tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 2008-07-10T09:25:32-07:00 Opinion and techniques for maximizing productivity and branding. TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54537 2010-03-12T12:00:32-07:00 2010-03-12T12:00:07-07:00

I ran some numbers recently to see what it would take to accumulate a million dollars. I call this the Million-Dollar Matrix. If you are age 35 and could earn 8 percent per year, you could build a fund of $1 million by age 65, if you deposited $667 per month. Thirty years to build $1 million, assuming you have put the money in a qualified retirement plan, since there are no taxes due every year on the interest earned.

By Stanley Greenfield, RHU I ran some numbers recently to see what it would take to accumulate a million dollars. I call this the Million-Dollar Matrix. If you are age 35 and could earn 8 percent per year, you could build a fund of $1 million by age 65, if you deposited $667 per month. Thirty years to build $1 million, assuming you have put the money in a qualified retirement plan, since there are no taxes due every year on the interest earned. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54507 2010-02-26T12:00:32-07:00 2010-02-26T12:00:07-07:00

Following my last column ("Insider's Secrets About Recovery or Postpayment Audits," Dec. 16, 2009), I received a boatload of e-mail inquiries in regards to audit protection or prevention strategies. The most common question in this regard was an interesting variation of the quest for the chiropractic Holy Grail: the "perfect SOAP note." Much like the Holy Grail of Arthurian legend, the assumption by many DCs is that such an instrument, example or software program (if it exists) would make the chiropractor invincible from all documentation denials or audits.

By Tom Necela, DC Following my last column ("Insider's Secrets About Recovery or Postpayment Audits," Dec. 16, 2009), I received a boatload of e-mail inquiries in regards to audit protection or prevention strategies. The most common question in this regard was an interesting variation of the quest for the chiropractic Holy Grail: the "perfect SOAP note." Much like the Holy Grail of Arthurian legend, the assumption by many DCs is that such an instrument, example or software program (if it exists) would make the chiropractor invincible from all documentation denials or audits. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54515 2010-02-26T12:00:32-07:00 2010-02-26T12:00:07-07:00

The next step in keeping the money Medicare pays you is documenting medical necessity. The key element that Medicare is looking for regarding medical necessity is the treatment plan. The May 2009 OIG report stated that the treatment plan was an area of deficiency. Twenty four percent of the records didn't even contain a treatment plan. Of those that did, 43 percent lacked treatment goals, 17 percent lacked objective measures and 15 percent lacked the recommended level of care.

By Ronald Short, DC The next step in keeping the money Medicare pays you is documenting medical necessity. The key element that Medicare is looking for regarding medical necessity is the treatment plan. The May 2009 OIG report stated that the treatment plan was an area of deficiency. Twenty four percent of the records didn't even contain a treatment plan. Of those that did, 43 percent lacked treatment goals, 17 percent lacked objective measures and 15 percent lacked the recommended level of care. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54436 2010-02-12T12:00:32-07:00 2010-02-12T12:00:07-07:00

I know what you might be thinking: Why should you be concerned with what other health care professionals are doing? Is it really necessary to "spy" on them? Why can't we just all get along? Unfortunately, in the real world your business will probably not thrive if you don't take a closer look at your direct competitors. This "spying" is very important and is done by virtually every successful business.

By Perry Nickelston, DC I know what you might be thinking: Why should you be concerned with what other health care professionals are doing? Is it really necessary to "spy" on them? Why can't we just all get along? Unfortunately, in the real world your business will probably not thrive if you don't take a closer look at your direct competitors. This "spying" is very important and is done by virtually every successful business. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54486 2010-02-12T12:00:32-07:00 2010-02-12T12:00:07-07:00

Here are some rules to keep in mind whenever you or any of the staff answer the phone. Following these rules will go a long way toward ensuring your patients are satisfied with their chiropractic experience and stay with the practice over the long term.

By Lisa Bilodeau, CA Here are some rules to keep in mind whenever you or any of the staff answer the phone. Following these rules will go a long way toward ensuring your patients are satisfied with their chiropractic experience and stay with the practice over the long term. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54437 2010-01-29T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-29T12:00:07-07:00

"It was the best of times; it was the worst of times." These immortal words, written by Charles Dickens more than 200 years ago, apply to the chiropractic profession today. Numerous practices are struggling with profits and productivity, and yet while the current recession weighs heavily on most, some find themselves doing well despite the storm. How can your practice rise from the economic quagmire? What can be done to ensure success, both now and in the future?

By Drew Stevens, PhD "It was the best of times; it was the worst of times." These immortal words, written by Charles Dickens more than 200 years ago, apply to the chiropractic profession today. Numerous practices are struggling with profits and productivity, and yet while the current recession weighs heavily on most, some find themselves doing well despite the storm. How can your practice rise from the economic quagmire? What can be done to ensure success, both now and in the future? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54439 2010-01-29T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-29T12:00:07-07:00

Open this or any other chiropractic publication and you will see ads for different companies and organizations guaranteeing to boost your referrals, patient count and patient volume. Arguably, getting new patients is a good thing - but what do you do to meet the needs of that patient once they walk through your door? All too often, patients complain that their doctor is "just too busy" or "just doesn't listen." It doesn't matter how many new people come through your door - if you don't take the time to listen to a patient, understand their complaints and concerns, and hear what they are actually saying, you won't succeed in practice.

By Douglas R. Briggs, DC, Dipl. Ac. (IAMA), DAAPM Open this or any other chiropractic publication and you will see ads for different companies and organizations guaranteeing to boost your referrals, patient count and patient volume. Arguably, getting new patients is a good thing - but what do you do to meet the needs of that patient once they walk through your door? All too often, patients complain that their doctor is "just too busy" or "just doesn't listen." It doesn't matter how many new people come through your door - if you don't take the time to listen to a patient, understand their complaints and concerns, and hear what they are actually saying, you won't succeed in practice. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54443 2010-01-29T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-29T12:00:07-07:00

As the son and grandson of doctors of chiropractic, I have come to appreciate the health that is only available from adopting a wellness lifestyle. I began life with adjustments, good eating and "taking my vitamins." I have never thought of drugs as an option except in the most urgent situations. Both my parents taught me that God made our bodies so they would heal themselves.

By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher As the son and grandson of doctors of chiropractic, I have come to appreciate the health that is only available from adopting a wellness lifestyle. I began life with adjustments, good eating and "taking my vitamins." I have never thought of drugs as an option except in the most urgent situations. Both my parents taught me that God made our bodies so they would heal themselves. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54453 2010-01-29T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-29T12:00:07-07:00

Given the rapidly shifting world in which we live and the significant changes that are often imposed upon us - technological, economic, political, and pending health care reform, just to name a few - it's no surprise that many chiropractors are finding themselves in the midst of business, career and life transitions. The adage that "change is good" sounds fine when you're making a planned, proactive transition such as moving to a new community, hiring an associate, or investing in a new piece of equipment. It's when unwanted change is imposed upon you that your ability to effectively manage a situation is challenged. Because even the best-laid plans sometimes go awry, it's useful to develop skills that will not only help you cope with the unexpected, but also will allow you use unanticipated transitions as opportunities to grow and evolve.

By Shelley Simon, RN, DC, MPH, EdD Given the rapidly shifting world in which we live and the significant changes that are often imposed upon us - technological, economic, political, and pending health care reform, just to name a few - it's no surprise that many chiropractors are finding themselves in the midst of business, career and life transitions. The adage that "change is good" sounds fine when you're making a planned, proactive transition such as moving to a new community, hiring an associate, or investing in a new piece of equipment. It's when unwanted change is imposed upon you that your ability to effectively manage a situation is challenged. Because even the best-laid plans sometimes go awry, it's useful to develop skills that will not only help you cope with the unexpected, but also will allow you use unanticipated transitions as opportunities to grow and evolve. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54415 2010-01-15T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-15T12:00:07-07:00

In today's tightfisted economy, chiropractors seeking to grow their practice or improve their income are intently shopping for what will bring them the biggest bang for their buck. For many, the days when they could throw some money toward a marketing scheme, a new piece of equipment or even additional staff and hope for the best are over. Today's market-savvy chiropractors want to be assured that their hard-earned dollars will be well-spent. As a result, a common question I get asked is: "How can I improve my income?"

By Tom Necela, DC In today's tightfisted economy, chiropractors seeking to grow their practice or improve their income are intently shopping for what will bring them the biggest bang for their buck. For many, the days when they could throw some money toward a marketing scheme, a new piece of equipment or even additional staff and hope for the best are over. Today's market-savvy chiropractors want to be assured that their hard-earned dollars will be well-spent. As a result, a common question I get asked is: "How can I improve my income?" tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54416 2010-01-15T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-15T12:00:07-07:00

If you are like most of us, 2009 was a challenging year. With the realities of our struggling economy becoming fully entrenched, it was hard to find many bright spots. And yet there were more opportunities than you might expect.

By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher If you are like most of us, 2009 was a challenging year. With the realities of our struggling economy becoming fully entrenched, it was hard to find many bright spots. And yet there were more opportunities than you might expect. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54420 2010-01-15T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-15T12:00:07-07:00

I'm sensitive to the fact that many chiropractors are uncomfortable thinking about their practice in terms of a business, so I'd like to address a fundamental flaw many practices suffer from: While most doctors are excellent at caring for their patients, they are not excellent at making money at it. This is because in between caring for patients, they practice random acts of running a business.

By Mark Sanna, DC, ACRB Level II, FICC I'm sensitive to the fact that many chiropractors are uncomfortable thinking about their practice in terms of a business, so I'd like to address a fundamental flaw many practices suffer from: While most doctors are excellent at caring for their patients, they are not excellent at making money at it. This is because in between caring for patients, they practice random acts of running a business. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54426 2010-01-15T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-15T12:00:07-07:00

Walt Disney said "Everything speaks." Walt was a master of creating an "experience" that would forever be remembered by his customers. This philosophy is what has made Disneyland and its affiliated parks and attractions among the top tourist and family destinations in the world. So, I think it more than fitting to follow his professional example in your own business. What you wear, what you say, your body language, your energy, your treatment, the music you play in your office, the overall cleanliness, the colors, the smell, the service, and the experience you deliver all tell a story. What is your story? What area(s) can you improve on to keep bringing it every day?

By Perry Nickelston, DC Walt Disney said "Everything speaks." Walt was a master of creating an "experience" that would forever be remembered by his customers. This philosophy is what has made Disneyland and its affiliated parks and attractions among the top tourist and family destinations in the world. So, I think it more than fitting to follow his professional example in your own business. What you wear, what you say, your body language, your energy, your treatment, the music you play in your office, the overall cleanliness, the colors, the smell, the service, and the experience you deliver all tell a story. What is your story? What area(s) can you improve on to keep bringing it every day? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54396 2010-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

When it comes to the Web, our focus has always been to provide you and your practice with Web services that will generate new patients. This has been our mission for over a decade. In February 1998, Dynamic Chiropractic began offering various services designed to provide doctors of chiropractic with exposure on the Web that would lead to new patients. Intrinsic to this goal was the concept that a patient who is educated about the value of chiropractic and a wellness lifestyle will naturally refer their family, friends and co-workers.

By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher When it comes to the Web, our focus has always been to provide you and your practice with Web services that will generate new patients. This has been our mission for over a decade. In February 1998, Dynamic Chiropractic began offering various services designed to provide doctors of chiropractic with exposure on the Web that would lead to new patients. Intrinsic to this goal was the concept that a patient who is educated about the value of chiropractic and a wellness lifestyle will naturally refer their family, friends and co-workers. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54398 2010-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

A rehab program should emphasize safety above all else. Introduce simple, low-load exercises to re-establish efficient movement patterns first. Work to prevent/reduce injury potential, and then improve performance.

By Jeffrey Tucker, DC, DACRB A rehab program should emphasize safety above all else. Introduce simple, low-load exercises to re-establish efficient movement patterns first. Work to prevent/reduce injury potential, and then improve performance. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54401 2010-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

Have you ever questioned the appropriate time to provide the report of findings to your patient, or do you have the habit of sharing your findings as soon as your consultation or exam has been completed? In general, doctors are ready to give a detailed report of findings and recommendations for care when they have spent the necessary time and effort to establish firmly in their own mind the true, fundamental, underlying or at least contributing cause of the patient's presenting complaint. If professional patient procedures have been followed, the doctor will also have built in the mind of the patient the confidence so vital to a successful relationship between doctor and patient.

By Gilles Lamarche, DC Have you ever questioned the appropriate time to provide the report of findings to your patient, or do you have the habit of sharing your findings as soon as your consultation or exam has been completed? In general, doctors are ready to give a detailed report of findings and recommendations for care when they have spent the necessary time and effort to establish firmly in their own mind the true, fundamental, underlying or at least contributing cause of the patient's presenting complaint. If professional patient procedures have been followed, the doctor will also have built in the mind of the patient the confidence so vital to a successful relationship between doctor and patient. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54403 2010-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

If a bucket has a hole, it can usually still be filled - it just takes more water to do so. The bigger the hole, the more water is needed and you can never stop adding water, as it will continue to leak out, however slowly. Occasionally, an office might experience what is known as leaky-bucket syndrome, characterized by patients who simply "slip through the cracks."

By Michelle Geller-Vino, CA If a bucket has a hole, it can usually still be filled - it just takes more water to do so. The bigger the hole, the more water is needed and you can never stop adding water, as it will continue to leak out, however slowly. Occasionally, an office might experience what is known as leaky-bucket syndrome, characterized by patients who simply "slip through the cracks." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54406 2010-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

Our health care system is in crisis, and this crisis is creating remarkable opportunity for the chiropractic profession. In fact, the most notable opportunity is something you probably have never heard of: the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model. If implemented, the PCMH model could restructure the entire health care delivery system, take chiropractors out of the fringe and place them in an integral role in patient management. But there's a catch: We need to embrace the technology that will make it possible.

By Steven Kraus, DC, DIBCN, CCSP, FASA Our health care system is in crisis, and this crisis is creating remarkable opportunity for the chiropractic profession. In fact, the most notable opportunity is something you probably have never heard of: the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model. If implemented, the PCMH model could restructure the entire health care delivery system, take chiropractors out of the fringe and place them in an integral role in patient management. But there's a catch: We need to embrace the technology that will make it possible.