MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'financing'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:11:56 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399842&cid=t_153684_177_f&fid=38133&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTubalReversalBlog%2F%7E3%2Fc9DanJQRAwA%2Ftubal-reversal-financing.html Financing tubal reversal surgery with a tubal reversal loan may appear to be a good idea until you read the fine print. The tubal reversal specialists of Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center explain the real problems with tubal reversal financing and offer alternatives and more financially sound ways to pay for tubal ligation reversal surgery. (Source: Tubal Reversal Blog) Tubal Reversal Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399842 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 18:55:03 +0100 4399842 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4382748&cid=t_153684_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FoF7XF-mu_R0%2F By Ilya ShapiroAs Caleb noted earlier, today marks the one-year anniversary of Citizens United, a case I first thought ”just” concerned some weird regulation of pay-per-view movies, but turned out to be about asserted government power to ban political speech — including books and TV commercials — simply because the speaker was not one individual but a group (in corporate or or other associational form).  See also this op-ed by ACLU lawyer Joel Gora. Roger similarly noted the continuing discussion in Congress and elsewhere about the public financing of elections.  As it turns out, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a challenge to such a system, specifically Arizona’s Clean Elections Act.  Brought by our friends at the Institute for Justice and the Goldwat... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4382748 Fri, 21 Jan 2011 18:10:56 +0100 4382748 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4022912&cid=t_153684_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdating-an-american-medical-student-some-financial-advice%2F2010.10.01 The average medical school debt today, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges, is $156,456. The United States is the only country in the world were future doctors have to bear such a financial burden of their education. That places significant strain on any relationship involving an American medical student. Recently, there was an interesting piece in the New York Times discussing this very issue. The article profiled a female medical student who had amassed $250,000 of school debt: Still, if she and [her boyfriend] Mr. Kogler are going to move in together and get engaged, she wants their financial arrangements to be clear and fair. But how do you define fair when you’re bringing a quarter of a million dollars in debt to a relationship? Indeed. It’s an issue that’... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4022912 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 21:00:54 +0100 4022912 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3867070&cid=t_153684_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2FasgsV0S2_wU%2F Over the past few years, most of us have got used to shopping online. It doesn’t seem odd to us that some stores – Amazon most famously – exist only online, with no high street presence. And many of us buy everything from our groceries to our music on the net. Online shops are open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, even on holidays. Some purchases – music, ebooks, movies – can be bought and downloaded straight to your computer, at any time of the day or night. Is it any surprise that we often end up shopping by impulse? You know how it goes. Perhaps you read a book review, click on a link to Amazon, and find yourself with that book in your shopping cart before you even pause to think. It takes mere seconds, and no more effort than a couple of clicks of your mouse, to bu... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3867070 Sat, 14 Aug 2010 19:08:58 +0100 3867070 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3746726&cid=t_153684_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F3gK_52xRmBk%2F By Jim HarperLate last week, President Obama made a recess appointment of Dr. Donald Berwick to head the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (formerly the Health Care Financing Administration). This has provided a good chunk of the week and weekend’s polititainment. I know little about Berwick or his merits as an administrator of the government health care system, but in an April Cato@Liberty post I reviewed an article of his on “patient-centered health care.” If you’re interested, take a look at my comment, “A Little Less Poetry, a Little More Economics.” (Source: Cato-at-liberty) Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3746726 Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:41:47 +0100 3746726 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3635712&cid=t_153684_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D8594 Once again the report in the papers on the issue of private hospital fees emerges and the DG was quoted to say Private hospital fees exorbitant; to be revised The government will revise the fees charged by private sector hospitals and clinics, Health Director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said. “The exorbitant fees now charged by private hospitals has been brought to my attention many times and the current schedule drawn by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) was not as comprehensive as it should be. “As such I have made it a point to call for a meeting soon with MMA to develop a comprehensive fee schedule that was acceptable to all,” he said in a special interview published in the latest issue of the MMA newsletter. He reminded doctors that the main reason for them to c... Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3635712 Sun, 06 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3635712 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3533976&cid=t_153684_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fthe-secret-of-successful-dental-teamwork%2F Emphasizing the Strengths; the Secret of Successful Dental Teamwork “Every team works best when the members of the team have clearly defined and understood roles. Some do one thing, others do another. One isn’t better or more important than the other, just different. When teams operate out of their strengths and in their roles, they win”.  These are the words of famous American motivational coach, Chris Widener.  And they are never truer than in the business of dentistry. We are all very aware of the economic downturn we are facing today and likely feeling the effect in our own businesses.  Many practices are reporting a higher than usual cancellation rate and a plummeting case acceptance rate.  What can we do to combat this trend? Do we lower our fees?  Do we cut back on ou... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3533976 Wed, 05 May 2010 14:34:38 +0100 3533976 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3443852&cid=t_153684_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fthree-small-steps-for-big-results-starting-points-to-increasing-case-acceptance%2F With so much happening in the economy and in healthcare today, you may find yourself running into more and more obstacles with your patients when it comes to case presentation and case acceptance. Have you started hearing new objections?  Are you hearing more objections about money?  Are more concerns circling around fear for the future when it comes to healthcare coverage?  These are not times to sidestep and avoid the unavoidable.  These are also not times to back away from presenting the best possible care to your patients because you are afraid to hear no – again.  What it is time for is a Back to Basics approach on patient care and case presentation.  Here is where you can start. In a recent report by the ADA, it was stated that 51.6% of adults stated they would be more likely... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3443852 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 13:42:56 +0100 3443852 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3314718&cid=t_153684_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fpress-release-patients-accepted-44-more-dental-services-with-carecredit%2F This study supports the 2005 ADCPA Report that CareCredit increases practice production an average of 25.3%. ADCPA 2009 Study Key Findings: • In the initial year the CareCredit account was opened, patients accepted 282% more recommended dental services and visited the practice 62% more often. • In the following five years, patients with CareCredit accepted 44% more recommended dental services and visited the practice 25% more often. “The ADCPA works with dentists on a daily basis and we’ve always hypothesized that CareCredit positively impacts patient behavior,” said Rick Willeford, President of the ADCPA. “This study analyzed a significant sample size – over 1 million patients – and was able to quantify the positive impact over a 5 year period. CareCredit’s revolving l... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3314718 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:31:55 +0100 3314718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2984919&cid=t_153684_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fdentistry-and-finances-by-keith-drayer-of-henry-schein-financial%2F Modernize Your Collection System for Maximum Profit In today’s economy, there are many dental professionals that are faced with the challenge to their accounts receivable. Uncollected receivables turn into pure losses. Yet embracing a systematic approach to collections can help practices collect more funds and on a more timely basis. One mistake providers make is not recognizing the signs of early default. When a patient doesn’t pay their bill within 60 days or haven’t set up or are following a payment plan, they are telling you that they are not going to pay! Should you use your staff’s time trying to collect these accounts? As a dental provider, you are implementing state-of-the-art methods to treat your patients’ dental needs. You also need to employ the most up-to-date method... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2984919 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:12:43 +0100 2984919 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2984846&cid=t_153684_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F11%2F12%2Fthe-carter-centers-mental-health-program%2F Last week while attending the 25th Annual Rosalynn Carter Symposium on Mental Health Policy, I had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting for a few moments with Thomas Bornemann, Ed.D. who has served as the Director of The Carter Center Mental Health Program for the past seven years. If you didn’t know, The Carter Center has been a leading force in helping to coordinate national mental health policy over the past two and a half decades. It does most of its work behind the scenes and is rarely noted for what it does best — bringing all stakeholders to the same table to talk and work on how they can advance policy and mental health agendas in the country. They do this through year-round work and collaborations with legislatures, advocates, organizations, non-profits, and other... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2984846 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:51:54 +0100 2984846 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2899082&cid=t_153684_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fdr-rhonda-savage-on-dentists-financial-policies%2F In this month’s dentaltown.com print edition, DentalBlogs contributor and “great mind” Dr. Rhonda Savage shares her insight into what makes dentists’ financial policies successful. Her practical advice and tips can help you develop a great financial policy that will “keep your patients coming back.” Dr. Savage recommends that the doctor get and stay involved in the accounting of his or her office. The dentist should manage the practice effectively and know which employee to speak with about any patient or issue. This management structure, according to Dr. Savage, will reduce stress and promote professionalism and accountability. Another important issue is your financial guidelines. Dr. Savage points out topics and ideas you may not have yet considered in... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2899082 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:37:28 +0100 2899082 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832289&cid=t_153684_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fstatistics-on-dental-emergencies-in-the-us%2F In a PR Newswire post regarding a Majestic Drug survey, we learn some interesting statistics that may not shock you, but will inform you. One in six Americans experienced a dental emergency in the past year. Seventy-two percent of Americans have fillings, caps, or crowns, and 23 percent of dental emergencies relate back to these restorations. In these situations, 67 percent of respondents went directly to a dentist, and 14 percent tried to find a temporary solution. Nineteen percent did nothing. The survey revealed that out of a thousand people, respondents with an annual income under $35K had a higher instance of dental emergency than those with an income exceeding $100K. How can you help your patients avoid a dental emergency? Inform them. Education, not fire-and-brimstone, but solid... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832289 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:39:59 +0100 2832289 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2766164&cid=t_153684_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Flina-miles%2Flinda-miles-dr-rhonda-savage-on-dental-case-acceptance%2F Verbal Skills on the part of the Doctor and the Team Staff Viewpoint by Linda Miles - Doctor’s Viewpoint by Dr. Rhonda Savage Patients build trust based on how they perceive the dentist. Does he or she treat their employees well? Is the doctor warm, caring and empathetic? Do you have your patient’s best interests at heart? In addition, many dentists have employees who are empathetic and care about their patients, but they have trouble expressing warmth. How many of you have known someone who knows dentistry perfectly but doesn’t understand the human side of case acceptance? Doctor’s Viewpoint: (Rhonda Savage) You may have spent years focusing on the technical side of dentistry and are very knowledgeable about it, yet its warmth and a relationship that our patients need and want. It... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2766164 Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:32:58 +0100 2766164 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2727294&cid=t_153684_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fpress-release-new-patient-financing-company%2F Orange County, CA - National medical lender launches newest financing program for medical providers. US Based American Benefit Credit, Inc., announces it’s newest medical financing program after a successful pilot earlier this year. Aug 22, 2009 — Orange County, CA - American Benefit Credit, Inc., a US based finance company, today announced that it has launched it’s Select Rewards Visa® program for medical providers. Their out of the box approach with this financing solution has made them an overnight success in the medical community. “This product was needed in today’s financial crunch for medical providers and patients alike,” said Philip McClendon, American Benefit’s Vice President of Operations, “Hearing the need from our current medical re... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2727294 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:30:33 +0100 2727294 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2674391&cid=t_153684_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fdentists-can-survive-and-thrive-in-economic-downturn%2F If you’re not sure what tomorrow holds for your business, or if you’ve begun to worry about financial stability and success in light of the economy, listen to the experts. Apply their advice. See what happens. Brandon Parkhurst, CPA, CFP, tells us in this month’s Dental Products Report that “What Goes Down, Must Come Up.” Based on a survey by DPR, half of general dentists will not make an investment in new products for the office this year as a direct result of the lagging economy. But should they? That’s just one piece of the puzzle, actually. Many factors contribute to a dental office’s success. Parkhurst and other experts recommend these tips: Manage costs - Parkhurst Don’t pay down debt too quickly. Keep your cash fluid for emergencies and the future. Consolidat... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2674391 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:47:24 +0100 2674391 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2648964&cid=t_153684_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F21KAs7jsxn4%2F There seems to be near universal agreement that the excessive use of debt among both corporations, particularly banks, and households contributed to the severity of the financial crisis.  However, other than the occasional refrain that banks should hold more capital, there has been little discussion over why corporations choose to be so highly leveraged in the first place.  But then such a discussion might lead us to the all too obvious answer — the federal government, via the tax code, encourages, even heavily subsidizes corporate leverage. Cato scholar and banking analyst Bert Ely has estimated that the subsides for debt have historically resulted in an after tax cost of debt of 3 to 5 percent, compared to an after tax cost of equity of 12 to 15 percent.  With differences of th... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2648964 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 20:53:32 +0100 2648964 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2588342&cid=t_153684_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fpress-release-carecredit-adds-24-month-no-interst-payment-plan%2F Now the leader in patient financing offers extended, O% interest terms for qualified applicants. Used strategically, this product could increase your case acceptance and benefit patients who need significant restorative, prosthetic, or cosmetic dental procedures. Here’s the press release… COSTA MESA, CALIF., JULY 6, 2009 — In response to practice demand for expanded payment options that give patients longer terms to pay, CareCredit, the nation’s leading patient care financing program, recently added a 24 Month No Interest Payment Plan (if paid within promotion period). Oral health is important – in any economy. Now more than ever, dental teams are finding it necessary to provide patients with both a treatment plan that helps them achieve their dental goals, as well as hel... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2588342 Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:01:55 +0100 2588342 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2553120&cid=t_153684_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emrandhipaa.com%2Femr-and-hipaa%2F2009%2F06%2F20%2F100-million-in-interest-free-ehr-loans-from-ge%2F Today I came across this coverage of an announcement that GE Capital will be providing $100 million of loans to “accelerate adoption of electronic health records (EHR).” The loans from GE will carry no interest until the institutions obtaining these loans begin receiving government money, typically in 2012. Does anyone see a problem with this? GE Capital isn’t giving EHR loans to you because they are doing charity work. They are a business and they know that in 2012 a large number of these loans will start earning them a bunch of interest. This could easily happen because a doctor’s office was unable to implement the GE Centricity EHR software in the alloted time frame or maybe they couldn’t get GE Centricity EHR to show meaningful use (through GE Centricity&#... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2553120 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 15:38:03 +0100 2553120 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2447929&cid=t_153684_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fdrop-offs-for-cosmetic-dentistry-mean-thinking-outside-the-box%2F This article tells us that Sageworks reports dentists have profit margins greater than accountants, legal services, and mining support services, three of the industries in the top five for profit margins. So that’s the positive side of things. In the Baltimore Bizjournals article, Dr. Kellner of Smile Design Center in Lutherville says that patients have money, but they’re being careful about spending it. Here’s what some dentists and doctors are doing to boost business: Promotions – Keller is offering a $199 teeth-whitening procedure, a discount of $201. Clinical Research Associates reports that ¼ or 3300 surveyed dentists now offer discounts and referral incentives. Be sure to have your promotion placed on the front page of your website. Service – A Smile Design Center employe... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2447929 Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:26:24 +0100 2447929 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2424310&cid=t_153684_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fdental-case-acceptance-getting-to-yes%2F DentalProductsReport.com featured a Web Exclusive yesterday entitled “Sorry doc, I can’t pay.” In the article, Senior Editor Renee Knight reviews many of the points that Dr. John Cranham, Dr. Paul Homoly, Dr. Rhonda Savage, and Linda Miles have shown us right here on DentalBlogs. Positive attitudes and a dedication to building on proven systems will take your practice a long way. Instead of allowing your team to blame low case acceptance on the economy, in Knight’s article, Ginny Hegarty of Dental Practice Development, Inc. recommends coming together and discussing ways to improve upon current systems. In a former DentalBlogs article, Hegarty suggests ways to improve your practice by “getting back to basics.” In different DentalBlogs posts, Ginny Hegarty and Dr. John Cranham, o... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2424310 Wed, 20 May 2009 13:57:50 +0100 2424310 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405757&cid=t_153684_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fpress-release-carecredits-free-cd-for-dental-practice-growth%2F FREE AUDIO PROGRAM HELPS DENTAL TEAMS GROW THEIR PRACTICES – EVEN IN A CHALLENGING ECONOMY COSTA MESA, CA., MAY 2009 — CareCredit, the nation’s leading patient payment program is offering a FREE one-hour educational audio CD, Three Steps to Grow Your Practice Starting Today!, featuring Gary Kadi, founder of NextLevel Practice. Kadi is a recognized authority and author on leadership, management, organizational transformation and performance. His first book, Million Dollar Dentistry is currently distributed in 37 countries while the sequel, Raise Your HDL: Healthy Deserve Level for Successful Dental Teams, was released in early 2009. In this informative, hour-long audio program, Gary Kadi shares his insights and proven formulas to grow a dental practice from the “inside-out” by foc... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405757 Wed, 13 May 2009 13:18:20 +0100 2405757 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2320739&cid=t_153684_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fdentists-receive-letter-from-financing-company%2F Over the past few days, many dentists who use CapitalOne Healthcare Finance have received this letter (download below) that announces, as of April 10th, the company will not accept requestes for and will not approve any loans for patients. Loans approved or funded prior to this date are in the clear. The rebate program for dentists ended April 1st, and last payments will be made by April 30th. The letter also instructs dentists to remove CapitalOne HCF from advertising, including website links, and to trash all promotional materials. If you have questions about CapitalOne pulling out of healthcare financing, call 877-559-5050. The letter suggests, as do most experts, that you provide your patinets with financing options. This part is from DentalBlogs, not CapitalOne… CHASE got in t... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2320739 Fri, 03 Apr 2009 12:55:41 +0100 2320739 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2152850&cid=t_153684_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fkeith-drayer%2Fdentistry-and-finances-by-keith-drayer-helping-your-patients-in-an-economic-downturn%2F “The pessimist complains about the wind, the optimist expects it to change, the realist adjusts the sails.” William Arthur Ward We all have to adjust our sails for the challenging times. How is your practice positioned to help YOUR customer navigate the storm in 2009? In 2008 my business, Henry Schein Financial Services (HSFS), facilitated equipment and practice financing for more than 10,000 Henry Schein customers like you. Our array of tools?equipment finance and lease services, the Henry Schein Credit Card and our patient financing services enabled us to assist healthcare practitioners. As they say, “past results are no guarantee of future performance,” especially during these dramatically changing times. To succeed, I must change my businesses product and service mix so that it... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2152850 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:52:19 +0100 2152850 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2090832&cid=t_153684_113_f&fid=38130&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tempdev.net%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D498 A few weeks ago, I blogged about how Obama wants to include EMR investment as part of his economic stimulus package. Today, in another speech on stimulating the economy, the president-elect made the below statement: To improve the quality of our health care while lowering its cost, we will make the immediate investments necessary to ensure that within five years, all of America’s medical records are computerized.  This will cut waste, eliminate red tape, and reduce the need to repeat expensive medical tests.  But it just won’t save billions of dollars and thousands of jobs – it will save lives by reducing the deadly but preventable medical errors that pervade our health care system. The 2014 date for 100% EMR usage isn’t new; President Bush set this goal in 2004. What’s... Implementing EMRs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2090832 Fri, 09 Jan 2009 05:41:16 +0100 2090832 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2022804&cid=t_153684_113_f&fid=38130&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tempdev.net%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D400 In this past weekend’s radio address, President-elect Obama discussed his extensive plans for stimulating the economy including significant investment in EMRs: In addition to connecting our libraries and schools to the internet, we must also ensure that our hospitals are connected to each other through the internet. That is why the economic recovery plan I’m proposing will help modernize our health care system – and that won’t just save jobs, it will save lives. We will make sure that every doctor’s office and hospital in this country is using cutting edge technology and electronic medical records so that we can cut red tape, prevent medical mistakes, and help save billions of dollars each year. Its certainly exciting to hear Obama continue promoting EMR investments so promin... Implementing EMRs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2022804 Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:23:29 +0100 2022804 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1990574&cid=t_153684_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fcarecredit-the-dentists-dream-come-true%2F In these disconcerting financial times, financing your patients’ dental work in-house is far from a wise idea. Yet, many patients need financing! For years, dental consultants have advised dentists to stop “being the bank.” With companies like CareCredit, CapitalOne, CitiHealth, and Chase offering low- and no-interest financing options, life has become a little easier for dentists. Some financing companies have come and gone - Unicorn was bought out by Chase and Dental Fee Plan is now CapitalOne. However, CareCredit recently added its 100,000th practice to the clients it serves. And did you know that the CareCredit website gets up to 350,000 visits per day?  In “Smart Buys,” a column featured in DentalTown Magazine, Dr. Louis Malcmacher tells us that people w... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1990574 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:35:49 +0100 1990574 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1943298&cid=t_153684_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fdentists-as-creditors-must-adhere-to-red-flag-rules-%25e2%2580%2593-compliance-delayed-six-months%2F The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which regulates banks, and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) have delayed mandatory compliance with the Red Flag Rules for six months. Why should you care? As a dentist, if you extend or arrange to extend credit to any patient, you must comply with the Red Flag Rules. The purpose of the rules is to keep everyone safe from identity fraud/theft. Your dental practice will need to come up with a written program to identify the “red flags” of identity theft. According to the FTC website, “These may include, for example, unusual account activity, fraud alerts on a consumer report, or attempted use of suspicious account application documents. The program must also describe appropriate responses that would prevent and mitigate the... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1943298 Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:47:26 +0100 1943298 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1809643&cid=t_153684_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fdentists-get-creative-during-economic-downswing%2F Depending on where you practice dentistry, you may be feeling the financial effects of our economic downswing. While cosmetic dentistry and dental spas were hot topics two and three years ago, today, many dentists are working hard to break even by providing bread-and-butter services. An article at www.mlive.com, a Michigan news site, reports that one dentist found a solution for patients who didn’t qualify for credit with traditional patient financing companies. He met with a local bank to create a payment option that would draft patients’ bank accounts monthly. Their program was called SmartPay, and it worked. With a default rate of approximately ten percent, a set up fee of ten percent helped offset losses. In the end, the bank, dentist, and patients were happy. Many dentis... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1809643 Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:16:59 +0100 1809643 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1674790&cid=t_153684_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2F55-of-responding-dentists-have-partially-or-fully-stopped-taking-insurance%2F At the WealthyDentist.com, a recent survey reveals that over half of the dentists who responded have completely or partially stopped accepting dental insurance. The 44% who claim that they only partially work with insurance companies may mean that they are not in network with any insurance company, but they will file claims as a courtesy. They may or may not accept the patient’s copay or deductible. For some dentists, rejecting insurance would put the kiss of death on their practice. Particularly in rural areas, general dentists must accept insurance if they are to sustain a business. However, in more affluent areas, patients may have the liquid funds to pay up front fees or to opt out of dental insurance altogether. Furthermore, cosmetics are not covered by insurance. A little les... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1674790 Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:41:02 +0100 1674790 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1494235&cid=t_153684_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fcarecredit-endorsements%2F CareCredit is endorsed by 46 state dental associations. The company has been around for two decades, and CareCredit financing has helped more than seven million patients on this continent. Why is it the leader in patient financing? Convenience, most likely. CareCredit makes application easy for patients and the dental team. Having a simple financing option for patients – especially one that offers no-interest and low-interest long-term loans, only increases case acceptance. It’s a win-win…win! Many other financing institutions assist dental patients. Check out these websites… CareCredit CapitalOne Healthcare Finance Chase Springstone (Source: dental blog for dentists about dentistry) dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1494235 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:26:04 +0100 1494235 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1442703&cid=t_153684_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fchase-enters-dental-financing%2F You have your CareCredit, your CapitalOne HCF, your Wells Fargo, Springstone, and others. Basically, you have options when it comes to patient financing through a third party. Chase has officially thrown its hat in the ring with ChaseHealthAdvance. And if you’re wondering why Unicorn didn’t make the list of financing companies, Chase bought them out. So what’s going to differentiate Chase from the pack? According to the Dental Economics interview (April 2008), Chase has a few advantages to make their product appealing. They’ll offer no-interest for 3 to 24 months, a popular choice for patients who can pay off their dental expenses inside of two years. ChaseHealthAdvance also claims that they have a great approval rate, which appeals to dentists, and they finance up... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1442703 Wed, 14 May 2008 14:02:42 +0100 1442703 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=927889&cid=t_153684_158_f&fid=36021&url=http%3A%2F%2F3genfamily.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F10%2F04%2Fthe-cure-for-helicopter-parents-of-college-students%2F With the start of a new school year at universities and colleges in the US, there have been a flurry of news reports and newly released books discussing the problems that “helicopter parents” are causing. These parents are so named because they are still hovering around trying to take care of their students who are attending college. But, it is not just a parent problem. It is a child problem, too. For many of these college freshmen, this is the first extended time away from family. If they are not used to using a coin laundry, locating and taking public transportation or foraging for food on their own, freshman year becomes a struggle to learn about living alone along with studying and adjusting to a new social structure. Some students are natural adventurers, but others are... 3GenFamily Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=927889 Thu, 04 Oct 2007 18:09:04 +0100 927889