Practice Guardian News ******************************************************************** "The internet & practice management" This newsletter is freely circulated to the health care community. Subscribe today - info@practiceguardian.com Forward a copy to a friend or associate... Submit your www.association site Information today! Issue 5 - May 1, 2000 Main Page http://www.practiceguardian.com To unscribe to this newsletter please forward to webmaster@practiceguardian.com and include "unscribe" in the text you will be< removed immediately from the list. ******************************************************************** New Email - Practice Guardian News Practice Guardian.Com has changed internet servers. My new email address is info@practiceguardian.com Do not hesitate to forward your questions and responses via email. I am accepting future practice management articles for up-in-coming editions. All submissions must not exceed 500 words in length. For more information email. ******************************************************************** CHEST 2000 Annual Meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians and Clinical World Congress on Diseases of the Chest October 22-26, 2000 San Francisco, California For information please contact: American College of Chest Physicians 3300 Dundee Road, Northbrook, Illinois 60062 Phone: 847-498-1400 Fax: 847-498-5460 registration@chestnet.org Web Site: http://www.chestnet.org ******************************************************************** Recommended Medical Management Newsgroup. ******************************************************************** Share your knowledge with other health care professionals. Discuss medical management topics with leading professionals in this top rated medical management newsgroup. Subscribe today! med_group_mgt@egroups.com ******************************************************************** Ultimate Cosmetic Practice Building Seminar: 2-days, 30 Doctor Limit Announcing -- A powerful unique seminar in Cosmetic Techniques, AND how to SELL more crown and bridge at higher fees than you've ever dreamed. If you want to make staggering profits performing cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry, this course is an absolute must . . . and it's got a "BETTER than NO-Risk" Guarantee! Maximum Profit Cosmetic Practice A 1000 Gems Tour Seminar How To Win Tons Of New Cosmetic Patients, Get Them To Say YES More Often, Skyrocket The Dollar Amount Of Every Case, And Double Your Profits In Record Time! This is a RISK-FREE, completely guaranteed way to make your practice far more profitable than you ever dreamed possible. For example, one month after a 1000 Gems Seminar, using just a couple of my simple, easy to follow techniques, Dr. Stephen DeLoach, just two years out of school, had his first $70,000.00 month! Dr. Kory Wegner, following my lead, increased his average monthly collections by $60,000.00! For More Information contact: Dr. Tom Orent, Gems Publishing, USA Fax: 508(872-0020 Or 879-4811) 12 Walnut St., Framingham, MA 01702
e-mail: orent@1000gems.com Call: 508-872-0066, or, Toll Free: 1-888-880-GEMS ******************************************************************** Enter the Practice Guardian.Com 2000 Practice Management Giveaway! Take the accounts receivable management test, score 100% and win an autographed copy of "Collections Made Easy! signed by the author. Take the challenge........... For more information: http://www.practiceguardian.com/test.html ******************************************************************** INDEX ******************************************************************** PRACTICE MANAGEMENT SITES .....The AMA PracticeLink- AMA Select .....All Health Development Corp. PRACTICE TIPS Understanding Communication Barriers - a Key to Success! REVIEW ASSOCIATION OF MANAGED CARE DENTISTS ASSOCIATION UPDATE .American Thoracic Society News Briefs ....American College of Chest Physicians RECOMMENDED NEWSLETTERS & PUBLICATIONS NATIONAL HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATIONS (A TO Z) EDITORIAL INFORMATION ********************************************************************The AMA PracticeLink- AMA Select The AMA PracticeLink portfolio enhances the success of physician practices by offering products and services that meet their professional needs. Top rated consultants with credentials and AMA approval. Visit the site at http://www.amapracticelink.com or call 1-800/366-6968 for more information .******************************************************************** FINALLY THE SEARCH FOR QUALITY MEDICAL INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET JUST GOT EASIER! FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Lauderhill, FL - Solving the greatest user frustration on the internet of quickly and easily locating specific medical information has been the focus of All Health Development Corp. during the past 2 years. Concentrating on the sole task of "being the thread that holds the medical community together globally", they have developed and recently launched a next generation global medical search engine, at http://www.allhealthnet.com. "I spent some time at allhealthnet.com and was pleasantly surprised." states Thomas Kallstrom RRT, FAARC Director, Cardiopulmonary Services of Fairview Hospital (Cleveland Clinic) in Cleveland, Ohio. "I was so impressed that I found myself bookmarking several sections." Allhealthnet.com's search engine was built from the ground up with the end user in mind. This means that no shortcuts were taken during construction. In fact, in this age of automated systems, All Health Development Corp. may seem prehistoric as they rely on a balance of human power and computer power to deliver the highest quality medical information on the internet today. "Š it is the source of medical information that I will use in my practice..." states Thomas Kallstrom. "The speed and HON integrity of the searches are better than I expected. It has proven to be an inexhaustible source of medical information for the support of writing my book, a highly medical-technical reference manual." By creating an access portal to over 18 million pages of medical information globally, allhealthnet.com offers a uniquely balanced wealth of information. Allhealthnet.com's intuitive, easy to use interface makes it a simple task for both the medical professional and the consumer to find the information they seek. For Further Information: All Health Development Corp. Larry Smith Operations Manager (954) 677-0477 3810 Inverrary Blvd. Suite 302 Lauderhill, FL 33319 ******************************************************************** NEW - In 90 DAYS - In House Recovery System Are you interested in the resources to collect existing practice delinquencies? Managing receivables is an art form. Using the right tool to increase patient response can reduce loss cash flow and create positive results without injuring your patient's pride. Designed to improve patient relations! Turn loss into cashflow without a third party.A year worth of consulting for the cost of one seminar ! ******************************************************************** PRACTICE TIPS ******************************************************************** Understanding Communication Barriers - a Key to Success! Communication barriers often determines the amount of success your practice will achieve collecting. Preventing and understanding these barriers are a key to success. The first communication barrier often occurs when the patient first enters the practice. After registration, the patient proceeds to the practitioner for treatment the rate of patient trust at this point is well above 90%. The next few steps to the payment window after treatment usually reduces the amount of trust in half and can determine the amount of patient response and payment throughout the billing cycle. Asking for payment creates an instant communication barrier and often sets the degree of patient/office staff relationship. "That will be $$$$ today", can create a huge communication barrier if the practice fails to develop patient trust and confidence. Take the time to explain all practice financial, insurance, managed care, billing and collection policies to each patient. This courtesy can pay dividends and prevent the patient account from aging into delinquecy. Remember These Points......................... 1. Tone and diction rule - Do not speak loudly to the patient. 2. A smile works wonders. 3. Show confidence. 4. Ask patients questions about their insurance coverage. 5 Never scold the patient ............Educate........... 6. Inform, assist and ask patient's for their cooperation. Your personality can develop patient trust. Remember patients pay when feel comfortable with your practice. Removing all collection barriers can reduce future delinquencies, create time and patient payment. ******************************************************************** REVIEW ******************************************************************** ASSOCIATION OF MANAGED CARE DENTISTS http://www.dentalgroup.com/amcd For the past 8 years the Association of Managed Care Dentists has been the only active organization available for dentists in the United States who are practicing in the managed dental care arena. The association is voluntary, nonprofit, and governed by our Board of Directors who are practicing dentists independent from dental insurance companies. There are 2 main purposes for the Association of Managed Care Dentists (AMCD): Educational: The Association provides it’s membership with information designed to help them understand developments in the rapidly evolving managed dental care industry. Our annual symposiums covers practice management issues such as scheduling, case presentation,and staffing. The symposiums provide the ideal opportunity to exchange ideas with fellow members. The AMCD is a support group where dentists can discuss their daily concerns about plan cutbacks, excessive paperwork, or difficult patients. Additionally, newsflashes are produced throughout the year on topics which are of immediate importance to our member's practices. Organized Leadership: We strive to develop contacts with government legislators and maintain communication with Dental Plan administrators. We believe our organization can influence developments in the managed care arena, specifically in areas of plan design, quality assurance procedures, and government regulation. Our next annual symposium will be held Oct. 16, 1999 at the LAX Marriott Hotel, adjacent to Los Angeles International Airport. The symposium is entitled "Practice Management for the Managed Dental Care Office" and is open to all members of AMCD. For information on joining the AMCD and attending "Practice Management for the Managed Dental Care Office" call 310-453-3439 or check our website at http://www.dentalgroup.com/amcd. While you are there, review the AMCD Survey-see how you compare. http://www.dentalgroup.com/amcd ******************************************************************** ASSOCIATION UPDATE ******************************************************************** AMERICAN THORACIC SOCIETY NEWS BRIEF http://www.practiceguardian.com/atsnb.html All May 2000 Press Releases from the American Thoracic Society are available at http://www.practiceguardian.com/atsnb.html ******************************************************************** AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CHEST PHYSICIANS http://www.chestnet.org 1. Heart bypass in elderly just as successful as in patients 15 years younger. 2. A possible biological explanation for the difference of asthma prevalence and severity among African Americans as compared with whites. All May 2000 Press Releases are available from the main web site http://www.chestnet.org/publications/media <******************************************************************** RECOMMENDED NEWSLETTERS & PUBLICATIONS ******************************************************************** Healthcare Management Advisors, Strategy Advisor - Free Newsletter Focus Point: HMA's team of MD, JD, RN, RRA, CPC, CFE and CPA consultants perform corporate-wide risk assessments, DRG and CPT benchmark analyses, and focused compliance audits for hospitals, physicians and attorneys nationwide. To Subscribe: webmaster@HMA http://www.HMA.com/pg/ "Managed Care Insider eNews" Published Monthly For more information contact: Ms. Nancy Belle, Editor, nkbelle@erols.com Subscription: Free at insider@scheur.com Focus Point: Managed Care Issues http://www.scheur.com/smghome.nsf/webcontent/ezine.html Health Niche Advisor Free Newsletter For more information contact: Mr. Reed Tinsley at To Subscribe: 1-800-831-7799. Focus Point: Health Niche Advisor is the monthly newsletter that reveals the closely held secrets of CPAs and consultants who have succeeded in healthcare industry financial matters.Its proactive advice and real-world strategies position you on the cutting-edge of this dynamic market. It is written for any person who works with medical practices on a daily basis. http://www.hbpp.com reedt@ibm.net Dental Angle Online Free Magazine For more information contact: To Subscribe: If you would like to be notified when future issues are posted, please send an e-mail to editor@futuredontics.com with your request. Focus Point: A resource for dental professionals, Dental Angle Online magazine is devoted to helping dentists build thriving, successful practices. The first issue was posted on the World Wide Web in May 1996 and since then, each edition has provided thought-provoking insights and advice on how to overcome the many challenges facing dentists today. http://www.dentalangle.com editor@futuredontics.com The Anaheim Group DENTAL FAX WEEKLY Newsletter DENTAL FAX MONTHLY Newsletter Free Magazine For more information contact: Subscribe: For more information contact: Mr. James R. Ferrell, MBA, President at jferrell@thegrid.net Focus Point: The DENTAL FAX WEEKLY provides a 3-4 page summary of dental industry news for the week just ending. It is sent by fax & e-mail. Each WEEKLY reports the news in easy-to-read sections: DISTRIBUTION, MANUFACTURING,MANAGED CARE/INSURANCE, NEW PRODUCTS, & TRENDS. DENTAL FAX MONTHLY expands upon all of the WEEKLY news stories plus lists all new products cleared for marketing by the FDA, US Dental Patents, German & Japanese dental patent citations, and STOCK WATCH - a listing of over 30 dental company's stock prices http://www.dentalfax.com editor@futuredontics.com NewbyNews Physician Coding/Practice Issues Newsletter Subscription: To receive your free issue or if you have any questions/comments, please feel free to contact our newsletter coordinator, Maureen Hoffmeyer, at (317) 577-3066. Questions, comments, and subscription requests may also be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed to us Focus Point: Bimonthly fax newsletter designed to meet the coding and general practice issues of physician practices. Fax: 317-577-3061 newbyassoc@aol.com The Journal of the Southeasten Society of Pediatric Dentistry Magazine

Focus Point: Informative and practical clinical and practice management magazine. Features articles, tips and up to date dental procedures and discussions. For more information on subscribing contact Dr. Edward S. Nacht, D.D.S. at 954-791-0198 Gerontological Nurse Ventures, P.A. http://www.jwger-nurseventures.com

Monthly Ezine Focus Point: Nursing Issues. To Subscribe: http://www.jwger-nurseventures.com/scripts/subscribe.cfm or afgnv@erols.com with subscribe in subject "The Health Care Collector" Published Monthly by Aspen Publishers For more information contact: Ms. JoAnn Petaschnick, Editor 414-462-0278 FAX 414-462-7547 Email Jmpeta@aol.com Yearly Subscription Focus Point: Collections/Reimbursement issues "The Credit Connection" Published Quarterly by the Wisconsin Clinic Credit Manager1s Association (WCMMA) For more information contact: Ms. Teresa Addison, Editor addison_teresa_l@ssmhc.com Deen Clinic, Support Services 608-250-1121 Yearly Subscription : $35 Focus Point: Medical Collections, Accounts Receivables, Federal & State Regulations. "American Medical News" Published Weekly by the American Medical Association (A.M.A.) For more information contact: A.M. News Staff at 312-464-4429 Yearly Subscription Focus Point: All Medical/Socioecomonic Issues. "Physician Marketing & Management" Published Monthly by American Health Consultants Inc. For more information contact: Editor at 404-282-7436 Yearly Subscription Focus Point: Medical Management "In Confidence" Published Bimonthly by the
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) For more information contact: Ms. Jennifer Carpenter, RRA at 312-787-22672 Yearly Subscription Focus Point: Health Information, Patient Privacy & information System Security. Web Site: http://www.ahima.org >NATIONAL HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATIONS (A to Z) Academy of Operative Dentistry Contact: Dr. John Reinhardt at john-reinhardt@uiowa.edu Website : http://www.uiowa.edu/~aodweb American Academy of Family Physicians 8880 Ward Parkway Kansas City, Missouri 64114 (816) 333-9700 Web Site: http://www.aafp.org American Academy of Pediatrics P.O. Box 927 Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60009 (847) 228-5005 Web Site: http://www.aap.org American Dental Association 211 East Chicago Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60611 (312) 440-2500 Web Site: http://www.ada.org American Medical Association 515 North State Street Chicago, Illinois 60010 (312) 464-5000 Web Site: http://www.ama-assn.org Association of Managed Care Dentists Contact: Call: 310-4553-3439 Web site: http://www.dentalgroup.com/amcd ALRUBDDS@aol.com Association of Military Surgeons of the United States (AMSUS) Ms. Marisa Brazil, AMSUS, Membership Coordinator (301) 897-8800 ext. 20. Email: marisab@amsus.org Web site: http://www.amsus.org Healthcare Financial Management Association (HCFMA) Contact Terry Arya, HFMA Membership (800)252-HFMA (4362), ext. 362 e-mail tarya@hfma.org. Web site: http://www.hfma.org Integrated Healthcare Association (IHA) Mr. Beau Carter, IHA Executive Director 45 Quail Court, Suite 302 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (925) 746-5100 Email bcarter@iha.org Web Site: http://www.iha.org Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) 106 Inverness Terrace East Englewood, CO 80112-5306 (303) 799-1111 or FAX (303) 643-4427 Web Site: http://www.mgma.com National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research For More Information Contact: Ms. Sally Wilberding Public Information and Liaison Branch Building 45, Room 4AS.19 45 Center Drive Bethesda, MD 20892-6400 Phone: 301-496-4263 Fax : 301-496-9988 E-mail: Sally.Wilberding@nih.gov The American College of Physician Executives
The American Thoracic Society Ms. Lori Atkins Manager, ATS Communication Services American Thoracic Society, Medical Section of the American Lung Association 1740 Broadway New York, NY 10019-4374 Phone 212/315-6442 Fax 212/315-6455 Email: latkins@thoracic.org http://www.thoracic.org The second edition of my best selling tutorial Collections Made Easy! is now availble from PMIC at 1-800-MED-SHOP. If you are interested in maximizing your cash flow, collecting past accounts and building a reliable patient relations management routine I am available for on-site evaluations. For more information contact Mr. Michael J. Berry, Consultant & Author at 219-583-4234 or sales@practiceguardian 1999! PRACTICE GUARDIAN TOP CHOICE WEBSITES Keep track of the best healthcare practice management sites on the internet for only $25 per year.
PRACTICE GUARDIAN NEWS Practice Guardian Newsletter is published monthly. Send all inquiries to attention editor at webmaster@practiceguardian.com or call (219)-583-4234. The subjects and written examples in this newsletter are for general use only. The publisher and author do not accept any responsibility or liability in regards to misuse or misinterpretation. A qualified attorney should be consulted in all matters concerning practice management. All publishing and copyrights reserved. Copyright May 2000, Michael J. Berry, Consultant..