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	<title>Article Portal at ap-msd.com &#187; Family Practice</title>
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	<description>Lots of inspiration within</description>
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		<title>Making certain that your Family Practice doesn&#8217;t grow out of Control</title>
		<link>http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/making-certain-that-your-family-practice-doesnt-grow-out-of-control.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/making-certain-that-your-family-practice-doesnt-grow-out-of-control.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Mar 2011 11:45:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>petereriksson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family Practice]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/making-certain-that-your-family-practice-doesnt-grow-out-of-control.htm</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Current info about Family Practice is not always the easiest thing to locate. Fortunately, this report includes the latest Family Practice info available. The more authentic information about Family Practice you know, the more likely people are to consider you a Family Practice expert. Read on for even more Family Practice facts that you can [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Current info about Family Practice is not always the easiest thing to locate. Fortunately, this report includes the latest Family Practice info available.</p>
<p>The more authentic information about Family Practice you know, the more likely people are to consider you a Family Practice expert. Read on for even more Family Practice facts that you can share.</p>
<p>Word of mouth spreads the fastest. If a family practice doctor is good enough, people will wait sometimes for hours to see him. However, as word spreads about a doctor so do his patients. If he doe not have such a great bedside manner then he will likely lose patients but if he does he will likely gain patients which to an extent are a good thing but can also overwhelm the doctor, his staff and his patients.<br />
	Family practice doctors have a reputation for wanting to help everyone. Those who call in for a same day appointment are served just as someone who scheduled their appointment a month ago. Sometimes it is impossible to move them to another day or to switch them to a new provider. However, family practice doctors do need to recognize that they can only take on so many patients effectively.<br />
	If a family practice doctor is going to consider the numbers of patients that he can effectively manage then he will need to discuss with his patients what it is that they expect from him or her and what makes them happy and satisfied. The family practice doctor also needs to confirm his workload and see what hours he can put forth that works best for him and his family. Estimate in hours of surgery and hospital visits and so forth. Factor in the time allowance and see how time is humanly possible to complete the schedule.<br />
	The average doctor/patient visit is or should be about 10-15 minutes. Some doctors or nurses have the habit of scheduling 3 or more patients for the same time block which simply will not work. Based on a 10-15 minute time interval, it does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that the doctor should schedule four appointments per hour but might be able to get in five. Anymore than that and he could easily get behind schedule.<br />
	If a doctor with a family practice finds that he has taken on more than he can manage effectively then he will be left with no choice but to cut down on his list of patients. Annually, patients move away, pass away, and change insurance providers which naturally can cut the patient list. Doctors can also close their acceptance of new patients for a while. Another possibility is to remove patients who miss many scheduled appointments and do not see the doctor regularly.<br />
	The absolute number of patients that a doctor should have is the largest amount that he or she can care for effectively. That number can vary with time and there is no way to put an exact count to it. If everyone involved is happy then the doctor has probably the right amount of patients. However, if he finds that patients are waiting too long, he is cutting their visits short or running back in forth between rooms, and then the number may have to be readjusted. He does not want to few or too many but with a quality staff and dedicated persistence it is likely that the doctor will find his happy medium. </p>
<p>About the Author<br />
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: <a href="http://www.team-gvo.com"><b>GVO</b></a></p>
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		<title>Tax Entities and Family Practice</title>
		<link>http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/tax-entities-and-family-practice.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/tax-entities-and-family-practice.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:28:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>petereriksson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family Practice]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/tax-entities-and-family-practice.htm</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Tax entity choice can affect family practice in many ways. Making the right choice will help protect both practice and physician. Family Practice Entity Types Typical entity options for family practice include sole proprietorships, general partnerships, limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships and professional S or C corporations. The two biggest influences in choosing the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Tax entity choice can affect family practice in many ways. Making the right choice will help protect both practice and physician.</p>
<p>Family Practice Entity Types</p>
<p>Typical entity options for family practice include sole proprietorships, general partnerships, limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships and professional S or C corporations. The two biggest influences in choosing the right entity are protection against litigation and the financial issues associated with the entity. It&#8217;s important to consult a legal professional before making this family practice financial decision because the implications can be tremendous.</p>
<p>Choosing to operate the family practice as a professional corporation, a limited liability corporation or a limited liability partnership usually provides protection against personal liability regarding the actions of any other physicians in the practice.</p>
<p>For financial reasons, most group family practices tend to choose professional corporations. The professional corporation, whether S type or C type, provides the practice with protection from financial creditors.</p>
<p>Sole Proprietorship &#038; General Partnership</p>
<p>The sole proprietorship is the cheapest and easiest choice in choosing a tax designation for the family practice. Business income and expense are reported on a schedule C. The problem with a sole proprietorship is that the physician&#8217;s assets can be taken if the business is sued. This is a lot like a sole proprietorship, except that there are multiple business owners involved. Again, there is no liability protection when using this entity.</p>
<p>Limited Liability</p>
<p>So far, we&#8217;ve uncovered some interesting facts about Family Practice. You may decide that the following information is even more interesting.</p>
<p>Limited Liability Partnerships are the only kind of unincorporated entity that provide some form of protection from personal liability (including protection from liability for the actions of staff or other physicians in the practice.) A physician could lose his practice with this form of entity, but personal assets would be safe.<br />
Limited liability companies are much like a mix of the best available entity benefits. They are fast becoming the entity of choice for many family practices.</p>
<p>Incorporated Entities</p>
<p>Incorporating the family practice is more involved and more expensive but more protection is offered. The biggest reason physicians choose an incorporated entity is the protection from personal liability regarding the actions of colleagues. C corporations have several benefits. They also have a downside &#8211; it&#8217;s possible to be doubly taxed. S corporation profits are not taxed twice.</p>
<p>Entities and Tax Issues for Family Practice</p>
<p>Tax liabilities are important to consider when choosing an entity.  Professional C corporations will pay a flat 35% rate tax on net income but profits can be taxed twice. Professional S corporations don&#8217;t result in double taxing of profit but it isn&#8217;t possible to write off the cost of all benefits. </p>
<p>There are many implications when considering tax rates and entity. In order to avoid duplicate taxing and other negative consequences, consult a financial advisor and make sure all involved details are understood.</p>
<p>Cost  of Entity Set Up for Family Practice</p>
<p>The cost to set up an entity and maintain it vary according to state rules and regulations. Professional corporations require more record keeping and paperwork than do limited liability partnerships or limited liability corporations.<br />
When setting up the Family Practice, it&#8217;s important to take the time and money necessary to investigate options regarding incorporation, tax and related issues. Once the best entity has been recognized, it&#8217;s important to legally implement it and maintain it. </p>
<p>When it comes to tax related issues, careful consideration is important, especially regarding the setup of the family practice. Decisions made now affect the practice down the road. Consult with legal professionals before choosing the entity for the family practice.</p>
<p>Sometimes it&#8217;s tough to sort out all the details related to this subject, but I&#8217;m positive you&#8217;ll have no trouble making sense of the information presented above.</p>
<p>About the Author<br />
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: <a href="http://www.team-gvo.com"><b>GVO</b></a></p>
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		<title>Designing &amp; Furnishing the Family Practice</title>
		<link>http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/designing-furnishing-the-family-practice.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/designing-furnishing-the-family-practice.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 24 Dec 2010 01:09:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>petereriksson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family Practice]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/designing-furnishing-the-family-practice.htm</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Starting a family practice is a lot of work. When it comes to office layout and design, taking a little time in the beginning can save both time and work later. When leasing a new building that is still under construction, it&#8217;s possible to design the entire interior layout of the clinic. This will involve [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Starting a family practice is a lot of work. When it comes to office layout and design, taking a little time in the beginning can save both time and work later. </p>
<p>When leasing a new building that is still under construction, it&#8217;s possible to design the entire interior layout of the clinic. This will involve total design including plumbing, electrical, walls, flooring and everything involved in building and furnishing the interior. </p>
<p>While this is a good way to design the family practice clinic of your dreams, it&#8217;s also a good way to empty your wallet and take on a large debt. Whether residential or commercial, building is costly. Depending upon the area and current prices, it could cost anywhere from $65 to $95 per square foot to complete the family practice building.</p>
<p>Many physicians starting a new family practice start by renting an already completed (and usually already used) building. Setting up the clinic in this case usually involves remodeling, a little or a lot. New paint, flooring and possible fixtures are typical remodeling expenses and much less costly than the building and furnishing process. </p>
<p>Maximize Efficiency in the Family Practice Floor plan</p>
<p>No matter what type of rental situation is in use, it is recommended that the interior be set up in a way that maximizes efficiency. Exam rooms should be huddled together. This makes it easy to go from room to room when seeing patients. A small workstation within the area will make it possible to review charts and manage telephone calls. Most experts suggest a minimum of three exam rooms per physician.</p>
<p>If your Family Practice facts are out-of-date, how will that affect your actions and decisions? Make certain you don&#8217;t let important Family Practice information slip by you.</p>
<p>The best laid layouts move patients from waiting area to reception to exam rooms in a streamlined fashion. The receptionist should be able to see the entire waiting area. All hallways, doorways and pathways should be wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs.</p>
<p>Waiting areas should be comfortable and relaxing. An aquarium can be an excellent addition to the furnishings. The waiting area is the new patient&#8217;s first impression of the family practice. Make it a good one. </p>
<p>Stocking the Family Practice</p>
<p>Furnishing and stocking a new family practice can get costly if attention isn&#8217;t paid to details. The first step is to find out what discounts are available from professional organizations. Ask other physicians where they shop. </p>
<p>Consider buying used furniture and furnishings. Used furniture stores and office supply stores are good places to start looking. Often banks and hospitals redecorate and sell used furnishings at a good price. </p>
<p>When it comes to purchasing equipment and clinical supplies, many vendors have checklists. Consider creating a list and asking for bids from several vendors.  Chart materials and office supplies can be found online and at local supply stores.<br />
Setting up a new family practice is an involved process. If starting from scratch with a new building that must be designed, there&#8217;s even more work (and money!) involved. No matter which method of renting or purchasing is being used, do make checklists of the tasks that need to be done and the supplies that must be acquired.</p>
<p>Carefully consider layout and use a floor plan that saves time and money. When your family practice becomes a successful, busy one, you&#8217;ll be glad you did.</p>
<p>It never hurts to be well-informed with the latest on Family Practice. Compare what you&#8217;ve learned here to future articles so that you can stay alert to changes in the area of Family Practice. </p>
<p>About the Author<br />
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: <a href="http://www.team-gvo.com"><b>GVO</b></a></p>
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		<title>Challenges of Family Practices in Today&#8217;s Health Care System</title>
		<link>http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/challenges-of-family-practices-in-todays-health-care-system-2.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/challenges-of-family-practices-in-todays-health-care-system-2.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 18 Dec 2010 04:30:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>petereriksson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family Practice]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/challenges-of-family-practices-in-todays-health-care-system-2.htm</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The following article includes pertinent information that may cause you to reconsider what you thought you understood. The most important thing is to study with an open mind and be willing to revise your understanding if necessary. All businesses face challenges and struggles but with today&#8217;s health care system and its complexity the challenges that [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The following article includes pertinent information that may cause you to reconsider what you thought you understood. The most important thing is to study with an open mind and be willing to revise your understanding if necessary.</p>
<p>All businesses face challenges and struggles but with today&#8217;s health care system and its complexity the challenges that family practices face are great and even numerous. It is often difficult to maintain viability. Just attempting to generate the understanding of a family practice can be a struggle in itself. </p>
<p>There are many flaws in the health care systems that we have today. These flaws work in favor of family practice doctors if they are able to improve the results for patients. Family practices and family medicine in general are in need of a major overhaul. Family practice doctors will raise to the final victory as they display their deep concern for the patients overall well being. </p>
<p>Family practices are unique and a specialty all of their own. However, family practice doctors have wanted to remain unnamed and unlabeled along with a class of other specialists and physicians. Another big challenge and probably the biggest is the fact that family practice doctors have yet to gain the respect that they deserve. They are sometimes looked at as second rate doctors especially within their academic circle. Although it truly is a specialized field, it is generally not supported nor endorsed. Family practices and family practice doctors need to gain recognition and support because they have truly been the medical backbone for centuries.</p>
<p>I trust that what you&#8217;ve read so far has been informative. The following section should go a long way toward clearing up any uncertainty that may remain.</p>
<p>Today, many people believe that family practice doctors are old fashioned and not equipped to handle newer medicine. That actually holds no weight within the medical profession itself.</p>
<p>Family practice physicians are experts in their own field. They handle common complaints, diagnose acute and chronic conditions, they promote health and prevent disease. Prior to the skyrocketing insurance premiums that doctor&#8217;s had to pay because of so many lawsuits; doctors performed some surgical procedures such as tonsillectomies, appendectomies, child birth, and other simple surgeries. No longer do many family practice doctors provide these types of surgeries and have to refer them out to specialists but can often provide the follow up care. </p>
<p>Another challenge that today&#8217;s family practice doctors face is the aging population and the &#8220;baby boomers&#8221;. These people make up a large majority of patients that are dependent on family practice doctors. Issues with Medicare arise as well with these challenges. Further, work is being done to make family practices more attractive as options available rather than focusing on what family practice medicine or doctors used to be able to provide they need to look into the future and see what family practice physicians will be able to better provide in the future. </p>
<p>Although family practice physicians have some difficult challenges to face with the health care system of today there are also many rewards as well. The relationships that doctors are able to establish with their patients and their families, the ability to offer the best in preventative care, flexibility and security, and being able to observe and assist in all facets of life are just some of the rewards that family practice offers to some doctors who are just not willing to compromise the true meaning of quality. </p>
<p>About the Author<br />
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: <a href="http://www.team-gvo.com"><b>GVO</b></a></p>
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		<title>Office Management and the Family Practice</title>
		<link>http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/office-management-and-the-family-practice.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/office-management-and-the-family-practice.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 19 Nov 2010 21:05:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>petereriksson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family Practice]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/office-management-and-the-family-practice.htm</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The more you understand about any subject, the more interesting it becomes. As you read this article you&#8217;ll find that the subject of Family Practice is certainly no exception. The right office manager can help a family practice thrive. The wrong office manager can result in loss of clients and have everyone in the practice [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The more you understand about any subject, the more interesting it becomes. As you read this article you&#8217;ll find that the subject of Family Practice is certainly no exception.</p>
<p>The right office manager can help a family practice thrive. The wrong office manager can result in loss of clients and have everyone in the practice ready to commit homicide. How do you find the office manager who will be a blessing to the family practice instead of a curse?</p>
<p>Office Manager Duties</p>
<p>Before interviewing prospective office managers, consider what you need from them. What duties will the office manager be responsible for performing? What will be the office manager&#8217;s role in the family practice?</p>
<p>Office Manager as Administration</p>
<p>When the family practice is a large or complex one with a large number of support staff carrying out individual roles, the office manager&#8217;s main task is usually that of making sure everything runs smoothly and every task is covered. This is especially important when separate staff members are covering appointment setting, reception, billing, etc. If one person isn&#8217;t getting the job done or isn&#8217;t performing the job right, the whole system is affected. </p>
<p>In this type of family practice, the office manager keeps an eye on the pulse of the practice, making sure everything is working properly while handling any issues that arrive, from staff issues to disgruntled patients. </p>
<p>It is vital that the individual hired for this type position be able to multi-task, to work under pressure, to be able to mediate when problems arise, and to properly exercise their authority if necessary. The best office manager as administrative aide candidate can perform any task in the office if necessary and is capable of training, encouraging and<br />
overseeing other office staff members.</p>
<p>Some office managers handle payroll and other financial duties for the family practice. If this will be the case, the potential office manager should have experience in payroll and the tax issues that affect operating a family practice.<br />
Risk management is another task the family practice office manager must administer. Keeping up with applicable local, state and federal laws, taxes and regulations and maintaining family practice compliance is part of the job. Insurance and legal issues such as malpractice must be monitored.</p>
<p>Office Manager as Support Staff</p>
<p>In the small family practice, the office manager may be the only staff member aside from medical staff. In this situation, the office manager fills every business office duty, from reception to accounting and payment of taxes.</p>
<p>This type of office manager is well rounded, able to multi-task and comfortable both with computer related duties and tasks<br />
involving interaction with patients. From greeting patients and others who come through the front door to signing for equipment that comes in through the delivery door, this type of family practice office manager can handle any situation that arises.</p>
<p>I trust that what you&#8217;ve read so far has been informative. The following section should go a long way toward clearing up any uncertainty that may remain.</p>
<p>Finance and Family Practice Management</p>
<p>Family practice financial duties including accounts payable/receivable, payroll and the budget may be administered by the office manager or the office bookkeeper. Practice administration is often handled by the office manager. If the office manager is not performing financial duties, he/she is responsible for overseeing those who do. Again, the size of the family practice is usually the first consideration when deciding who to assign financial related duties to.</p>
<p>Human Resources and Family Practice Management</p>
<p>Hiring and dismissing staff, overseeing staff activity, creating employee manuals, managing employee benefits, employee files and employee accomplishment is usually handled by the family practice office manager.</p>
<p>Marketing and Family Practice Management</p>
<p>Office managers, in the absence of a dedicated marketing manager, may perform all tasks related to advertising, community relations and building the practice. </p>
<p>Qualifications of the Family Practice Office Management Candidate</p>
<p>Specific qualifications usually vary in accordance with the size and complexity of the family practice and the expectation of the physicians involved.</p>
<p>A college degree is usually a prerequisite. Certification as a medical office manager is a plus. Certification usually guarantees a certain amount of training in the required skills and tasks. In some cases, practical experience is as valuable as a degree. </p>
<p>Once the expected duties have been determined, along with desired qualifications, the search for a family practice office manager can begin. If using a medical staffing agency, it&#8217;s possible to have the agency interview potential candidates and refer only those who meet select criteria. </p>
<p>The right family practice office manager keeps the practice running smoothly. Choosing the right candidate is a decision that should be made with careful consideration.</p>
<p>That&#8217;s the latest from the Family Practice authorities. Once you&#8217;re familiar with these ideas, you&#8217;ll be ready to move to the next level.</p>
<p>About the Author<br />
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: <a href="http://www.team-gvo.com"><b>GVO</b></a></p>
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		<title>Family Practices and Medical Malpractice</title>
		<link>http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/family-practices-and-medical-malpractice.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/family-practices-and-medical-malpractice.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 13 Nov 2010 12:38:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>petereriksson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family Practice]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/family-practices-and-medical-malpractice.htm</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When most people think of Family Practice, what comes to mind is usually basic information that&#8217;s not particularly interesting or beneficial. But there&#8217;s a lot more to Family Practice than just the basics. So many people have filed medical malpractice lawsuits against their doctors that is has affected and had serious implications for family practice [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When most people think of Family Practice, what comes to mind is usually basic information that&#8217;s not particularly interesting or beneficial. But there&#8217;s a lot more to Family Practice than just the basics.</p>
<p>So many people have filed medical malpractice lawsuits against their doctors that is has affected and had serious implications for family practice doctors in particular. Patients have sued their doctors mainly for lack of or a delay in proper diagnosis, maternity practices, negligence in trauma care, handling issues in a time conscious manner, providing care without consent, and failure to refer out patients who require specialized treatments. </p>
<p>Most of the malpractice cases stem from a failure to diagnosis a condition that is already existent. Sometimes this lack of diagnosis comes from the family practice doctors who are under extreme stress. The biggest problem that results from this is the lack of identifying it in the first place. Family practice doctors work chaotic schedules that are extremely conflicting and have been viewed as almost superhuman. Recently, the dust has settled and now researchers are seeing that super humans do not exist and it is possible that many medical malpractice lawsuits can be avoided by not expecting superhuman behavior. </p>
<p>Most of the time family practice physicians are treated by other doctors for stress related issues. Stress is said to have contributed greatly to the decline of the health and well being of all people and family practice doctors as well as doctors in general are not falling short of that assumption. Doctors can become depressed and exhausted which inadvertently will affect their profession. There have been several indications and accusations where doctors were sued because of negligence that resulted from stress related error. </p>
<p>Is everything making sense so far? If not, I&#8217;m sure that with just a little more reading, all the facts will fall into place.</p>
<p>Several programs are since rising to the forefront to assist family practice doctors but not limited to in reducing the amount of stress that they are facing hence, reducing the amount of error causing medical malpractice to soar. These programs are intended to improve a doctors physical and emotional well being, enhance job performance, and their personal satisfaction. </p>
<p>Family practice doctors that experience medical malpractice have a very difficult time obtaining further coverage, affording insurance, and the overall stress that the doctor suffers from the litigation itself can be traumatizing. Family practice doctors are sometimes holding a two sided sword. One side is the obligation to the patient to pursue their needs and the other is dealing with managed health care plans/ AKA insurance companies. </p>
<p>Even in cases where the family practice doctor may not be all at fault, many times they are still held accountable over the managed health care plans, unjustly. If a doctor prescribes a medication that he believes to be the best drug of choice for a particular condition and the insurance company will not cover that as their first choice drug, which is at fault? The doctor is the person who interacted with the patient and should be allowed to prescribe what he feels in his expert opinion would be the best choice. If you took your car to a mechanic and he diagnosed it with needing a new carburetor, you surely wouldn&#8217;t go across the street and have them fix the brakes. It is just common sense. </p>
<p>About the Author<br />
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: <a href="http://www.team-gvo.com"><b>GVO</b></a></p>
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		<title>Making the Most of The Family Practice Website</title>
		<link>http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/making-the-most-of-the-family-practice-website.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/making-the-most-of-the-family-practice-website.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 17 Oct 2010 19:45:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>petereriksson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family Practice]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/making-the-most-of-the-family-practice-website.htm</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Are you looking for some inside information on Family Practice? Here&#8217;s an up-to-date report from Family Practice experts who should know. More and more people are becoming comfortable in using the Internet and many now have Internet access at home. A well designed family practice website can serve as an introduction for the practice and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Are you looking for some inside information on Family Practice? Here&#8217;s an up-to-date report from Family Practice experts who should know.</p>
<p>More and more people are becoming comfortable in using the Internet and many now have Internet access at home. A well designed family practice website can serve as an introduction for the practice and an advertisement of services offered.<br />
Family Practice Website as Introduction</p>
<p>The appearance of the family practice website is crucial. Viewers will judge the practice by the appearance of the web pages. The website should match the tone of the clinic. If the family practice sees only adults, the website should reflect that. </p>
<p>Crucial information to be included on the family practice website includes location, hours of operation, telephone and fax numbers, directions, and information about the services offered. If the practice is a cash only one, this should be noted on the website. </p>
<p>Including a signup box for a free family practice newsletter or health report will encourage people to take the time to submit names and addresses. A signup form should be prominently displayed on every page of the website.<br />
Staff information in the form of photos, short biographies and job titles or descriptions can personalize the website. A smiling face goes a long way in starting a family practice/patient relationship. </p>
<p>Some family practice websites include news and notes pages where news regarding the practice is announced as well as news regarding patients. Community and school achievements are a good way to promote area goodwill and advertise the practice. Do be sure to get permission before posting photos. The decision to use full names versus first names only will depend upon the area and the family practice.</p>
<p>Ads and Links on Family Practice Website</p>
<p>The best time to learn about Family Practice is before you&#8217;re in the thick of things. Wise readers will keep reading to earn some valuable Family Practice experience while it&#8217;s still free.</p>
<p>The issue of ads and links on the website should be addressed. Ideally, there should be no ads on the main pages. The website is, after all, supposed to be promoting and advertising the family practice. This said, offering a page where patients who use the practice can post a link to their business may be a good idea. Consider sponsoring a community page of some type and encourage anyone from the area to use the page.</p>
<p>Links that lead to health information regarding general health or the specific issues addressed by the family practice can prove to be useful. Patient education can be integrated into the website via an informative section of the website or links to such information. </p>
<p>Including a frequently asked questions area on the family practice website is a creative way to provide information while promoting the practice. Include a form to encourage website viewers to submit questions or comments.</p>
<p>Family Practice Website as Shameless Clinic Promotion</p>
<p>The family practice website should include physician credentials and accomplishments along with those of support staff. If staff have contributed in some way to the community, this information should be on the website. If the practice contributes to community activities, charitable or other such activities, this information should be on the website. Consider adding links for donations to charity. </p>
<p>Maximizing the Family Practice Website</p>
<p>The family practice website can be an important part of building the practice and maintaining it. Make the most of the opportunity. Showcase staff members, clinic and community activity, blog, announce news and hold contests. Include a signup form on every page, encouraging Internet surfers to sign up in exchange for free report or other item. Include the family practice website url in all advertising on and off-line.</p>
<p>About the Author<br />
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: <a href="http://www.team-gvo.com"><b>GVO</b></a></p>
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		<title>Cash Only Family Practice Pros and Cons</title>
		<link>http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/cash-only-family-practice-pros-and-cons.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/cash-only-family-practice-pros-and-cons.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 17 Oct 2010 03:36:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>petereriksson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family Practice]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/cash-only-family-practice-pros-and-cons.htm</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The only way to keep up with the latest about Family Practice is to constantly stay on the lookout for new information. If you read everything you find about Family Practice, it won&#8217;t take long for you to become an influential authority. In a world where plastic reigns, the idea of a cash only Family [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The only way to keep up with the latest about Family Practice is to constantly stay on the lookout for new information. If you read everything you find about Family Practice, it won&#8217;t take long for you to become an influential authority.</p>
<p>In a world where plastic reigns, the idea of a cash only Family Practice sounds almost antiquated. The truth is that more physicians and health care providers are taking a serious look at the cash only business model.<br />
Cash Payment Methods</p>
<p>The phrase &#8220;cash only&#8221; means that all services are paid for at the time of treatment. The Family Practice adopting this payment method usually accepts payments of cash, debit card, check or credit card. Why are some Family Practices giving serious thought to cancelling health care contracts and adopting cash policies? </p>
<p>With the cash only method, the Family Practice does not file insurance claims or other such paperwork. Avoiding insurance paperwork, filing, and billing means there is no need to pay a staff member to process insurance claims and forms. There&#8217;s no need to invest in software to track collections and insurance claims. Overhead is greatly reduced.<br />
Potential Problems with Cash Only</p>
<p>Some health care plans prohibit physicians from serving members of the  health plan if that physician has recently terminated the contract between the insurance company and the physician.</p>
<p>State insurance regulations must be taken into consideration. Medicaid rules regarding the cash only Family Practice should be carefully reviewed.  Most Family Practice physicians who choose to go &#8220;cash only&#8221; opt out of Medicare. Doing so involves completing several steps of Medicare rules and regulations.</p>
<p>Questions to Consider with Cash Only</p>
<p>So far, we&#8217;ve uncovered some interesting facts about Family Practice. You may decide that the following information is even more interesting.</p>
<p>Family Practice physicians and health care providers considering the cash only basis should first decide if doing so would put the practice at severe financial risk or even end it. If the practice is operating in an area with large numbers of patients who are uninsured, the cash only system may work quite well.</p>
<p>How do current patients feel about the switch to a cash only method?  If too many of the current patients are not willing to stay with the Family Practice, more thought and consideration should be given to the idea.</p>
<p>Consider services and fees. What services will the Family Practice offer? What will be charged for each service? It&#8217;s also important to take the hospital into consideration. Will patients in the hospital be seen by the Family Practice physician(s) or will in-hospital care be managed by the referred medical professional?</p>
<p>Meeting Financial Responsibilities and Setting Up Fees </p>
<p>How will switching to a cash only basis affect the Family Practice bottom line? How hard will it be to pay bills and maintain cash flow during the transition? Calculate all overhead and expenses. How many patients will the Family Practice need to see in order to cover current overhead? </p>
<p>How much money will be saved by switching to the cash only method? How much time and staff expense can be cut by making the change? It isn&#8217;t unusual for a Family Practice to make the switch to cash only to find more patients can be seen, quality of patient care does not suffer, and the bottom line improves.</p>
<p>The cash only management method of Family Practice is worth considering. It isn&#8217;t for every practice but when it does work, it tends to work very well.</p>
<p>About the Author<br />
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: <a href="http://www.team-gvo.com"><b>GVO</b></a></p>
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		<title>Why People Love a Doctor with a Family Practice</title>
		<link>http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/why-people-love-a-doctor-with-a-family-practice.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/why-people-love-a-doctor-with-a-family-practice.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Aug 2010 08:43:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>petereriksson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family Practice]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/why-people-love-a-doctor-with-a-family-practice.htm</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Health care is the largest rising industry in the nation. With all of the specialists and various types of doctors, one still remains untouched and that is the General Practitioner who has a Family Practice. Why? People like to go to the doctor and see the same one on each visit. They have developed a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Health care is the largest rising industry in the nation. With all of the specialists and various types of doctors, one still remains untouched and that is the General Practitioner who has a Family Practice. Why? People like to go to the doctor and see the same one on each visit. They have developed a relationship with the doctor rather than just another patient where the doctor refers from a stack of records or a chart. We want our family practice physician to ask us how are kids are doing and recall off of the top of his head why we were there last. </p>
<p>The demand is evident for family practices and not just in rural areas; there is a high demand even in larger cities, maybe even more so. People like family practices because they are concerned with more than just your health. They try to provide care for your entire well being as a person. </p>
<p>Doctors who work from family practices can offer many various types of care. They specialize in everything; they can treat you for a common cold, anxiety, or high blood pressure. They can treat babies, adults and the elderly. They are there each and every time that you visit the doctor. They are so predictable that you will even notice right away if he has a new nurse or receptionist working for him. </p>
<p>Now that we&#8217;ve covered those aspects of Family Practice, let&#8217;s turn to some of the other factors that need to be considered.</p>
<p>The difference between doctors who run family practices and doctors who are part of a large practice or work from a hospital is that the family doctor may find out that you have cancer but he will give you a hug, hold your hand and tell you that everything will work out, even if it is likely that it will not. Other doctors state the facts so robotically and are on their way. </p>
<p>A family doctor will send flowers to the funeral home when you have lost a loved one and some may even send you a Christmas card as well. They will remember when you come to see them that you are still having difficulties coping with the loss of your dog last year. They are real people and even with today&#8217;s technology they can still bring back a Marcus Welby M.D. touch. They are not second class doctors nor are they last chance doctors that couldn&#8217;t get into a different form of practice, they are great doctors who simply want to help people on a personal level but if something happens to come up and they believe that you need more help, they will refer you to a specialist, but you can bet that it would be one that they would take their family to. </p>
<p>Family practices do generally require a longer waiting period than doctors with a larger practice but one good thing is that you can start a book while you are waiting and be assured that on your next visit you will be able to pick that very same book up and continue reading where you left off. </p>
<p>You can&#8217;t predict when knowing something extra about Family Practice will come in handy. If you learned anything new about Family Practice in this article, you should file the article where you can find it again.</p>
<p>About the Author<br />
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his new GVO affiliate site: <a href="http://www.gvo.co"><b>GVO</b></a></p>
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		<title>Valuing the Family Practice</title>
		<link>http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/valuing-the-family-practice.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/valuing-the-family-practice.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 Aug 2010 03:46:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>petereriksson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family Practice]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ap-msd.com/family-practice/valuing-the-family-practice.htm</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The following paragraphs summarize the work of Family Practice experts who are completely familiar with all the aspects of Family Practice. Heed their advice to avoid any Family Practice surprises. Assigning or defining the value of a Family Practice is not something that&#8217;s easily done. Nor is it something most physicians think about until forced [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The following paragraphs summarize the work of Family Practice experts who are completely familiar with all the aspects of Family Practice. Heed their advice to avoid any Family Practice surprises.</p>
<p>Assigning or defining the value of a Family Practice is not something that&#8217;s easily done. Nor is it something most physicians think about until forced to. Knowing the value of the Family Practice is part of practice management. It can serve as a measuring tool for evaluating practice growth in good times. Should death, divorce or other circumstance force a sale, correctly valuing the Family Practice is important.</p>
<p>Standard Valuation Methods: Comparison</p>
<p>One way to value a Family Practice is to compare the Practice to others in the local area. While this may work for realty situations involving homes or buildings, it doesn&#8217;t work in this case. The problem with this method of valuation for Family Practice is that there are too many intangibles involved. Not all Family Practices are the same size or serve the same patient base. There are too many variables to arrive at a reasonable sum.</p>
<p>Standard Valuation Methods: Inventory</p>
<p>The inventory method of valuation looks like a simple one. All assets are inventoried and a value is assigned to them. The values are added and the total liabilities are deducted, leaving a valuation sum. The problem with the inventory method of valuing the Family Practice is, again, the presence of intangibles. It&#8217;s hard to assign a definite value to an intangible.</p>
<p>Standard Valuation Methods: Cash Flow</p>
<p>Cash flow valuation of the Family Practice takes income and accounts receivable into consideration. Too large a sum in the accounts receivable column can negatively affect cash flow figures and the attitude of potential buyers.</p>
<p>You can see that there&#8217;s practical value in learning more about Family Practice. Can you think of ways to apply what&#8217;s been covered so far?</p>
<p>Standard Valuation Methods: Appraisal</p>
<p>Professional business appraisers usually take several issues into consideration when valuing the Family Practice. Cash flow and a potential practice growth in years to come are part of the process. </p>
<p>Standard Valuation Issue: Goodwill</p>
<p>One intangible asset that may be overlooked in the family practice valuation process is goodwill. Goodwill is an asset that is often defined by charisma and an inherent talent that invites trust. Goodwill includes the ability to attract and keep clients, reputation, etc. Some professional appraisers add goodwill to the valuation, others do not.<br />
According to some reports, the assigned value of many Family Practices is 20 to 50 percent goodwill. This is an important figure. If the physician operating the practice is a large part of the reason the practice is successful, what would the family practice be without that physician?</p>
<p>Professional goodwill is a conglomeration of experience, reputation, charisma, skills, abilities, etc. of a physician. Practice goodwill is based more on location and the nature of the family practice and how long it has been in business.</p>
<p>Valuating Goodwill</p>
<p>One commonly used method of calculating the value of goodwill in a family practice is comparing the family practice to that of another physician with similar background and specialty. The low number is subtracted from the higher one. The resulting sum is then divided by 20 percent. The result is the goodwill dollar value.</p>
<p>If the need to value the family practice should arise, a general valuation or valuation method will be available. If a professional appraiser is chosen, it should be one who does use the goodwill factor.</p>
<p>Those who only know one or two facts about Family Practice can be confused by misleading information. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently correct them with the truths you&#8217;re learning here.</p>
<p>About the Author<br />
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his new GVO affiliate site: <a href="http://www.gvo.co"><b>GVO</b></a></p>
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