recommends that consumers who are waiting to enroll in 2014 health insurance plans complete their enrollment today for three reasons: • Enroll today to avoid the rush. At the end of 2013, there was a flood of health insurance enrollments by persons who wanted their coverage to begin on January 1, 2014. Health insurance companies were so overwhelmed that in many cases they are still processing these enrollments, and many consumers are still waiting for confirmation that their coverage is in effect. There may be another flood of enrollments in late March as the final open enrollment deadline approaches. By enrolling now, you may avoid the rush and the confusion that may result from it. • Enroll today to get your coverage as soon as possible. You can still complete your enrollment in time to obtain coverage under a new plan beginning on March 1, 2014. This is now the earliest date you are likely to be able to obtain coverage. The longer you go without health insurance, the longer you run the risk of dire financial consequences that may follow from an unexpected injury or illness. • Enroll today to avoid the need to file an exemption. If you fail to enroll by February 15, 2014, your coverage under your plan will not begin any sooner than April 1, 2014 – outside of the open enrollment window. If you do not complete your enrollment by February 15, you may need
to claim a hardship exemption on your 2014 federal tax return in order to avoid paying a tax penalty for being uninsured for three consecutive months. Notes: 1 Consumers who are uninsured for more than three consecutive months in 2014 may be subject to a tax penalty of $95 or 1% of their income, whichever is greater. According to a survey by Bankrate; source: http://www.bankrate.com/ finance/insurance/health-insurancepoll-0214.aspx#ixzz2rbYsVTOd 2
For more information, see the CMS fact sheet issued October 28, 2013: http://www.cms.gov/CCIIO/ Resources/Fact-Sheets-and-FAQs/ Downloads/enrollment-periodfaq-10-28-2013.pdf 3
About eHealth eHealth, Inc. (NASDAQ: EHTH) operates eHealthInsurance.com, the Nation’s first and largest private health insurance exchange where individuals, families and small businesses can compare health insurance products from leading insurers side by side and purchase and enroll in coverage online. eHealthInsurance offers thousands of individual, family and small business health plans underwritten by more than 200 of the nation’s leading health insurance companies. eHealthInsurance is licensed to sell health insurance in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. eHealth, Inc. also provides powerful online and pharmacy-based tools to help Medicare beneficiaries navigate Medicare health insurance options, choose the right plan and enroll in select plans online through PlanPrescriber. com (www.planprescriber.com) and eHealthMedicare.com (www.eHealthMedicare.com). Source: http://www.pressreleasepoint. com/health-care-reform-s-overlookeddeadlines-ehealth-identifies-key-datesconsumers-need-know WWW.MEDMONTHLY.COM |15
practice tips
Use Your Expertise to Grow Your Medical Practice: Write a Column For a Regional Newspaper or Magazine
By Lori Gertz Freakin’ Genius Marketing
16 | MARCH 2014
W
riting a column that features medical insights and information that only someone with your expertise can offer is one of the top methods to gain credibility and awareness among a wide range of prospective patients and individuals. Of course you can’t give medical advice, but a column in a regional paper or magazine will allow you offer a broad range of insights on diet, health, preventative care, along with more specificity to your specialty. If you practice in the sunbelt, you can write a weekly or monthly column on health relating to matters of skin in the sun, preventing dehydration during exercise, dietary changes, etc. Here are four important reasons to write your way to growing your practice.
1) Writing articles and columns will showcase your expertise
Anyone who writes a column on a regular basis is considered an expert. Therefore, once you’ve written a variety of columns, you may be asked to write a book. You can even collect the columns you write over time and pull together a book on the topics you covered.
2) Columns and articles beget media exposure
As you continue writing, people will notice and quote your articles and be interested in what you have to say on a particular subject. You will make an impression and they will consider you when they next need a medical specialist. You may also get the chance to have your column become syndicated. It’s important to time things right, though. The general public needs to know who you are when the subject you write becomes viral in order to get the media exposure in the right order.
3) You’ll be asked to appear as a speaker
When talk shows and other similar groups are focusing on a specific topic, they look for people who are experts in their fields. Globally, there are TV and radio producers that are looking for experts who know exactly what you know. You might receive calls from journalists who are looking for expert opinions and quotes. The more exposure you get from writing the column, the bigger your chance of speaking publicly and the more your practice will grow.
4) You’ll gain more awareness among prospective patients
The few hours that you spend in writing these columns will help you in receiving free advertising space which will help you reach tens of thousands of potential patients. Even if your column job doesn’t pay, and often times it won’t, you’ll be paid in the value it brings to your business in credibility and reputation. It’ll increase the brand name you’re marketing, which in your practice, is YOU. And don’t worry, because if your communication and writing skills need some help, there are plenty of professional copywriters or ghostwriters that can help you launch your column to gain the exposure you deserve. So, start brainstorming story ideas and research the editors at your local or regional publications right away to reap the benefits of your expertise in a way that will grow your business in good stead. Lori Gertz is Chief Freakin’ Genius at Freakin’Genius Marketing specializing in website strategy, design, content development and deployment in a world of multitudes of devices. www.freakingeniusmarketing.com. WWW.MEDMONTHLY.COM |17
practice tips
Can You Capitalize On or Participate in Medical Tourism?
By Barbara Hales, M.D. www.thewritetreatment.com
Quick! What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words “Medical Tourism”? Of course! You think of Americans going overseas for cosmetic or dental surgery and medical procedures that costs a mere fraction of what it does here in the U.S.A. You wouldn’t be wrong. More people seek an enjoyable, affordable and safe alternative to having medical procedures done, especially if they have family outside our borders. Reasons for rising popularity of travel abroad for medical care include: • Ease and cost of international travel (including frequent flyer miles) • Documented healthcare safety in certain foreign countries • International accreditation of foreign hospitals • American and British board certified surgeons operating abroad • Escalating improvement in technology and care standards in many countries • Insurance coverage not covering expensive dental work like implants • Insurance not covering expensive plastic surgery • 250 million Americans holding insurance policies with restricted coverage due to pre-existing conditions • Touring, shopping and relaxation can be done with 18 | MARCH 2014
recuperation- all for less than the cost of procedures in the U.S.
Medical Tourism Right Here in the U.S. (aka Inbound Medical Tourism) Researchers at Rush University in Illinois discovered that for every dollar spent by Americans abroad for healthcare, international patients spend $5.64 here within our borders. Reasons for American healthcare: • Long waiting lists for operations in countries practicing socialized medicine • Access to treatments unavailable at home • Access to quality care with high safety standards • International insurance for treatments • Special care and attention as a patient • Ability to pay from savings for care and travel
They’re Coming to See a Doctor… Why Not You? There are many ways to participate in Medical Tourism here at home. Two primary needs of American physicians in the process:
1) Follow-up care of Americans who have returned from their healthcare abroad and now need to be followed by a physician at home or who need further care if any complications ensue 2) As the primary physician/surgeon performing the desired operation or treatment
Know Your Patient It is not only important to know about the patient’s expectations so that you can determine if you wish to participate in the process with the specific individual, but also to be familiar medically with the patient. In much the same way that you are treating your patients currently, there are health issues that need attention: • What is the medical and surgical history? • Why is the patient seeking care in the U.S.? • Where is the patient’s home? • Will an interpreter be needed? • Will the home physician be available for consultation/ discussion? • Who will be the patient’s advocate? (Family, friend, professional) • Will the patient need a second opinion or medical clearance? • Will the patient need transportation to and from the medical facility?
medical facilitators and vendors.
*Benefits you can enjoy by getting certified • • • •
Increases your patient base Enhances your reputation in your field and community Sets you apart from your colleagues Shows that you have the knowledge and professionalism to manage a specific area of healthcare in the medical tourism program
Once you have joined the Medical Tourism Association and shown your commitment with meeting both professional and educational requirements, patient referrals and leads will be made to you. Continuing education courses are required to keep certification but also serve to keep you abreast of any new developments or changes within the field. The association will also advertise you and your practice abroad, further highlighting your name as an expert within your field. Perhaps you hadn’t thought about Inbound Medical Tourism before. However with more people taking responsibility for their wellness and seeking out outstanding care, maybe Medical tourism is in YOUR future!
Medical Tourism Association The Medical Tourism Association Global Headquarters is located in Palm Beach, Florida. By joining the association, you can avail yourself of the many hospital and physician programs, offering a myriad of options and initiatives including: • Enrollment in Training and Certification* • Guides to hospital destinations • Medical Tourism Management • Plan for Establishing a Brand • Market Reports • Videos • Social Network to participate in for answers and support • Feasibility Studies • Newsletter on the latest activities and news on Medical Tourism Additionally, the Medical Tourism Association holds conferences throughout the country.
Benefits of Attending a Conference
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
Attending an event will: • Augment your group of international patients • Build an international brand • Exposing you to International buyers of healthcare, WWW.MEDMONTHLY.COM | 19
practice tips
Why Does Your Healthcare Practice Need Content Marketing? By Nisha Salim Freelance Writer NishaSalim.com
20 | MARCH 2014
Healthcare is the largest private sector industry in the US and it accounts for 13% of the nation’s workforce. However, when it comes to content marketing, the industry does not keep pace with others, as research from MedCity Media and MarketingProfs reveals. Content marketing aims to attract and retain customers by creating and publishing relevant and valuable content, and takes a more subtle approach than the traditional push marketing. On an average, healthcare marketers spend 23% of their budget on content marketing, compared to 31% for all marketers. And while 43% of healthcare marketers plan to increase their content marketing spend over the next year, it is still much less the then the 54% marketers in other industries who plan to increase their outreach. Only 26% of all hospitals participate in social media, and out of that only 12% blog. Now consider the social media and Internet usage pattern of an average individual. 85% of adults in the US use the Internet and 72% of them look online for health information. 77% of these information seekers begin their session at a search engine like Google, Yahoo, or Bing. 36% of US adults provide care for a loved one, and 8% have a child with a medical condition. These caregivers are heavy technology users and are more likely than others to search for health-related information online. Do you see the pattern here? There is tremendous potential for organic search results to drive traffic to your practice’s website, if you could only just be there to provide the information that your customers so eagerly seek.
Why Are Healthcare Practices Hesitant to Embrace Online Marketing and Social Media? If content marketing is so important, why the hesitation? Well, healthcare practices have certain concerns that are unique to their industry: • Challenge of producing large amounts of factually accurate content which will enhance the positive image and reputation of the brand. • Fear of compromising patient privacy. • Difficulty in creating a secure system that prevents abuse of social media and potential malpractice charges. • Concerns about violating HIPAA guidelines. • Limited budgets and staff, and enormous customer base. These are all legitimate concerns, but the benefits of content marketing far outweigh the risks and difficulties. Healthcare practices typically rely on patient referrals to attract more customers, and online marketing is an obvious way to facilitate and generate word-of-mouth referrals, especially considering the huge number of patients who rely on the Internet to provide them with healthcare information that they can use. The fear of getting it wrong can weigh you down, but there are several healthcare practices that have got it right, so why can’t you?
Some Examples of Those Who Have Got It Right Inova Health System, the leading not-for-profit healthcare provider in Northern Virginia, is a good example of great content marketing. Serving more than 1 million people each year, Inova has established an active presence on social media sites such as Facebook, YouTube, Google+, Twitter, Pinterest, and more. They publish patient recovery videos on YouTube to build trust, and to showcase the care they provide. They focus on understanding patient personas and write content that suits different types of users who might be looking for information in their patient and visitor section. Also consider Cleveland Clinic, Boston Children’s Hospital, and American Heart Association, who are some of the most highly engaged healthcare practices in social media. Take a look at how Boston Children’s Hospital uses Youtube to talk about the health issue of a child and how they reassure parents of other children who are possibly in similar situations. Also check out Dr. Briffa’s blog that offers healthcare and wellness tips. If you are a reader of Dr. Briffa, who would you rather consult for diabetes? The good doctor who cares enough to provide so much reliable information for free, or an unknown entity? People want to deal with brands that care about them, especially when it comes to something as important as healthcare.
So How Would You Get on Board With Content Marketing? Consumers are increasingly distrustful of the traditional push method of marketing. By educating rather than advertising, healthcare service providers can position themselves as a natural and obvious choice when someone needs healthcare. Your content must answer questions and aim to help rather than just talk about your brand. Of course your marketing efforts can directly link back to your brand or briefly mention how you provide a particular solution, but always keep the content focused around what the customer needs.
continued on page 22
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Start with your website. This is the first stop that a potential customer makes. Think about it as your online practice. It must exude the same qualities that your actual practice does - competence, friendliness, and ease of using services. Your website is the first opportunity to build trust with the potential patient. Provide them with plenty of information that they can go through. Patients who are worried about a particular health condition are motivated to research and understand more about what they might be suffering from. You have the unique opportunity to position yourself as a trustworthy and comprehensive resource, and possibly the only one that they need to rely on to get all the information that they need. Along with articles that discuss medical conditions in simple, easy to understand language, you can also provide them with more in-depth content in the form of ebooks, guides, or newsletters. Consider building a resource library on your website. Direct traffic to your website by optimizing content for search engines. Build authority in your domain by contributing articles to online newspapers or other popular websites. Invest time in understanding your customer personas. Superior knowledge of your target demographic is the key factor that will help you produce successful content. Are you a plastic surgeon? Talk about the popular plastic surgery procedures, what patients can expect, recovery time, and success stories. Are you a practice that caters to the local market? Write about the community and become the go-to source of information on the health and wellness of your locality.
Know What Your Goals Are For 81% of healthcare marketers, brand awareness is the primary objective in content marketing. Develop a content plan that directly addresses your marketing goals and ties to your strategic goals and objectives. Put in place a mechanism to quantify the ROI of your content marketing efforts. You may want to measure your website traffic, social media followers, number of positive reviews, and a number of new patients.
The Future of Content Marketing in Healthcare As healthcare providers become increasingly attuned to the specific needs of their potential customers, more practices are bound to start using content marketing to connect with their patients. If you choose to bow out, you run the risk of leaving the field open for your competitors. If your brand needs to reach out and connect with more consumers, content marketing is something that you just cannot afford to ignore. Start serving people with content that provides value for them, and show that you care. After all isn’t that what healthcare service is all about - caring for your patients? 
Nisha Salim is a freelance writer who specializes in writing factually accurate, researchbacked healthcare articles. General science, education, social media and content marketing are her other areas of interest. Take a look at her website, NishaSalim.com, to learn more about her. 22 | MARCH 2014
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international
IMPROVING HEALTH CARE IN WEST AFRICA
P
reliminary results of the demographic and health survey released earlier this week in Sierra Leone indicate that the country improved health services in the last five years. If compared with the previous survey, indicators, especially in the area of reproductive health, can put the West African nation on track to achieve internationally agreed development goals. “The use of modern family planning methods among married women, for instance, doubled since 2008, from 7 percent to 16 percent,” said Benoit Kalasa, UNFPA director for West and Central Africa. “The same happened with childbirths in health facilities: institutional deliveries doubled from 25 percent to 56 percent in five years.” Other indicators have also improved. Antenatal care by skilled birth attendants has increased from 87 percent to 97 percent and deliveries by a skilled health care provider have risen from 42 percent to 61 percent. “While data on maternal mortality is yet to be released, we are seeing encouraging trends in other areas,” said the Minister of Health and Sanitation, Miatta Kargbo. “These results will encourage all partners to continue to work together, to further strengthen our interventions and our methods, so that progress in the health sector in Sierra Leone is sustained.” According to UNFPA, improved indicators in Sierra Leone reflect concerted action by the Government and development agencies working in the country. “We have helped strengthen civil society monitoring, which in turn lead to increased availability of life-saving medicines and reduced contraceptive stock-out,” Kalasa explained.
24 | MARCH 2014
“But none of this would have been possible without the leadership of H.E. the President of Sierra Leone, Dr Ernest Bai Koroma who introduced the Free Health Care Initiative in 2010, enabling pregnant women, lactating mothers and children under five to access free health care,” he added. The First Lady of Sierra Leone, Sia Nyama Koroma, is also considered a strong advocate for sexual and reproductive health in the country. Her tireless efforts and visits to the countryside to promote family planning and institutional delivery have contributed immensely to foster positive change. As another result of combined advocacy efforts, the Government of Sierra Leone has recently issued a Policy on Adolescent Pregnancy that empowers young girls to access information and sexual and reproductive health services. However, the country faces many challenges. Some 38 percent of the young women already had a child before turning 18 and teenage pregnancies still contribute to 34 percent of maternal deaths. A recent review revealed that 50 percent of maternal deaths occur in health facilities. “We are working together with the government to build capacity in the area of reproductive health, renew structures, provide equipment and supplies,” explained the UNFPA representative in the country, Bannet Ndyanabangi. “These are our priorities so that we can achieve even better results in the years to come.” Source: http://www.pressreleasepoint.com/improving-healthcare-west-africa
WWW.MEDMONTHLY.COM | 25
research & technology
Sleep Apnea Treatment Centers of America Cure Sleep Apnea with New Innovative Therapy 26 | MARCH 2014
With 100 percent improvement of symptoms and a 73 percent cure rate, Sleep Apnea Treatment Centers of America is effectively changing the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with a new and innovative treatment option. There is a relatively new and innovative treatment option available to individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) which is defined by pauses in breathing that can last a few seconds to a few minutes, and occur as little as 5 to greater than 30 times per hour. The treatment is radiofrequency ablation (RFA). “Ten years ago, RFA was performed in a hospital setting,” said Jeffrey L. Silveria, MD, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sleep Apnea Treatment Centers of America (SATCOA),“but since 2013, this sleep apnea cure has been available at SATCOA as a minimally invasive procedure occurring in an office with a device that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “One hundred percent of our RFA patients experience some improvement,” continued Dr. Silveira. “With thousands of procedures performed by our SATCOA physicians, to date, we have achieved a 73% sleep apnea cure rate.” RFA is a safe, effective alternative to traditional sleep apnea treatment. The procedure works by directing small amounts of temperature-controlled and targeted energy to the base of the tongue in the back of the throat. Following RFA, the treated area heals; tissue is tightened and thus reduced in size. This tightening and reduction directly prevents the tongue from blocking the airway while one sleeps, reducing and virtually eliminating sleep apnea. The discovery of OSA dates back to the 20th century when a physician coined the first name given to what we now call sleep apnea, Pickwickian syndrome. Subsequently, there was a long gap in the history of sleep apnea. It wasn’t until 1965 that medical
literature next mentioned what became officially known as OSA. Around 1980, the first continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine was introduced as treatment for OSA. This treatment option via mask uses pressurized air to open the airway so that the obstruction does not interfere with breathing. With lack of compliance as an issue, OSA sufferers have sought out other treatment possibilities so that they can feel better and improve their quality of life with such options as oral appliances, invasive surgery and lifestyle modifications. “Although CPAP treatment has evolved into what can be described as the ‘gold standard’ of OSA therapy, compliance is a big issue,” added Dr. Silveria. “Granted, the CPAP decreases symptoms associated with OSA like snoring, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, memory concerns and concentration, but the sufferer has to wear a bulky mask at night while he or she sleeps AND they are not cured.” About Sleep Apnea Treatment Centers of America (SATCOA) Sleep Apnea Treatment Centers of America (curemysleepapnea.com) is revolutionizing the field of sleep medicine by offering patients a safe, minimally invasive, curative alternative to a lifetime of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine usage, or other more invasive options. Sleep Apnea Treatment Centers of America currently are located in Dallas, TX, Savannah, GA, Statesboro, GA, Albany, GA, Douglas, GA, and Tampa, FL. The company’s mission is to help patients Sleep Better. Live Healthier. Source: http://www.newswiretoday. com/news/138991/
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research & technology
PAHCOM Engages With Other Industry Leaders on ICD-10 “Implementation Success Initiative” By Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange (WEDI).
28 | MARCH 2014
T
he Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange (WEDI), a leading authority on the use of Health IT to improve healthcare information exchange, is partnering with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and other public and private organizations to develop an ICD-10 Implementation Success Initiative. The goal of this initiative is to ensure a successful ICD-10 implementation for all healthcare industry stakeholders including healthcare providers, payers, clearinghouses and vendors. Other industry partners participating in the ICD-10 Implementation Success Initiative include AAPC, American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), American Osteopathic Association (AOA), Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), Cooperative Exchange, Healthcare Billing Management Association (HBMA), Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), National Association of Rural Health Clinics (NARHC), and Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM). Similar to the successful WEDI, CMS and industry collaboration during the ASC X12 5010 implementation, this initiative will form a coalition of partners to support the industry as it strives for full compliance with the new ICD-10 coding standards due to become effective on October 1, 2014. “We look forward to collaborating with WEDI and its partners on the ICD-10 Implementation Success Initiative,” said Robert Tagalicod, Director of the Office of E-Health Standards and Services at CMS. “We appreciate WEDI’s work in leading this effort and of all the partners for their cooperation. By working together, sharing knowledge and collaborating, this initiative will become a valuable resource for industry issues as we move toward the ICD-10 transition.” “The consortium developed by the new ICD-10 Implementation Success Initiative will help ensure the successful implementation of ICD-10 by serving as a hub to field questions regarding ICD-10 and to develop a coordinated education effort regarding ICD-10 implementation,” explained Devin Jopp, WEDI president and CEO. “By collaborating with CMS and other industry partners, we can work effectively together to unite resources to help provide the most comprehensive support and resources industry wide.” The new ICD-10 Implementation Success Initiative is comprised of several different elements, including a searchable database of ICD-10 issues which is open to the public for submission. WEDI, CMS and their partners will help to triage issues and provide valuable information and resources to help healthcare organizations understand how the new codes and coding standards will impact diagnosis and inpatient procedures. A series of educational webinars and articles will also be created to highlight prominent ICD-10 conversion issues and trends. The ICD-10 searchable database can be found at: www.wedionline.org/icd-10 For more information about the ICD-10 Implementation Success Initiative, please contact Leanne Cardwell at lcardwell@wedi.org, (202) 618-8789. For more information on ICD-10 compliance steps, please visit WEDI ICD-10 Information. About WEDI the Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange (WEDI) is the leading authority on the use of Health IT to improve healthcare information exchange in order to enhance the quality of care, improve efficiency, and reduce costs of our nation’s healthcare system. WEDI was formed in 1991 by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and was designated in the 1996 HIPAA legislation as an advisor to HHS. WEDI’s membership includes a broad coalition of organizations, including: hospitals, providers, health plans, vendors, government agencies, consumers, not-for-profit organizations, and standards bodies. To learn more, visit http://www.wedi.org, or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Reprinted with permission from the Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange (WEDI). WWW.MEDMONTHLY.COM | 29
research & technology
NIH, Industry and Non-Profits Join Forces to Speed Validation of Disease Targets
The goal is to develop new treatments earlier, beginning with Alzheimer’s, type 2 diabetes, and autoimmune disorders The National Institutes of Health, 10 biopharmaceutical companies and several nonprofit organizations today launched an unprecedented partnership to transform the current model for identifying and validating the most promising biological targets of disease for new diagnostics and drug development. The Accelerating Medicines Partnership (AMP) aims to distinguish biological targets of disease most likely 30 | MARCH 2014
to respond to new therapies and characterize biological indicators of disease, known as biomarkers. Through the Foundation for the NIH (FNIH), AMP partners will invest more than $230 million over five years in the first projects, which focus on Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes, and the autoimmune disorders rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus). A critical and groundbreaking element of the
partnership is the agreement that the data and analyses generated will be made publicly available to the broad biomedical community. The three- to five-year, milestonedriven pilot projects in these disease areas could set the stage for broadening AMP to other diseases and conditions. “Patients and their caregivers are relying on science to find better and faster ways to detect and treat disease and improve their quality of life,” said NIH Director Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D. “Currently, we are investing a great deal of money and time in avenues with high failure rates, while patients and their families wait. All sectors of the biomedical enterprise agree that new approaches are sorely needed.” “The good news is that recent dramatic advances in basic research are opening new windows of opportunity for therapeutics,” continued Dr. Collins. “But this challenge is beyond the scope of any one of us and it’s time to work together in new ways to increase our collective odds of success. We believe this partnership is an important first step and represents the most sweeping effort to date to tackle this vital issue.” As a result of technological revolutions in genomics, imaging, and more, researchers have been able to identify many changes in genes, proteins, and other molecules that predispose to disease and influence disease progression. While researchers have identified thousands of such biological changes that hold promise as biomarkers and drug targets, only a small number have been pursued. Choosing the wrong target can result in failures late in the development process, costing time, money, and ultimately, lives. Currently, developing a drug from early discovery through U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval takes well over a decade and has a failure rate of more than 95 percent. As a consequence, each success costs more than $1 billion. “The AMP rallies scientific key players of the innovation ecosystem in a more unified way to address one of the key challenges to Biopharma drug discovery and development,” said Mikael Dolsten, M.D., Ph.D., President of Worldwide Research and Development at Pfizer. “This type of novel collaboration will leverage the strengths of both industry and NIH to ensure we expedite translation of scientific knowledge into next generation therapies to address the urgent needs of Alzheimer’s, diabetes and RA/lupus patients.” AMP has been more than two years in the making, with intense interactions between scientists in the public and private sectors, progressive refinement of the goals, strategy development support from the Boston Consulting Group, and scientific project and partnership management by the FNIH. Through this effort, AMP partners have developed research plans and are sharing costs, expertise, and resources in an integrated governance structure that
enables the best informed contributions to science from all participants. The research highlights for each disease area are:
Alzheimer’s Disease
• Identify biomarkers that can predict clinical outcomes by incorporating an expanded set of biomarkers into four major NIH-funded clinical trials, which include industry support, designed to delay or prevent disease. • Conduct large-scale, systems biology analyses of human patient brain tissue samples with Alzheimer’s disease to validate biological targets that play key roles in disease progression, and increase understanding of molecular networks involved in the disease, to identify new potential therapeutic targets.
Type 2 Diabetes
• Build a knowledge portal of DNA sequence, functional genomic and epigenomic information, and clinical data from studies on type 2 diabetes and its heart and kidney complications. The portal will include existing data and new data from studies involving 100,000– 150,000 individuals. The rich collection of curated and collated information in this portal will provide an opportunity to identify the most promising therapeutic targets for diabetes from the growing mountain of potentially relevant data. • Focus on DNA regions that might be critical for the development or progression of type 2 diabetes and search for natural variations in targeted populations that might predict the likelihood of success of drug development aimed at these targets.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus
• Collect and analyze tissue and blood samples from people with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus to pinpoint biological changes at the single cell level, to allow comparisons across the diseases and provide insights into key aspects of the disease process. • Identify differences between rheumatoid arthritis patients who respond to current therapies and those who do not, and provide a better systems-level understanding of disease mechanisms in RA and lupus.
Highly collaborative steering committees with representation from public- and private-sector partners will be established for each disease area to oversee the research plans. The steering committees will be managed by FNIH under the direction of an AMP executive committee comprised of leaders from NIH, industry, the FDA, and patient advocacy organizations. More information about the program and the disease research plans can be found at: http://www.nih.gov/amp. Source: http://www.nih.gov/news/health/feb2014/od-04.htm WWW.MEDMONTHLY.COM | 31
legal
Proposed Regulations Expand the Definition of Excepted Benefits By Amy Gordon Megan Mardy Susan M. Nash McDermott Will & Emery
Recently issued proposed regulations would expand the categories of excepted benefits under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Internal Revenue Code (the Code) and the Public Health Service Act. In general, excepted benefits are exempt from the market reform and certain other requirements added to ERISA and the Code by the Affordable Care Act. Excepted benefits are generally exempt from the health care reform requirements added to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Internal Revenue Code (the Code) and the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively, ACA). The U.S. Departments of the Treasury, Labor 32 | MARCH 2014
and Health and Human Services (collectively, the Departments) recently issued proposed regulations that would expand the definition of limited excepted benefits to: (1) include limited-scope dental or vision benefits for which no participant contribution is required under a self-insured health plan, (2) permit plan sponsors to offer limited wraparound coverage to certain individuals who would be eligible to receive such coverage through a group health plan, but who cannot afford such benefits and (3) establish the criteria under which Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) can qualify as excepted benefits.
receive the benefits, they must pay an additional premium or contribution for the coverage. The proposed regulations eliminate the requirement that participants pay an additional premium or contribution for limitedscope vision or dental benefits in order for such benefits to qualify as excepted benefits. Therefore, under the proposed regulations, limitedscope dental and vision benefits provided under a self-insured plan will be considered excepted benefits if participants have the right to elect not to receive such coverage.
Dental and Vision Benefits
The proposed regulations add a new type of benefit to the list of excepted benefits. Under the proposed regulations, the Departments will treat certain “wraparound� coverage provided under a group health plan as excepted benefits when it is offered to individuals who are eligible to receive
Under current HIPAA regulations, dental and vision benefits provided under a self-insured group health plan will only qualify as excepted benefits if participants have the right to elect not to receive such benefits and if participants elect to
Limited Wraparound Coverage
such benefits through an employer’s group health plan, but who do not enroll in the employer-sponsored plan because the premium is unaffordable under the ACA. If an employer adopts this change, an otherwise eligible employee who purchases basic coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace will also be allowed to wrap around the more generous benefits and broader provider network that an employer’s group health plan might provide. In order to be treated as an excepted benefit, the wraparound coverage must meet five conditions: 1. The coverage must wrap around individual market coverage that is non-grandfathered and does not consist solely of excepted benefits; 2. The coverage must be designed to provide either benefits that are in addition to “essential health benefits” or reimburse the cost of health care providers considered out-of-network under the individual market coverage, or both. In addition, the purpose of the coverage cannot be to coordinate benefits such that the coverage only pays benefits whenever the individual market policy does not cover all or part of a medical expense. Finally, the limited wraparound coverage may also reimburse participants’ otherwise applicable cost sharing under the individual policy, but that cannot be the primary purpose of the coverage; 3. The plan sponsor offering the coverage must sponsor another group health plan meeting the 60-percent minimum value requirement under the ACA for the plan year (the primary plan). The primary plan must be affordable for a majority of the employees eligible for such plan, although the Departments seek input on what definition of “affordable” should be used for this purpose. The limited wraparound coverage would only be available to individuals eligible for the
primary plan; 4. The coverage must be limited to 15 percent of the cost of coverage (including employer and employee contributions) of the primary plan offered to employees eligible for the wraparound coverage. The regulations explain that if an employer provides more than one primary plan option (e.g., PPO, HMO), the Departments would consider the 15-percent standard to be met if the average value of the primary plan options meets the 15-percent standard, even if one of the plan options does not satisfy the standard. The cost of coverage is determined in the same way that the applicable premium is calculated under the COBRA continuation rules, but up to 100 percent of the cost (as opposed to 102 percent); and 5. The coverage must not (a) impose any preexisting condition exclusion; (b) discriminate in favor of highly compensated individuals; or (c) differentiate among individuals in eligibility, benefits or premiums based on any health factor of an individual (or any dependent of the individual). If the above conditions are satisfied, the employer-provided wraparound coverage will constitute an excepted benefit and, therefore, would not disqualify an employee from eligibility for the premium tax credit and costsharing reductions available for coverage in the Health Insurance Marketplaces.
EAPs
Generally, if an EAP provides benefits for medical care, it is considered group health plan coverage. If the EAP does not meet the requirements for being an excepted benefit, then such coverage is subject to the HIPAA rules and market reforms of the ACA. Recognizing the difficulty of applying such rules and reforms to the wide spectrum of employer EAPs, the regulations state
that an EAP will qualify as an excepted benefit if it satisfies the following four criteria: 1. The EAP cannot provide significant benefits in the nature of medical care. The Departments requested comments on how to define “significant” for this purpose; 2. The EAP benefits cannot be coordinated with benefits under another group health plan; 3. No employee premiums or contributions can be required to participate in the EAP; and 4. No cost sharing is permitted under the EAP.
Effective Date
The proposed regulations would be effective for plan years starting in 2015. Until the regulations are finalized, the Departments will consider benefits meeting the conditions of the proposed regulations to qualify as excepted benefits.
Next Steps
Employers should review their dental, vision and EAP benefits to determine whether the benefits now meet, or could be designed to meet, the expanded definition of excepted benefits in the proposed regulations. Employers should conduct an analysis to determine the feasibility of providing the limited wraparound coverage to eligible employees and whether it makes sense for the employers’ population. Finally, if changes are made to plans to amend existing benefits or add benefits that will qualify as excepted benefits under the expanded definition added by the proposed regulations, employers should update plan documents and summary plan descriptions and review and revise enrollment materials and employee communications as necessary to reflect any changes. Source: http://www.natlawreview.com/ article/proposed-regulations-expanddefinition-excepted-benefits WWW.MEDMONTHLY.COM |33
legal
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Adopts New Policy Permitting Release of Physician Medicare Billing Data to the Public
By Jesse Witten Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
34 | MARCH 2014
On January 17, 2014, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a reversal of long-standing agency policy, and will begin to release Medicare billing data of physicians in response to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, on a case-by-case basis. The policy will take effect on March 18, 2014. Under this policy, researchers – and data miners of all sorts – may gain access to previously unavailable information on physician coding and billing patterns.
Background
Thirty five years ago, the Florida Medical Association and six individual physicians brought a successful class action suit against the Department of Health, Education and Welfare (now the Department of Health and Human Services) to enjoin the release of information regarding the amount of Medicare reimbursement received by physicians. Florida Medical Association, Inc., et al. v. U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, et al. (M.D. Fla. 1979). The district court reasoned that the release of such information would violate physicians’ statutory and constitutional rights to privacy, and issued a permanent injunction barring the Department of Health, Education and Welfare from disclosing physician-payment data in a manner that could individually identify those physicians. Following the district court’s finding of a compelling privacy interest on the part of the physicians, the Department adopted a policy that it would not disclose physician Medicare payment information in response to FOIA requests. Over the past few years, media outlets – most notably The Wall Street Journal – began to press for the release of physician Medicare reimbursement data. In 2010 and 2011, CMS released to The Wall Street Journal, a data set that contained 5 percent of Medicare physicians’ claims, but under the condition (as part of a legal settlement) that the newspaper could not reveal specific physician names. The Wall Street Journal used the data to publish a series of articles on alleged fraud and abuse by physicians. Dow Jones & Co., the owner of The Wall Street Journal, then filed suit to overturn the permanent injunction issued in Florida Medical Association. The Department of Justice
reversed its previous legal position and sided with Dow Jones. On May 31, 2013, the Middle District of Florida dissolved the 1979 permanent injunction, ruling that physicians’ privacy concerns no longer outweighed the public interest in gaining access to the data. After seeking comments, CMS announced its new position on January 17. The new policy will take effect on March 18, 2014.
Takeaways
Under the new policy, the CMS will decide how to respond to FOIA requests on a case-by-case basis, in light of Exemption 6 of the FOIA. Exemption 6 protects from disclosure under FOIA “personnel, medical, or similar file[s]” whose release “would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.” 5 U.S.C. § 552(b)(6). Although it remains to be seen how CMS will implement its new policy, physician practices should be prepared for the possibility that their coding, billing and reimbursement patterns will become the subject of public scrutiny. Source: http://www.drinkerbiddlehealthcare.com/insight/ cms-adopts-new-policy-permitting-release-physicianmedicare-billing-data-public/
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legal
Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) Show Some Savings Potential: Legislative and Regulatory Initiatives Ramping Up
By Andrew Shin Director of Health Policy & Life Sciences at ML Strategies, a consulting affiliate of Mintz Levin The evolution of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) will be a big factor this year as the Obama Administration continues to focus on curbing health care spending and Congress ramps up its efforts to address physician payment and delivery system reform. On Thursday, January 30, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced top line savings projections from the initial 114 ACOs participating in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) – the Medicare program set up by the Affordable Care Act with varying levels of upside and downside risk. CMS reported that nearly half of those ACOs generated $128 million in Medicare savings. The Pioneer ACO program, a pilot run through the CMS Innovation Center for providers willing to take on more upside and downside risk, has already reported savings of $147 million in their first performance year. These savings are impressive more for the potential of the ACO model to achieve substantial Medicare savings than their actual Medicare savings performance to date. The majority of ACOs in both the MSSP and Pioneer programs did not achieve savings that yielded shared savings bonuses, and, in some cases, were required to reimburse Medicare for going over their spending target. As ACOs consider whether to remain in the program and others consider applying in the future, realistic expectations and capabilities will have to be examined to weigh the ACO’s ability to lower Medicare spending against the costs of redesigning care, considering that ACOs incur an average of $3.5 million in startup and information 36 | MARCH 2014
technology costs (National Association of ACOs, National ACO Survey, November 2013). CMS is already considering substantial changes to the Pioneer ACO program that could also affect the MSSP. The Innovation Center requested stakeholder comments on everything from how ACOs could be more like Medicare Advantage plans to whether the Medicaid population should be included in ACOs. Further, Congressional activity has increased around delivery system reform, ranging from bi-partisan legislation designed to reform post-acute care using global capitation—led by incoming Finance Committee Chair, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR)— to a bill that would implement additional bundled payment approaches, which was introduced byRepresentatives Diane Black (R-TN) and Richard Neal (D-MA). Several other high profile bills have been introduced in the past month and many more are expected over the coming months focusing on alternative payment models and improvements to existing ones. While ACOs as we know them may be the current model, the structure of what is to come is likely to evolve through several iterations as a result of regulatory and legislative efforts. The fact that some ACOs, which may not have been very experienced with the integrated health care delivery model, were able to achieve substantial savings only reinforces policymakers’ desire to accelerate delivery system reform initiatives in 2014. Source: http://www.natlawreview.com/article/accountablecare-organizations-acos-show-some-savings-potentiallegislative-and-regu
features
Practices and Hospitals Embrace Locum Tenens Option
By Philip Driver CEO of Physician Solutions
38 | MARCH 2014
Medical facilities are finding it takes much longer to find a staff physician these days. In many cases it can take a year or longer. So what do practices and hospitals do in the interim? The answer is simple: increase the hours of your staff providers, cut services or use Locum Tenens. A locum tenens physician is a quick answer for many practices throughout the country when time is of the essence. Before the locum doctor arrives for the first shift, the practice should have a credentialing package in hand with copies of the appropriate medical license, curriculum vitae and other supporting documents as required by the practice. Generally professional liability insurance is provided for the locum’s doctor or PA by their agency. This process can be accomplished by Email attachments cutting the process time by weeks if not longer. Here are a few situations in which a practice might use a locum physician. • • • • • •
staff physician becomes sick maternity leave vacation business obligations staff leaves with short or no notice seasonal increase of patients
It certainly is important to be able to staff a new position or facility while a permanent physician is recruited. Many practice owners choose to close their practices if they can’t work, leaving their patients without their routine care. By having a substitute or locum’s doctor or provider contracted for, your patients are not inconvenienced and their medical requirements are met. A locum tenens agency should be able to furnish a qualified provider in the form of a medical doctor or physician assistant, depending on the specialty, with reasonable notification. Many practices are even hiring a locum provider to work a set weekly or monthly schedule enabling the main physician to become more productive, treat more patients and create practice options. If you are a male doctor it may enhance your practice to consider having a female doctor or physician assistant work in the practice a few days per week or several days a month filling a locum’s role. This could increase the procedures you provide your patient base and certainly add a comfort level to many patients that want a same gender relationship with their doctor. Many solo physicians find they become more comfortable having a second provider working with them on-going or a few shifts a week. They have time to have an out of the office meeting with their banker, insurance agent, attorney or a lunch with their spouse. Having a locum doctor may add more expertise to your practice in the form of coding or procedures that you are comfortable with but are reluctant to perform. Usually a staffing firm can provide continuity with the locum’s provider in a short period of time. Also, in today’s competitive healthcare industry more and more medical executives include locum tenens as an integral part of their master staffing plans. This way they can maintain moderate physician staffing and bring in a locum physician or two during traditional periods of peak volume. Often this is more cost-effective than maintaining peak staffing levels and paying for a lot of down time - in addition to employee benefits and physician perks. Used strategically, locum tenens physicians can help you attract and keep more of your staff, which helps your facility or group retain more patients and produce higher revenue. Because a locum physician generally works in more environments and facilities than the average U.S. physician, and because his or her training and experience undergo perpetual scrutiny, that physician is more likely to be up-to-date on the latest technologies and procedures than his or her staff physician counterpart. Other advantages of having a locum’s physician work consistently in your practice reach beyond patient care and the convenience of sharing a work load. When it becomes time to sell your practice and that time will come, you will find that your practice value is greatly increased by having a locums or second provider on staff. As a solo doctor, you are the practice. However with a second provider or locum’s doctor, you now have a business capable of generating income in your absence. Conventional arguments suggest that your practice will increase in value by 20% or more by having an agreement in place with locum staffing agency and are using these options routinely. I think you will find that when a locum’s physician or physician assistant is used, the practice will implement this option as their main short term provider solutions. Philip Driver is the CEO of Physician Solutions, North Carolina’s oldest and leading Locum Tenens agency and the publisher of Med Monthly magazine. WWW.MEDMONTHLY.COM | 39
features
Travel Nursing in High Demand By Thomas Hibbard Creative Director Med Monthly
Modern day technology is providing career opportunities for registered nurses that couldn’t be imagined in earlier times in the form of travel nursing. Thanks to wireless technology, which allows a nurse to receive calls on a consistent phone number while working as a travel nurse, and internet technology, which enables the nurse to do their banking and pay their bills from virtually anywhere in the world, the opportunity to become a travel nurse has never been more appealing.
A Brief History According to Healthcare Traveler magazine, the birth of the travel nursing industry occurred in 1978, when the city of New Orleans experienced a short-term population burst during Mardi Gras, and a contract nurse arrived at a hospital to help with the surge of partygoers. This set a precedent, which became a viable solution when a serious countrywide nursing shortage occurred in the 1980s. Hiring highly skilled and competent nurses for short-term assignments was a convenient and cost-efficient way for health care facilities to handle their short-terms needs. Hence, the travel nursing industry was born.1 Since then, travel nurses have been used throughout the country on an ongoing basis to help ease staff shortages, adjust staff levels for specific times of year, or fill positions when nurses are on maternity leave or undergoing training. Because there are more nursing positions than there are nurses, the demand for travel nurses nationwide has continued to grow.
Making the Most Travel Nursing The most successful people see opportunity where and when it arises, and they’ll seize those moments to ensure a bright future. Nursing is the nation’s top profession in terms of projected growth. However, there aren’t enough nurses to provide service to the population. The nursing shortage in the U.S. could reach 500,000 by 2025
and, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than one million new and replacement nurses will be needed by 2016.2 In addition, enrollment in nursing schools isn’t growing quickly enough to meet projected demand over the next 10 years. And it doesn’t matter much because a faculty shortage at nursing schools is restricting program growth. The average age of RNs is climbing and, as they retire, there won’t be enough young nurses to fill the available positions. When baby boomers retire en masse, and the need for health care professionals will become even more urgent. Thus, the need for travel nurses to fill these evident vacancies will continue to grow as the shortage increases.
What is a Travel Nurse? A travel nurse is a nurse who is hired to work in a specific location for a limited amount of time. Travel nurses typically work 13 week periods in one area, and move around the country depending on where they are needed. Because the demand for nurses is so high, there are often shortages in certain areas, and a traveling nursing will be hired to come in and work in a specific position for a short amount of time. Travel nursing assignments typically range from 8 to 26 weeks in length and include a variety of different specialties. Travel Nurses are able to choose between several jobs in a variety of areas lasting for different lengths of time. This allows traveling nurses the freedom to choose where and when they work. The freedom to
choose where and when you work is a great benefit that allows travel nurses the ability to take time off when they want and not be stuck at the same job day after day.3
Why Choose to Become a Travel Nurse? Travel nursing offers careerbuilding opportunities, lucrative salaries, exciting destinations and new adventures and challenges. These are just some of the reasons that lead nurses to embark on a travel nurse career. Here are some opportunities available to a healthcare traveling nurse: • Choose your workplace: Travel nurses can choose to work at a fast-paced urban center, a renowned medical institution or a small community-based facility, depending on their preference. They choose what’s right for them, based on their career and lifestyle goals. • Take control of your career: The travel nurse is in control. They decide when and where they want to work. A nurse can decide to take off a month between assignments or to spend the summer in New England and the winter in California. • Enjoy free, quality accommodations: Most assignments offer free, quality accommodations close to the medical facility. Housing amenities often include gyms, swimming pools, spas and clubhouses. continued on page 42 WWW.MEDMONTHLY.COM | 41
continued from page 41
•
•
•
•
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Furniture and utilities are arranged by a travel company in advance so that everything is ready for the nurse when they arrive at their new destination. Travel throughout the United States: Whether a nurse is attracted to the tropical islands of Hawaii, the snowy slopes of Colorado or Vermont, the sweeping desert vistas of Arizona or the golden beaches of California, travel nursing can place a nurse in the heart of their favorite destination in any of the nation’s 50 states. Enjoy top-notch travel nurse salaries: Due to the high demand for RNs, travel nurses enjoy generous pay rates, ranging from $22 to $40 per hour. Rates vary depending on their nursing specialty, the assignment facility and the region. Try out a new location before making a permanent move: Travel nursing gives one the chance to check out practically any city in the United States before making a permanent move to the area. Boost your résumé: Travel nurses have the opportunity to work alongside seasoned professionals at some of the best facilities in the world. Nurses have the chance to learn new techniques and expand their clinical skills and competencies. Meet new people and make new friends: Travel nursing is a great way to strike up new friendships with coworkers, medical professionals, and fellow travelers while living in a new region.4
The field of travel nursing is one that will offer expanding opportunities during the next half century. By becoming a travel nurse, one can take advantage of all the possibilities that the field has to offer. References: 1 http://healthcaretraveler.modernmedicine. com/healthcare-traveler/news/future-travel 2 http://www.onwardhealthcare.com/travelnursing-jobs/about-travel-nursing/ 3 http://www.travelnursing.org/what-is-travelnursing.php 4 http://www.travelnursing.com/about-travelnursing/why-travel 42 | MARCH 2014
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features
PA/NP Workforce: Using Locums to Meet Your Practice Demand
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 immediate need within a practice such as a maternity
44 | MARCH 2014
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 practice a variety of clinical skills. This is a great way to use and apply the generalist experience of PA/
By Lisa P. Shock, MHS, PA-C President/CEO Utilization Solutions in Healthcare, Inc.
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 WWW.MEDMONTHLY.COM | 45
the arts
Palliative Pleasure Hospitals across America are tapping into art’s healing powers By Isabelle T. Walker
Above: Smooth Sumac To Left: Light Waves All images courtesy of
Henry Domke Fine Art www.henrydomke.com Prime-Care Physicians Clinic in Albany, New York, is not a place people want to be. Whether actually sick, or working to stay healthy, patients enter the waiting room and run headlong into a 6-foot-high, 30-foot-wide image of a thick stand of trees. Stretched across the back wall, the picture is so clear, they can almost hear the birds chirp. Compelled to gaze a moment, they take a deep breath, and then another. Florence Nightingale knew art helped people heal long before modern science began delving into the matter. In her Notes on Nursing, she wrote: “Little as we know about the way in which we are affected by form, by color and light, we do know this, they have an actual physical effect. Variety of form and brilliance of color in the objects presented to patients are actual means of recovery.” Nightingale would like what hospitals and doctors’ offices are doing with art today, placing it intentionally in rooms, treatment areas and hallways to support patients’ recovery; using it to calm visitors and as way-finding markers in big facilities. Long-term care facilities are using 46 | MARCH 2014
art to stimulate visual perception in elderly residents and urge the wheelchair-bound out of their rooms. Visual art is even used in some surgical procedures to minimize pain. “The idea is to give patients a positive distraction, something to take their attention away from their circumstances,” said Henry Domke, a family practice doctor and artist. Images that invite patients to literally step inside the scene are optimal, he said. Domke uses digital photography to make images that achieve just this effect; images of nature, often close-up, grasshopper’s eye views of plants at the peak of their life cycle. His works are made entirely for health care settings. In the past decade there’s been a sea change in the way hospitals approach art. Thirty years ago, there was none. Twenty years ago, there was poster art here and there. Now, major hospitals are spending 1 to 2 percent of multimillion-dollar construction budgets on artwork. According to Domke, it’s because so many studies have shown patients benefit in tangible, measurable ways; and because in competitive health care markets, it helps the
bottom line. “If a hospital looks dismal, people aren’t going to want to go back,” Domke said. “If it’s a positive experience, if they felt more relaxed when they were there, if the beautiful environment counteracted some of the stress of being sick, trust me, they’re going to want to go back.” Health care design experts trace the shift to a 1984 study in the journal Science by Roger Ulrich, PhD., Endowed Professor at Texas A&M University’s School of Architecture. Ulrich compared two groups of patients recovering from gallbladder surgery: those whose windows looked out at a brick wall and those whose windows looked out on a stand of leafy trees. He found that patients with the view of nature recovered faster and needed less pain medication. His research evolved and expanded and a decade later yielded concrete guidelines that many hospitals are now consulting when selecting art. Choosing realistic nature scenes for acute-care settings is recommended, he said; landscape images with visual depth or openness in the foreground and pictures of plants at the peak of life are optimal in settings where patients are really anxious. Interestingly, abstract art that is ambiguous, that leaves much open to interpretation can be troubling to vulnerable patients who can’t get up and walk away from it. “Art is very powerful in hospitals,” Ulrich said. “These are not museum situations or peoples’ homes where they have control.” Jon Huntsman, Sr., the businessman and philanthropist, is on a first name basis with cancer. He’s battled it four times, and lost both his mother and father to it. He said, for everything that’s known about treatments and survival odds, at the end of the day, it’s a mystery why some people recover and others don’t. In 1999, when he and his wife gave $100 million to build The Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) in Salt Lake City, their priority was to make sure the environment would be as healing as the medicine. “You want to take away the [patient’s] anxiety and you want to take away the fear,” said Huntsman. HCI has an
Purple Coneflower and the installation at the South Baltimore Medical Center
800-piece collection. Paintings and photographs hang throughout the facility, many donated by former patients. Each room has at least one piece of art, a view of the mountains and the occasional moose or deer wandering up to the edge of the building and looking in. Jain Malkin, an interior designer specializing in health care settings, said for helping patients in pain, images based on prospect-refuge theory work best. An open vista visible from the vantage of safety, through leaves or a bush for example. Malkin, an industry leader, began her career when hospitals were barren, a maze of infinity tunnels; hallways with naked walls that went on forever. She said abstract art can have a place in health care, in lobbies or cafeterias. But in procedure areas and patient rooms, realistic nature or landscape images are called for. Francie Kelley, a Los Angeles-based art consultant and owner of Paragone Gallery, just installed 450 photographs in the University of Southern California’s (USC) University Hospital. The designer was shooting for a spa-like environment. They selected 15 Domke images for the hallways and three images by Jennifer Broussard for each room. Both artists specialize in close-up nature images. “They’re very, very beautiful,” Kelley said. Domke’s art business has grown so busy, he was forced to choose between medicine and art. He picked art. “The key goal of art in the health care system is to reduce stress. And that reduction of stress can contribute to the healing process,” said Domke. “But the whole approach is very alien to most people in the art world. Picking art for the way it functions … what a weird idea.” Source: http://www.westernartandarchitecture.com/articles/ western-art-and-architecture/winter-spring-2011/134/ palliative-pleasure. This article was first published in Western Art and Architecture (www.westernartandarchitecture.com) Winter/ Spring 2011.
healthy living
3 Ideas to Increase
Your Spinach Intake By Ashley Acornley, MS, RD, LDN Most people should aim for at least nine servings (at least 4½ cups) of vegetables and fruits a day. Best bets? Dark leafy greens, including spinach. Spinach reigns supreme in the vegetable world. It is an excellent source of beta-carotene, a powerful disease-fighting antioxidant that helps your eyes and heart, and helps ward off cancer. The results of epidemiological studies suggest that diets rich in lutein and zeaxanthin which spinach is loaded with, may help slow the development of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Prospective cohort studies indicate that higher intakes of vitamin C are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. (CVDs). Spinach contains lipoic acid, which helps Vitamins C and E regenerate as well as helping regulate blood sugar to prevent insulin resistance. Spinach contains loads of potassium, fiber, and even provides protein. The best part? Spinach is edible and delicious on its own or humbly cooked into dishes. Really fresh spinach —in bundles rather than bags — is preferable, but bagged, fresh, or frozen is all still a great choice.
1. Sneak Spinach Into Sauces Puree a package of thawed and drained, frozen spinach in a blender, adding a little olive oil or water as necessary to keep a smooth consistency. Add a half cup to pasta sauces and pizza sauces. Freeze the remaining puree to use at a later date. 48 | MARCH 2014
2. Berry Spinach Smoothie Ingredients: 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt 1 ripe banana 2/3 cup frozen blueberries 2 large frozen strawberries 1 cup spinach leaves 1/2 cup milk of choice (dairy, coconut, soy, almond) 2 teaspoons protein powder (optional) 1 tablespoon of honey, or to taste
Preparation: Add all of the ingredients to a blender, cover with the lid, and whirl until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach the desired consistency and taste for sweetness, adjusting as necessary. Pour into two glasses and enjoy promptly. The spinach is subtle enough that you get all the health benefits but the berries dominate.
3. Parmesan Spinach Cakes Adapted from EatingWell Magazine
Ingredients: 12 ounces fresh spinach, 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese, or low-fat cottage cheese 1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese, (plus more for garnish) 2 large eggs, beaten 1 clove garlic, minced 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Preparation:
Nutritional Facts: Per serving: 141 calories; 8 g fat ( 4 g sat , 3 g mono ) 123 mg cholesterol 6 g carbohydrates 13 g protein 2 g fiber 456 mg sodium 560 mg potassium. Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (170% daily value), Folate (46% dv), Vitamin C (40% dv), Calcium (30% dv), Potassium (16% dv).
1. Preheat oven to 400째F. 2. Pulse spinach in three batches in a food processor until finely chopped. Transfer to a medium bowl. Add ricotta (or cottage cheese), Parmesan, eggs, garlic, salt and pepper; stir to combine. 3. Coat 8 cups of the muffin pan with cooking spray. Divide the spinach mixture among the 8 cups (they will be very full). 4. Bake the spinach cakes until set, about 20 minutes. Let stand in the pan for 5 minutes. Loosen the edges with a knife and turn out onto a clean cutting board or large plate. Serve warm, sprinkled with more Parmesan, if desired. WWW.MEDMONTHLY.COM | 49
Physician Solutions is now hiring primary care MD’s and PA’s in North Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina
If you are a well informed physician or mid-level, we could use your services from 2 to 5 days per week. Find out why dozens of doctors choose Physician Solutions. Short-term or long-term, Physician Solutions has you covered 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 e-mail: physiciansolutions@gmail.com www.physiciansolutions.com
U.S. OPTICAL BOARDS Alaska P.O. Box 110806 Juneau, AK 99811 (907)465-5470 http://www.dced.state.ak.us/occ/pdop.htm
Idaho 450 W. State St., 10th Floor Boise , ID 83720 (208)334-5500 www2.state.id.us/dhw
Oregon 3218 Pringle Rd. SE Ste. 270 Salem, OR 97302 (503)373-7721 www.obo.state.or.us
Arizona 1400 W. Washington, Rm. 230 Phoenix, AZ 85007 (602)542-3095 http://www.do.az.gov
Kentucky P.O. Box 1360 Frankfurt, KY 40602 (502)564-3296 http://bod.ky.gov
Arkansas P.O. Box 627 Helena, AR 72342 (870)572-2847
Massachusetts 239 Causeway St. Boston, MA 02114 (617)727-5339 http://1.usa.gov/zbJVt7
Rhode Island 3 Capitol Hill, Rm 104 Providence, RI 02908 (401)222-7883 http://sos.ri.gov/govdirectory/index.php? page=DetailDeptAgency&eid=260
California 2005 Evergreen St., Ste. 1200 Sacramento, CA 95815 (916)263-2382 www.medbd.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.dph.state.ct.us/ Florida 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C08 Tallahassee, FL 32399 (850)245-4474 doh.state.fl.us Georgia 237 Coliseum Dr. Macon, GA 31217 (478)207-1671 www.sos.state.ga.us Hawaii P.O. Box 3469 Honolulu, HI 96801 (808)586-2704 optician@dcca.hawaii.gov
Nevada P.O. Box 70503 Reno, NV 89570 (775)853-1421 http://nvbdo.state.nv.us/ 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.njconsumeraffairs.gov/ ophth/ 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/
South Carolina P.O. Box 11329 Columbia, SC 29211 (803)896-4665 www.llr.state.sc.us Tennessee Heritage Place Metro Center 227 French Landing, Ste. 300 Nashville, TN 37243 (615)253-6061 http://health.state.tn.us/boards/do/ Texas P.O. Box 149347 Austin, TX 78714 (512)834-6661 www.roatx.org 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 www.state.va.us/licenses Washington 300 SE Quince P.O. Box 47870 Olympia, WA 98504 (360)236-4947 http://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/MedicalCommission. aspx
WWW.MEDMONTHLY.COM | 51
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 http://bit.ly/uaqEO8 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/ Colorado 1560 Broadway, Suite 1350 Denver, CO 80202 (303)894-7800 http://www.dora.state.co.us/dental/ Connecticut 410 Capitol Ave. Hartford, CT 06134 (860)509-8000 http://www.ct.gov/dph/site/default.asp Delaware Cannon Building, Suite 203 861 Solver Lake Blvd. Dover, DE 19904 (302)744-4500 http://1.usa.gov/t0mbWZ Florida 4052 Bald Cypress Way Bin C-08 Tallahassee, FL 32399 (850)245-4474 http://bit.ly/w1m4MI 52
| MARCH 2014
Georgia 237 Coliseum Drive Macon, GA 31217 (478)207-2440 http://sos.georgia.gov/plb/dentistry/ Hawaii DCCA-PVL Att: Dental P.O. Box 3469 Honolulu, HI 96801 (808)586-3000 http://1.usa.gov/s5Ry9i 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://bit.ly/svi6Od Indiana 402 W. Washington St., Room W072 Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317)232-2980 http://www.in.gov/pla/dental.htm Iowa 400 SW 8th St. Suite D Des Moines, IA 50309 (515)281-5157 http://www.state.ia.us/dentalboard/ Kansas 900 SW Jackson Room 564-S Topeka, KS 66612 (785)296-6400 http://www.accesskansas.org/kdb/ Kentucky 312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 101 Louisville, KY 40222 (502)429-7280 http://dentistry.ky.gov/ Louisiana 365 Canal St., Suite 2680 New Orleans, LA 70130 (504)568-8574 http://www.lsbd.org/
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/ Michigan P.O. Box 30664 Lansing, MI 48909 (517)241-2650 http://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7154-35299_28150_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.dentist.state.ok.us/
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://bit.ly/uO2tLg
Pennsylvania P.O. Box 2649 Harrisburg, PA 17105 (717)783-7162 http://bit.ly/s5oYiS
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
Rhode Island Dept. of Health Three Capitol Hill, Room 104 Providence, RI 02908 (401)222-2828 http://1.usa.gov/u66MaB
New York 89 Washington Ave. Albany, NY 12234 (518)474-3817 http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/dent/
South Carolina P.O. Box 11329 Columbia, SC 29211 (803)896-4599 http://www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/Dentistry/
North Carolina 507 Airport Blvd., Suite 105 Morrisville, NC 27560 (919)678-8223 http://www.ncdentalboard.org/
South Dakota P.O. Box 1079 105. S. Euclid Ave. Suite C Pierre, SC 57501 (605)224-1282 https://www.sdboardofdentistry.com/
North Dakota P.O. Box 7246 Bismark, ND 58507 (701)258-8600 http://www.nddentalboard.org/
Tennessee 227 French Landing, Suite 300 Nashville, TN 37243 (615)532-3202 http://health.state.tn.us/boards/dentistry/
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://bit.ly/zSHgpa 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 WWW.MEDMONTHLY.COM | 53
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://bit.ly/zZ455T 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.dora.state.co.us/medical/ Connecticut 401 Capitol Ave. Hartford, CT 06134 (860)509-8000 http://www.ct.gov/dph/site/default.asp 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://www.dchealth.dc.gov/doh 54 | MARCH 2014
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://bit.ly/hnrzp
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/profs/info/Physicians.asp
Michigan Bureau of Health Professions P.O. Box 30670 Lansing, MI 48909 (517)335-0918 http://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7154-35299_28150_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/default.htm
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 http://www.mdpreferredservices.com/ state-licensing-boards/nebraska-boardof-medicine-and-surgery 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://bit.ly/w5rc8J 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://bit.ly/rFyCEW
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/
Oklahoma P.O. Box 18256 Oklahoma City, OK 73154 (405)962-1400 http://www.okmedicalboard.org/
Vermont P.O. Box 70 Burlington, VT 05402 (802)657-4220 http://1.usa.gov/wMdnxh
Oregon 1500 SW 1st Ave., Suite 620 Portland, OR 97201 (971)673-2700 http://www.oregon.gov/OMB/
Virginia Virginia Dept. of Health Professions Perimeter Center 9960 Maryland Dr., Suite 300 Henrico, VA 23233 (804)367-4400 http://1.usa.gov/xjfJXK
Pennsylvania P.O. Box 2649 Harrisburg, PA 17105 (717)787-8503 http://www.dos.state.pa.us/portal/server. pt/community/state_board_of_medicine/12512 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://health.state.tn.us/boards/me/
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://drl.wi.gov/board_detail. asp?boardid=35&locid=0 Wyoming 320 W. 25th St., Suite 200 Cheyenne, WY 82002 (307)778-7053 http://wyomedboard.state.wy.us/
WWW.MEDMONTHLY.COM | 55
medical resource guide Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine Consultant
ACCOUNTING Boyle CPA, PLLC 3716 National Drive, Suite 206 Raleigh, NC 27612 (919) 720-4970 www.boyle-cpa.com
Lawrence Earl, MD COO/CMO ASAP Urgentcare Medical Director, NADME.org 908-635-4775 (m) 866-405-4770 (f ) http://www.asap-urgentcare.com/ UrgentCareMentor.com
EQUIPMENT APPRAISER Brumbaugh Appraisals 8601 Six Forks Road, Suite 400, Raleigh, NC 27615 (919) 870-8258 www.brumbaughappraisals.com
Utilization Solutions service@pushpa.biz (919) 289-9126
ADVERTISING
www.pushpa.biz
MedMedia9
PO Box 98313 Raleigh, NC 27624 (919)747-9031
DENTAL www.medmedia9.com
BILLING & COLLECTION
Biomet 3i
4555 Riverside Dr. Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (800)342-5454 www.biomet3i.com
Dental Management Club Applied Medical Systems, Inc. Billing - Coding - Practice Solutions 4220 NC Hwy 55, Suite 130B Durham, NC 27713 (800) 334-6606 www.ams-nc.com
CODING SPECIALISTS Place Your Ad Here
CONSULTING SERVICES, PRACTICE MANAGEMENT Physician Wellness Services 5000 West 36th Street, Suite 240 Minneapolis, MN 55416 888.892.3861 www.physicianwellnessservices.com
Urgent Care America
17595 S. Tamiami Trail Fort Meyers, FL 33908 (239)415-3222 www.urgentcareamerica.net
56 | MARCH 2014
EXECUTIVE ACCOUNTING & FINANCE RECRUITER Accounting Professionals Agency, LLC Adrienne Aldridge, CPA, CGMA, FLMI President 1204 Benoit Place Apex, NC 27502 (919) 924-4476 aaldridge@AccountingProfessioinals Agency.com
4924 Balboa Blvd #460 Encino, CA 91316 www.dentalmanagementclub.com
www.AccountingProfessionalsAgency.com
The Dental Box Company, Inc.
FINANCIAL CONSULTANTS
PO Box 101430 Pittsburgh, PA 15237 (412)364-8712 www.thedentalbox.com
DIETICIAN Triangle Nutrition Therapy 4030 Wake Forest Road, Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27609 (919)876-9779 http://trianglediet.com/
ELECTRONIC MED. RECORDS
Sigmon Daknis Wealth Management 701 Town Center Dr. , Ste. #104 Newport News, VA 23606 (757)223-5902 www.sigmondaknis.com
INSURANCE, MED. LIABILITY Jones Insurance 820 Benson Rd. Garner, North Carolina 27529 (919) 772-0233 www.Jones-insurance.com
AdvancedMD 10011 S. Centennial Pkwy Sandy, UT 84070 (800) 825-0224 www.advancedmd.com
CollaborateMD 201 E. Pine St. #1310 Orlando, FL 32801 (888)348-8457 www.collaboratemd.com
LOCUM TENENS Physician Solutions
PO Box 98313 Raleigh, NC 27624 (919)845-0054 www.physiciansolutions.com
medical resource guide MEDICAL ARCHITECTS MMA Medical Architects
520 Sutter Street San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 346-9990 http://www.mmamedarc.com
MEDICAL MARKETING
Bank of America
MedMedia9
PO Box 98313 Raleigh, NC 27624 (919)747-9031 www.medmedia9.com
WhiteCoat Designs
Web, Print & Marketing Solutions for Doctors (919)714-9885 www.whitecoat-designs.com
MEDICAL ART
PRACTICE FINANCING
Mark MacKinnon, Regional Sales Manager 3801 Columbine Circle Charlotte, NC 28211 (704)995-9193 mark.mackinnon@bankofamerica.com www.bankofamerica.com/practicesolutions
REAL ESTATE
Deborah Brenner
877 Island Ave #315 San Diego, CA 92101 (619)818-4714 www.deborahbrenner.com
MedImagery
Laura Maaske 262-308-1300 Laura@medimagery.com http://www.medimagery.com
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT Assured Pharmaceuticals Matthew Hall (704)419-3005 mhall@assuredpharma.com
MEDICAL PRACTICE SALES Medical Practice Listings
8317 Six Forks Rd. Ste #205 Raleigh, NC 27624 (919)848-4202 www.medicalpracticelistings.com
MEDICAL PRACTICE VALUATIONS
PO Box 99488 Raleigh, NC 27624 (919)846-4747 www.bizscorevaluation.com
Tarheel Physicians Supply 1934 Colwell Ave. Wilmington, NC 28403 (800)672-0441
MEDICAL PUBLISHING www.thetps.com
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT FINANCING Bank of America
Mark MacKinnon, Regional Sales Manager 3801 Columbine Circle Charlotte, NC 28211 (704)995-9193 mark.mackinnon@bankofamerica.com www.bankofamerica.com/practicesolutions
Headquarters & Property Management 1900 Cameron Street Raleigh, NC 27605 (919) 821-1350 Commercial Sales & Leasing (919) 821-7177 www.yorkproperties.com
STAFFING COMPANIES Additional Staffing Group, Inc. 8319 Six Forks Rd, Suite 103 Raleigh, NC 27615 (919) 844-6601 Astaffinggroup.com
BizScore
www.assurepharma.com
York Properties, Inc.
MedMedia9
PO Box 98313 Raleigh, NC 27624 (919)747-9031 www.medmedia9.com
MEDICAL RESEARCH
SUPPLIES, GENERAL CNF Medical 1100 Patterson Avenue Winston Salem, NC 27101 (877)631-3077 www.cnfmedical.com
Gebauer Company
4444 East 153rd St. Cleveland, OH 44128-2955 (216)581-3030 www.gebauerspainease.com
WEBSITE DESIGN
Scynexis, Inc.
3501 C Tricenter Blvd. Durham, NC 27713 (919) 933-4990
MedMedia9 www.scynexis.com
PO Box 98313 Raleigh, NC 27624 (919)747-9031 www.medmedia9.com WWW.MEDMONTHLY.COM | 57
classified listings
Classified To place a classified ad, call 919.747.9031
Physicians needed North Carolina GP Needed Immediately On-Going 3 Days Per Week at Occupational Clinic . General Practictioner needed on-going 3 days per week at occupational clinic in Greensboro, NC. Numerous available shifts for October. Averages 25 patients per day with no call and shift hours from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. Physician Solutions, P.O. Box 98313, Raleigh, NC 27624, and PH: (919) 845-0054, email: physiciansolutions@gmail.com 3-5 days per week in Durham, NC . Geriatric physician needed immediately 3-5 days per week, on-going at nursing home in Durham. Nursing home focuses on therapy and nursing after patients are released from the hospital. Physician Solutions, P.O. Box 98313, Raleigh, NC 27624, and PH: (919) 845-0054, email: physiciansolutions@gmail.com GP Needed Immediately On-Going 1-3 Days Per Week at Addictive Disease Clinics located in Charlotte, Hickory, Concord & Marion North Carolina. General Practitioner with a knowledge or interest in addictive disease. Needed in October on-going 1-3 times per week. Physician Solutions, P.O. Box 98313, Raleigh, NC 27624, and PH: (919) 845-0054, email: physiciansolutions@gmail.com Primary Care Physician in Northwest NC (multiple locations). Primary care physician needed immediately for ongoing coverage at one of the largest substance abuse treatment facilities in NC. Doctor will be responsible for new patient evaluations and supportive aftercare. Counseling and therapy are combined with physician’s medical assessment and care for the treatment of adults, adolescents and families. Physician Solutions, P.O. Box 98313, Raleigh, NC 27624, and PH: (919) 845-0054, email: physiciansolutions@gmail.com Pediatrician or Family Medicine Doctor in Fayetteville Comfortable with seeing children. Need is immediate - Full time ongoing for maternity leave. 8 am - 5 pm. Outpatient only. Physician Solutions, P.O. Box 98313, Raleigh, NC 27624, and PH: (919) 845-0054, email: physiciansolutions@gmail.com
58 | MARCH 2014
Immediate need for full time GP/FP for urgent cares in eastern NC. Urgent care centers from Raleigh to the eastern coast of NC seek immediate primary care physician. Full time opportunity with possibility for permanent placement. Physician Solutions, PH: (919) 845-0054, email: physiciansolutions@gmail.com General Practitioner Needed in Greensboro. Occupational health care clinic seeks general practitioner for disability physicals ongoing 1-3 days a week. Adults only. 8 am-5 pm. No call required. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email us at physiciansolutions@gmail.com. Pediatrician or Family Physician Needed Immediately at clinic in Roanoke Rapids, NC. Pediatric clinic in Roanoke Rapids, NC seeks Peds physician or FP comfortable with children for 2-3 months/on-going/full-time. The chosen physician will need to be credentialed through the hospital, please email your CV, medical license and DEA so we can fill this position immediately. Physician Solutions, P.O. Box 98313, Raleigh, NC 27624, and PH: (919) 845-0054, email: physiciansolutions@gmail.com Occupational Clinic in Greensboro, NC seeks FP/GP for On-Going Shifts. Locum tenens position (4-5 days a week) available for an occupational, urgent care and walk in clinic. The practice is located in Greensboro NC. Hours are 8 am-5 pm. Approximately 20 patients/ day. Excellent staff. Outpatient only. physiciansolutions@gmail.com Diabetic Clinic 1 hour from Charlotte seeks FP/GP/ IM for On-Going Shifts.Primary care physician needed immediately for outpatient diabetic clinic one hour outside Charlotte, NC On-going. Hours are 8 am -5 pm with no call. Approximately 15-20 patients a day. Call or email for more information. 919-845-0054 physiciansolutions@gmail.com Clinic between Fayetteville and Wilmington seeks FP/ GP/IM Mar 22 FT ongoing. A small hospital’s outpatient clinic located within an hour of both Fayetteville and Wilmington seeks PA to work FT ongoing beginning March 22. Shifts can be either 8 or 12 hours. No call. email: physiciansolutions@gmail.com
Classified To place a classified ad, call 919.747.9031
Physicians needed North Carolina (cont.) Addictive Disease Clinic in Charlotte, NC and surrounding cities seeks GP/FP/IM for on-going shifts An addictive disease clinic with locations with locations in Charlotte, NC and surrounding cities seeks a GP with an interest in addictive medicine for on-going shifts. This clinic has 15-25 open shifts every month and we are looking to bring on a new doctor for consistent coverage. The average daily patient load is between 20 and 25 with shifts from 8 am - 5 pm and 6 am - 2 pm. If you are interested in this position please send us your CV and feel free to contact us via email or phone with questions or to learn about other positions. Physician Solutions, PH: (919) 845-0054, email: physiciansolutions@gmail.com
FT/PT Mid-Level Provider needed for Wilmington practice immediately. Small internal medicine private practice 45 minutes outside Wilmington seeks mid-level provider starting immediately. FT/PT. M-F 8:00-5:00. Possible permanent placement. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email us at physiciansolutions@gmail.com. Asheboro Family Practice and Urgent Care seeks GP for intermittent coverage. Family Practice and Urgent Care seeks general practitioner for intermittent days from 8a-8p. Provider will see about 35 patients with no call. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email us at physiciansolutions@gmail.com. Greensboro occupational health care clinic seeksgeneral practitioner for intermittent shifts. Primary care physicians needed for occupational medicine. Adults only. Hours are 8am-5pm. Large corporation, no call required. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-8450054 or email: physiciansolutions@gmail.com.
Child Health Clinic in Statesville, NC seeks pediatrician or Family Physician comfortable with peds for on-going, full-time shifts. Physician will work M-F 8 am - 5 pm, ongoing. Qualified physician will know EMR or Allscripts software. Physician Solutions, P.O. Box 98313, Raleigh, NC 27624, and PH: (919) 845-0054, email: physiciansolutions@gmail.com
IM/FP needed in Fayetteville clinic immediately. Fayetteville health department needs coverage March through June full or part time. Patients adult health and women’s health. Adults only. No call 8a-5p. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email: physiciansolutions@gmail.com.
Peds Clinic near Raleigh seeks Mid-Level Provider for on-going coverage 4x/wk. Health Department pediatrics clinic 45 min from Raleigh needs coverage 4 days a week from January through June. Provider will see about 20 patients daily, hours are 8am-5pm with an hour for lunch. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-8450054 or email: physiciansolutions@gmail.com.
Geriatric physician needed immediately 2 to 5 days per week, on-going eastern NC. Nursing homes in Durham, Fayetteville and Rocky Mount seek GP/IM/ FP with geriatric experience to work full or part time. Nursing home focuses on therapy and nursing after patients are released from the hospital. 8a-5p, no call. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email: physiciansolutions@gmail.com.
FT Mid-Level Provider needed for Wilmington practice immediately. Small private practice 45 minutes outside Wilmington seeks mid-level provider starting January. M-F 8:00-5:00, PT or FT. This practice also is looking for a PA permanently in April. Accommodations, PLI, and mileage provided. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email: physiciansolutions@gmail.com. Employee Health Clinic seeks Mid-Level Provider for FT on-going coverage near Charlotte. Practice 45 minutes from Charlotte seeks on-going coverage for employee health clinic beginning in March. Provider will see about 20-24 patients daily, hours are 8am-5pm with an hour for lunch. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email us at physiciansolutions@gmail.com.
Nursing home in Durham seeks PT/FT NP/PA for immediate ongoing scheduling. Durham nursing home seeks part time or full time mid-level for ongoing locums. Must have geriatric experience. 8-5p. Other facilities in Fayetteville and Rocky Mount. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email us at physiciansolutions@gmail.com.
continued on page 61 WWW.MEDMONTHLY.COM |59
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 during 2012 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 POISED FOR SUCCESS. 919.848.4202 medlisting@gmail.com medicalpracticelistings.com
classified listings
Classified
continued from page 59
To place a classified ad, call 919.747.9031
Physicians needed North Carolina (cont.) Fayetteville occupational health care clinic seeks GP for May. Primary care physicians needed for occupational medicine. Adults only. 8-5p. Large corporation, no call required. Intermittent dates in the future and second office in Greensboro with ongoing scheduling. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com. Nursing home in Durham seeks PT/FT Geriatrics doctor for immediate ongoing scheduling. Durham nursing home seeks part time or full time MD for ongoing locums. Must have geriatric experience. 8-5p. Other facilities in Fayetteville and Rocky Mount. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com. Family Practice 1 h SE of Raleigh seeks coverage. Goldsboro FP seeks MD for July 6-7 and intermittent shifts. 8-5p. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com. Pediatric clinic near Greensboro needs 10 weeks of 3 day a week coverage beginning June 1. Burlington pediatric clinic seeks coverage June 1 3 days a week for 10 weeks. 8-5p. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com. Greenville Clinic seeks GP. GP/IM needed for intermittent shifts. Must have experience or be willing to do pain management and trigger point injections. 8-5p. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com. Raleigh practice seeks BC FP for permanent placement in new facility summer 2013. Board Certified Family Practitioner sought for FT permanent placement in new clinic in Raleigh to start summer of 2013. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com. Clinic between Fayetteville and Wilmington seeks FP/ GP/IM Mar 22 FT ongoing . A small hospital’s outpatient clinic located within an hour of both Fayetteville and Wilmington seeks PA to work FT ongoing beginning March 22. Shifts can be either 8 or 12 hours. No call. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com.
Western North Carolina Clinic needs continuing physician coverage. Clinic seeks coverage for their walk in clinic which sees all ages. Ongoing, 8am-5pm, no call. 35-40 patients a day. Well established clinic located in a beautiful area. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com. IM/FP/Peds opportunity in Fayetteville clinic immediately. Fayetteville clinic needs immediate coverage for the following clinics: adult health, women’s health and STD. No call 8a-5p. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com. Pediatrician Needed MD June-Aug, Burlington NC 3x week for 10 wks starting June 1st, 8-5 Mon-Fri Burlington, NC: located 1 hour west of Raleigh. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com. Pediatrician, IM & FP needed, Fayetteville NC Urgent Need for immediate MDs - Pediatrics, Family Practice or Internal Medicine - PT/FT, 8-5 Mon-Fri. Ongoing. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com. Locum & Permanent MD Needed , Kinston NC Urgent Need for immediate MD placement, 8-5 MonFri. Must be able to do family planning & light maternity, Kinston, NC: 1.5 hours outside Raleigh. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com. PT MD needed for Occupational practice, Greensboro NC. Urgent need for PT MD to do disability physicals 2-3 days weekly, 8-5, on-going scheduling. Greensboro, NC. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com. Permanent PA or MD needed in Goldsboro, NC On-going permanent position Mon- Fri 8-5, Goldsboro, NC: 1 hour 10 minutes outside Raleigh. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com. Family Practice MD needed 2-3x/week, Goldsboro intermittent dates, 8-5p,Goldsboro, NC 1h SE of Raleigh. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com.
continued on page 62 WWW.MEDMONTHLY.COM | 61
classified listings
Classified
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Physicians needed North Carolina (cont.) FULL TIME MD needed for Family Practice in Washington, N.C. Family Practitioner needed for FT MD June 15-Sept 1 on-going Mon- Fri 8-5, Washington, NC, 1 hour 45 minutes outside Raleigh. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com. Geriatric Experienced Mid Level or MD, Durham NC Must have geriatric experience, PT/FT, Locations in Durham, Rocky Mount & Fayetteville, NC. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com. Family Practitioner opportunity available one hour east of Charlotte Monday through Friday. The hours will be 8:00am until 5:00pm either full time or part time. You will be seeing 15-20 new patients a day. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com. Immediate opportunity for a Primary Care Physician at a large practice located one hour south of Raleigh. The hours are from 8:00am until 5:00pm You will be treating generally 20-25 patients per day. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com. Family MD opportunity at an Urgent Care facility that sees all ages in the Jacksonville, NC area. This will be an ongoing schedule from 8:00am until 6:00pm 1-2 days a week, including weekend dates. You will treating generally 30-35 patients a day. There is potential for permanent placement. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com. Primary care physician opportunity for busy occupational medicine practices near Greensboro/Fayetteville, NC. There are two locations with positions available within 15 minutes of Greensboro and Fayettteville. Your schedule will be from 8:00am until 5:00 pm either full time or part time, no call necessary. Patient treatment will consist of adults only in both facilities. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com.
Family Physician opportunity for a leading medical practice in the Raleigh area. Must be able to start immediately and be comfortable with seeing all ages. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com. General Practitioner/ Internal Medicine/ Family Physician opportunity available at a large substance abuse treatment facilitiy in Western NC. Doctor will be responsible for new patient evaluations and supportive aftercare. Counseling and therapy are combined with physician’s medical assessment and care for the treatment of adults, adolescents and families. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com. continued on page 64
MD STAFFING AGENCY FOR SALE IN NORTH CAROLINA The perfect opportunity for anyone who wants to purchase an established business.
l One
of the oldest Locums companies l Large 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
Please direct all correspondence to driverphilip@gmail.com. Only serious, qualified inquirers. 62 | MARCH 2014
NC OPPORTUNITIES
Woman’s Practice in Raleigh, North Carolina.
LOCUMS OR PERMANENT
Physician Solutions has immediate opportunities for psychiatrists throughout NC. Top wages, professional liability insurance and accommodations provided. 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 For more information about Physician Solutions or to see all of our locums and permanent listings, please visit physiciansolutions.com
We have a established woman’s practice in the Raleigh North Carolina area that is available for purchase. Grossing a consistent $800,000.00 per year, the retained earnings are impressive to say the least. This is a two provider practice that see patients Monday through Friday from 8 till 6. This free standing practice is very visible and located in the heart of medical community. There are 7 well appointed exam rooms, recently upgraded computer (EMR), the carpet and paint have always been maintained. The all brick building can be leased or purchased.
Contact Cara or Philip for details regarding this very successful practice. Medical Practice Listings; 919-848-4202
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 WWW.MEDMONTHLY.COM | 63
classified listings
Classified
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Physicians needed North Carolina (cont.) Primary Care Physician opportunity for a leading women’s practice in the Lenoir, NC area. Treating Physician must be comfortable with light OB and well women’s exams. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com. General Practitioner/Internal Medicine Physician opportunity for intermittent shifts at a prominent practice in the Greenville, NC area. Treament schedule will be from 8:00am until 5:00pm. The practicing physician must have experience or be willing to perform pain management and trigger point injections. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com. Exceptional Family Physician opportunity at a practice in the Raleigh, NC area. Schedule will be ongoing Monday through Friday from 8:00am until 5:00pm. Must be comfortable with treating all ages. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com.
Primary Care Physician - Washington area Seeking a physician for a general primary care practice. Treatment will include seeing 3-4 pediatric and about 10 adult patients per day. The hours are 8:00- 5:00pm M-F. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com. Family Physician –Williamston area Immediate opportunity at a developing family practice in the Williamston area. You will be treating 8-16 patients per day from 8:00-5:00 pm. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com. MD Suboxone Duties Suboxone is a prescription medicine used for the maintence treatment of oproid dependence. Duties include opioid dependence recovery, rehabilitation, substance abuse and general Internal medicine. We have 4 practices to support with 3 to 5 day coverage. This means you have choices in the city you wish to practice. Slow to moderate patient pace with an exceptional staff and facility. Please contact Physician Solutions at; (919) 8450054 or Email; physiciansolutions@gmail.com
Immediate Pediatrician opportunity at a small outpatient hospital. Located between Fayetteville and Wilmington, this facility requires someone for intermittent shifts. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com.
Family Practice located in Winston Salem has an opening for a Family Practice MD. The hours are from 8 till 6 Monday through Friday with NO call duties. You will average seeing a dozen patients per day with a small experienced staff. This position starts in March and will last through the summer of 2014. Please contact Physician Solutions at; (919) 845-0054 or Email; physiciansolutions@gmail.com
Pediatrics Opportunity - Roanoke Rapids Area Northeastern North Carolina Pediatric Practice seeks on-going physician for full time coverage beginning mid-October through the end of the year. Practice sees about 16-25 patients a day, hours are 8:00-5:00 with negotiable call. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com.
Family Practice Opportunity, treating patients of all ages, looking for a FP or well informed Pediatric MD to work a full schedule Monday through Friday in Raleigh NC. This job is available immediately and is on-going contracted assignment. Please contact Physician Solutions at; (919) 845-0054 or Email; physiciansolutions@ gmail.com
Family Practitioner Opportunity - Greenville area Immediate opportunity for a family practitioner for a practice about 20 miles east of Greenville. The hours will be 8:00am until 5:00pm. Must see all ages. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com.
Methadone Treatment facility in the Western part of North Carolina has an immediate opening for a dependable MD. This is a highly regulated facility and the nursing staff performs most of the routine duties. The physicians that currently work in this environment really enjoy the work environment. We are accepting applications for this position and we will consider 3 to 5 shifts per weekly. Please contact Physician Solutions at; (919) 845-0054 or Email; physiciansolutions@gmail.com continued on page 67
64 | MARCH 2014
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
Medical Practice Listings Selling and buying made easy
MedicalPracticeListings.com | medlisting@gmail.com | 919-848-4202
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
classified listings
Classified
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Physicians needed
Physicians needed
North Carolina (cont.)
Virginia
Physician Assistant to work primary care settings in North Carolina. We have 5 or 6 primary care practices that are looking for permanent or locum to perm PA’s. Well rounded primary care duties working with a professional staff will make you most comfortable.
Urgent Care opportunities throughout Virginia. We have contracts with numerous facilities and eight 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
Physicians needed South Carolina A family and urgent care in Little River, SC seeks an FP/EM physician for 1 to 2 days per week, on-going shifts. The practice is a one-physician facility and is looking for a physician to come in regularly. The practice is small and does not have a large patient load. The qualified physician will have experience in Family or Emergency medicine. If you have any availability and a SC medical license contact us today and we will do our best to work around your schedule. Physician Solutions, P.O. Box 98313, Raleigh, NC 27624, and PH: (919) 845-0054, email: physiciansolutions@gmail.com
Physicians needed Virginia Pediatric Locums Physician needed in Harrisonburg, Danville and Lynchburg, VA. 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, email: physiciansolutions@gmail.com
Virginia practice outside of Washington DC seeks IM doctor FT/PT now – June 1. IM physician needed immediately FT/PT for Virginia clinic near Washington DC. 8-5p Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com.
Nurse Practitioners needed North Carolina Permanent NP needed in Goldsboro, NC On-going permanent position Mon- Fri 8-5 Goldsboro, NC: 1hour 10 minutes outside Raleigh. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com. Charlotte Occupational clinic seeks NP in March for ongoing coverage. Nurse practitioner needed in employee health clinic for large corporation in Charlotte. 8a-5p ongoing full time or part time. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com. Permanent NP needed in Goldsboro, NC On-going permanent position Mon- Fri 8-5 Goldsboro, NC: 1hour 10 minutes outside Raleigh. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com. Charlotte Occupational clinic seeks NP in March for ongoing coverage. Nurse practitioner needed in employee health clinic for large corporation in Charlotte. 8a-5p ongoing full time or part time. Please contact Physician Solutions at 919-845-0054 or email physiciansolutions@gmail.com. continued on page 68 WWW.MEDMONTHLY.COM | 67
classified listings
Classified
continued from page 67
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Medical Marketing & Sales needed
Practice for sale
North Carolina
North Carolina
Accounts Manager; Physician Solutions has an immediate opportunity for a professional to work from our North Raleigh corporate offices. Duties include; calling on developed practice accounts while developing new accounts. Recruiting physicians and overseeing all marketing and sales duties. Please contact Physician Solutions at; (919) 845-0054 or Email; physiciansolutions@gmail.com
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. The Gross revenue is about $235,000 yearly. Contact Cara or Philip at 919 848 4202 or email: medlistings@gmail.com to receive details.
WebSite Development and Hosting Sales; MedMedia9 is accepting applications for Sales Associates in all parts of North Carolina. We are looking for Independent Medical Sales Reps that are looking for a really solid product that is needed by 6 out of 10 practices, cost effective and will enhance their practice income while attracting new patients. Easy sales delivery by a confident professional. Please send your resume and contact information to; medmedia9@gmail.com or go to www.medmedia9.com the About Us tab and view the Reseller Application. We pay exceptional commissions and offer the best back office support. We welcome the opportunity to discuss our program with you.
Practice wanted North Carolina Pediatric Practice Wanted in Raleigh, NC Medical Practice Listings has a qualified buyer for a pediatric practice in Raleigh, Cary or surrounding area. If you are retiring, relocating or considering your options as a pediatric practice owner, contact us and review your options. Medical Practice Listings is the leading seller of practices in the US. When you list with us, your practice receives exceptional national, regional and local exposure. Contact us today at (919) 848-4202.
68 | MARCH 2014
Family Practice located in Hickory, NC. 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 email: medlistings@gmail.com 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 four wellequipped 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 continued on page 70
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 retiring and will assist as needed during the transition period. The gross receipts for the past three years are $650,000 and the list price was just reduced to $240,000. If you are looking to purchase a well equipped primary care practice, please contact us today. Contact: Cara or Philip at 919-848-4202
medlisting@gmail.com medicalpracticelistings.com
PEDIATRICIAN
or family medicine doctor needed in
FAYETTEVILLE, NC
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.
Comfortable seeing children. Needed immediately.
Call 919- 845-0054 or email: physiciansolutions@gmail.com www.physiciansolutions.com
Listing Price: $430,000
Call 919-848-4202 or email medlistings@gmail.com www.medicalpracticelistings.com WWW.MEDMONTHLY.COM | 69
classified listings
Classified
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Practice for sale
Practice for sale
North Carolina (cont.)
South Carolina
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 wellappointed exam rooms 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 send an email to medlistings@gmail.com
Lucrative ENT 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 and 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 a smooth transition. 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 email: medlistings@gmail.com
Internal Medicine Practice located just outside Fayetteville, NC is now being offered. The owning physician is retiring and is willing to continue working for the new owner for a month or two assisting with a smooth transaction. The practice treats patients four and a half 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 vibrant 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 email: medlistings@gmail.com Modern Vein Care Practice located in the mountains of NC. Booking seven 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
70 | MARCH 2014
Practice for sale Washington Family Practice located in Bainbridge Island, WA has recently been listed. Solid patient following and cash flow makes this 17-year-old practice very attractive. Contact Medical Practice Listings for more details. email: medlistings@gmail.com or (919) 848-4202.
Primary Care Practice For Sale
Wanted: Urgent Care Practice
Wilmington, NC
Urgent care practice wanted in North Carolina. Qualified physician is seeking to purchase an established urgent care within 100 miles of Raleigh, North Carolina. If you are considering retiring, relocations or closing your practice for personal reasons, contact us for a confidential discussion regarding your urgent care. You will receive cash at closing and not be required to carry a note.
Contact Medical Practice Listings for more information.
Medical Practice Listings Buying and selling made easy
Call 919-848-4202 or e-mail medlistings@gmail.com www.medicalpracticelistings.com
Primary Care Specializing in Women’s Health
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.
Medical Practice Listings 919.848.4202 | medlistings@gmail.com www.medicalpracticelistings.com
Located on NC’s Beautiful Coast, Morehead City
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 $38,000. 919.848.4202 medlisting@gmail.com medicalpracticelistings.com WWW.MEDMONTHLY.COM | 71
PEDIATRICIAN
Practice for Sale in Raleigh, NC
OR FAMILY MEDICINE DOCTOR NEEDED IN
ROANOKE RAPIDS, NC
Primary care practice specializing in women’s care Raleigh, North Carolina
In mid December, a pediatrician or family medicine doctor comfortable with seeing children is needed full time in Roanoke Rapids (1 hour north of Raleigh, NC) until a permanent doctor can be found. Credentialing at the hospital is necessary.
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
Call Medical Practice Listings at (919) 848-4202 for details and to view our other listings visit www.medicalpracticelistings.com
Call 919- 845-0054 or email: physiciansolutions@gmail.com www.physiciansolutions.com
Unfortunately, its motor is inside playing video games. Kids spend several hours a day playing video games and less than 15 minutes in P.E. Most can’t do two push-ups. Many are obese, and nearly half exhibit risk factors of heart disease. The American Council on Exercise and major medical organizations consider this situation a national health risk. Continuing budget cutbacks have forced many schools to drop P.E.—in fact, 49 states no longer even require it daily. You can help. Dust off that bike. Get out the skates. Swim with your kids. Play catch. Show them exercise is fun and promotes a long, healthy life. And call ACE. Find out more on how you can get these young engines fired up. Then maybe the video games will get dusty. A Public Service Message brought to you by the American Council on Exercise, a not-for-profit organization committed to the promotion of safe and effective exercise
American Council on Exercise
®
ACE Certified: The Mark of Quality Look for the ACE symbol of excellence in fitness training and education. For more information, visit our website: www.ACEfitness.org
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92123
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A M E R I C A’ S A U T H O R I T Y O N F I T N E S S
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FAMILY PRACTICE FOR SALE A beautiful practice located in Seattle, Washington This upscale primary care practice has a boutique look and feel while realizing consistent revenues and patient flow. You will be impressed with the well appointed layout, functionality as well as the organization of this true gem of a practice. Currently accepting over 20 insurance carriers including Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Cigna, City of Seattle, Great West and United Healthcare. The astute physician considering this practice will be impressed with the comprehensive collection of computers, office furniture and medical equipment such as Welch Allyn Otoscope, Ritter Autoclave, Spirometer and Moore Medical Exam table. Physician compensation is consistently in the $200,000 range with upside as you wish. Do not procrastinate; this practice will not be available for long. List price: $255,000 | Year Established: 2007 | Gross Yearly Income: $380,000
Medical Practice Listings Selling and buying made easy
MedicalPracticeListings.com | medlisting@gmail.com | 919.848.4202
Adult & pediAtric integrAtive medicine prActice for sAle This Adult and Pediatric Integrative Medicine practice, located in Cary, NC, incorporates the latest conventional and natural therapies for the treatment and prevention of health problems not requiring surgical intervention. It currently provides the following therapeutic modalities: • • • • •
Conventional Medicine Natural and Holistic Medicine Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy Functional Medicine Nutritional Therapy
• • • • • •
Mind-Body Medicine Detoxification Supplements Optimal Weigh Program Preventive Care Wellness Program Diagnostic Testing
There is a Compounding Pharmacy located in the same suites with a consulting pharmacist working with this Integrative practice. Average Patients per Day: 12-20 Gross Yearly Income: $335,000+ | List Price: $125,000
Call 919-848-4202 or email medlistings@gmail.com www.medicalpracticelistings.com
Pediatrics Practice Wanted 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
PRACTICE FOR SALE
Women’s Health Practice in Morehead City, NC
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH CARE PRACTICE FOR SALE Greensboro, North Carolina
Newly listed Primary Care specializing in Women’s care located in the beautiful coastal city of Morehead City. This spacious practice has 5 exam rooms with one electronic tilting exam table and 4 other Ritter exam tables. Excellent visibility and parking make this an ideal location to market and expand. This practice is fully equipped and is ready for a new owner that is ready to hit the ground running. The owning MD is retiring and will be accommodating during the transition period. This medical building is owned and is offered for sale, lease or lease to own. The gross receipts for the past 3 years exceed $540,000 per year. If you are looking to purchase an excellent practice located in a picturesque setting, please contact us today.
Well-established practice serving the Greensboro and High Point areas for over 15 years. Five exam rooms that are fully equipped, plus digital X-Ray. Extensive corporate accounts as well as walk-in traffic. Lab equipment includes CBC. The owning MD is retiring, creating an excellent opportunity for a MD to take over an existing patient base and treat 25 plus patients per day from day one. The practice space is 2,375 sq. feet. This is an exceptionally opportunity. Leased equipment includes: X-Ray $835 per month, copier $127 per month, and CBC $200 per month. Call Medical Practice Listings at (919) 848-4202 for more information.
Asking price: $385,000
Medical Practice Listings Buying and selling made easy
Call 919-848-4202 or email medlistings@gmail.com www.medicalpracticelistings.com
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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 $130,000 which includes all the medical equipment and furniture. The building is free standing and can be leased or purchased. Contact Cara or Philip at 919-848-4202 to receive details and reasonable offers will be presented to the selling physician.
Medical Practice Listings Selling and buying made easy
MedicalPracticeListings.com | medlisting@gmail.com | 919-848-4202
Internal Medicine Practice Wilmington, North Carolina Newly listed Internal Medicine practice in the beautiful city of Wilmington, NC. With Gross revenues over $400,000, 18 to 22 patients per day, this practice is ready for the physician that enjoys beach life. The medical office is located in a brick wrapped condo and is highly visible. This well appointed practice has a solid patient base and is offered for $85,000. Medical Practice Listings l 919-848-4202 l medlisting@gmail.com l medicalpracticelistings.com
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NC MedSpa For Sale MedSpa Located in North Carolina
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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. 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
the top
Since 2005 travel nurses have been rating hospitals across the United States at Travel Nursing Central. It is good to know that there are some hospitals that are considered great to work at for traveling nurses. Here are the highest rated for 2014.
Sharp Memorial Hospital San Diego, California
3
Yavapai Regional Medical Center
Prescott, Arizona
St. Alphonsus Hospital Boise, Idaho
Sparrow Hospital Lansing, Michigan 76
| MARCH 2014
2
Travel Nurse Hospitals for 2014 Shriners
Sacremento, California
5
Sarasota Memorial Sarasota, Florida
Bethesda
8
Boynton Beach, Florida
St. Cloud Hospital St. Cloud, Minnesota
7
9
Mercy Medical Center, Merced Merced, California
Reprinted Courtesy of Travel Nursing Central Source: http://www.travelnursingcentral.com/ Toptentravelnursehospitals.html
WWW.MEDMONTHLY.COM | 77
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