Summer 2016

Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD As physicians, we are concerned about the physical and emotional well-being of our patients. We work to diagnose illness and provide treatment solutions that will bring about positive results. However, there is another aspect of patient treatment that deserves our attention: the fiscal well-being of our patients. With the rising costs of health … [Read more...] about Medical Consumerism, MRI Services and Your Patients

What Should My Practice Consider Before Joining? By Wythe Michael, JD With the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, numerous Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) have been established – especially ACOs focused on Medicare patients. More recently, we have seen an expansion of clinically integrated networks (CINs) that include a focus on contracting with … [Read more...] about Evaluating Clinically Integrated Networks

It starts with a Realtor who knows you don’t have time to waste If any one personality trait could be said to define all physicians and health care workers, it would be this: they’re always busy.  In fact, it’s probably fair to say that anyone who chooses a career in medicine is volunteering to rest very little.  For those who dedicate their lives to caring for the sick, … [Read more...] about Taking the Pain Out of the Real Estate Market

Your practice may be considering adding office hours to accommodate patient requests for more convenient appointment times and to increase revenue. But before you do, you need to carefully weigh the pros and cons. Here are some issues to consider. Focus on Patient Convenience Too many practices maintain hours that force working patients to take time off from work to make … [Read more...] about Adding Hours, Adding Revenue

Percutaneous  fusion technique is relieving SI pain in post-fusion patients. By John W. Aldridge, MD, FAAOS Every year in the United States, approximately 150,000 hip replacements are performed, and more than 350,000 knee replacements.  By contrast, the number of spinal fusions done each year is a stunning 650,000, reflecting just how many Americans suffer from a seriously … [Read more...] about Percutaneous fusion technique