tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 %ISSUE_DATE%T09:25:32-07:00 Opinion and techniques for maximizing productivity and branding. TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32535 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

While going through a pile of papers on my desk I came across a marketing newsletter for publishers from 1999! Although now a relic from the pre-digital age, I had marked up one article on direct mail advertising with a highlighter and copious scribbled notes, so it obviously held some interest at the time. Glancing through the article, I discovered that despite the change in the delivery system (now email, social media, or website advertising instead of print-based offers) much of the advice was still relevant.

By Honora Lee Wolfe, Dipl. Ac. While going through a pile of papers on my desk I came across a marketing newsletter for publishers from 1999! Although now a relic from the pre-digital age, I had marked up one article on direct mail advertising with a highlighter and copious scribbled notes, so it obviously held some interest at the time. Glancing through the article, I discovered that despite the change in the delivery system (now email, social media, or website advertising instead of print-based offers) much of the advice was still relevant. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32506 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

I've got some good news and some bad news. The good news is that acupuncture is enjoying a remarkable degree of acceptance as a viable from of therapy all around the world from both the general public and modern medicine practitioners; the bad news is that many acupuncturists are struggling and failing to earn a living providing this therapy. This makes no sense. Why should it be that so many acupuncturists are failing in their practices at the same time the resistance to acupuncture's clinical value is finally crumbling? And - what can be done about this?

By Matthew Bauer, LAc I've got some good news and some bad news. The good news is that acupuncture is enjoying a remarkable degree of acceptance as a viable from of therapy all around the world from both the general public and modern medicine practitioners; the bad news is that many acupuncturists are struggling and failing to earn a living providing this therapy. This makes no sense. Why should it be that so many acupuncturists are failing in their practices at the same time the resistance to acupuncture's clinical value is finally crumbling? And - what can be done about this? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32504 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

An interdisciplinary model of care is an ideal situation for practitioners and patients. Many in healthcare believe that this is the model that must be utilized to maximize patient care. According to recent research, the lack of communication has resulted in 70 percent of the adverse affects of a patient.

By Alfie Vente, RMT, D. Ac (Cand.) An interdisciplinary model of care is an ideal situation for practitioners and patients. Many in healthcare believe that this is the model that must be utilized to maximize patient care. According to recent research, the lack of communication has resulted in 70 percent of the adverse affects of a patient. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32477 2011-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

Here is a list of the top 10 money mistakes a practitioner can make that can have an effect on their overall business. Make a note of them and try to avoid these common pitfalls by learning how to make better choices when it comes to your business funds.

By Stanley Greenfield, RHU Here is a list of the top 10 money mistakes a practitioner can make that can have an effect on their overall business. Make a note of them and try to avoid these common pitfalls by learning how to make better choices when it comes to your business funds. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32476 2011-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

I don't know about you, but I am feeling very stressed right now. There is too much going on (yang) and not enough quiet time (yin) in my life to compensate for the activity. I am stretching myself, filling my life with a bit too much of a bit too much. Apparently I'm not alone because when I googled the question "How do I deal with my stress?" there were 584 million results. That's as many results as there are people on the North American continent: Canada, the U.S. and Mexico!

By Felice Dunas, PhD I don't know about you, but I am feeling very stressed right now. There is too much going on (yang) and not enough quiet time (yin) in my life to compensate for the activity. I am stretching myself, filling my life with a bit too much of a bit too much. Apparently I'm not alone because when I googled the question "How do I deal with my stress?" there were 584 million results. That's as many results as there are people on the North American continent: Canada, the U.S. and Mexico! tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32438 2011-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

I am spending a considerable amount of time with phone calls particularly with physicians whom I have referred or have been referred a patient. There are also instances that I may spend 15-30 minutes with a patient on the phone to discuss specific issues of their care or case. Am I able to bill for the time I spend time on the phone?

By Samuel A. Collins I am spending a considerable amount of time with phone calls particularly with physicians whom I have referred or have been referred a patient. There are also instances that I may spend 15-30 minutes with a patient on the phone to discuss specific issues of their care or case. Am I able to bill for the time I spend time on the phone? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32428 2011-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

We are taught how to be great healers and connect with people over and over in school. Once we begin to treat people, a special bond forms and our healing skills are brought to another. Somehow when we go to convey that message to a prospective patient, we get tripped up. We are taught to be humble, we are here to serve.

By Anne C. Crowley, LAc, DiplAc, MBA We are taught how to be great healers and connect with people over and over in school. Once we begin to treat people, a special bond forms and our healing skills are brought to another. Somehow when we go to convey that message to a prospective patient, we get tripped up. We are taught to be humble, we are here to serve. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32418 2011-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

In order to be successful you must walk the tight rope of gratitude, humility and pride. As a practitioner, you have already accomplished so much for your patients, your community and your culture. Now it's time to be real about it. Students can also find much to be proud about in their career/passion undertaking. Both practitioners and students don't have to look far to see the positive influence they have had on others.

By Felice Dunas, PhD In order to be successful you must walk the tight rope of gratitude, humility and pride. As a practitioner, you have already accomplished so much for your patients, your community and your culture. Now it's time to be real about it. Students can also find much to be proud about in their career/passion undertaking. Both practitioners and students don't have to look far to see the positive influence they have had on others. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32417 2011-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

When you start out in acupuncture, there are many questions to answer about how and where you are going to practice. Will you rent an acupuncture office by yourself or will you share one with other people? Will you rent from someone or to other people? Will you have a home office? If you share an office, will you share it only with other acupuncturists or other health care professionals in an integrative medicine setting? or will you take your acupuncture practice to the sea and do acupuncture on a cruise ship?

By Denise Cicuto, LAc When you start out in acupuncture, there are many questions to answer about how and where you are going to practice. Will you rent an acupuncture office by yourself or will you share one with other people? Will you rent from someone or to other people? Will you have a home office? If you share an office, will you share it only with other acupuncturists or other health care professionals in an integrative medicine setting? or will you take your acupuncture practice to the sea and do acupuncture on a cruise ship? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32412 2011-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

Thirty two years ago, while reading a classical Chinese medical text, I found more practical wisdom about leadership than I have since found in a lifetime of teaching and advising leaders.

By Nancy Post, MAc, PhD Thirty two years ago, while reading a classical Chinese medical text, I found more practical wisdom about leadership than I have since found in a lifetime of teaching and advising leaders. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32406 2011-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

The current trend in healthcare is electronic record-keeping. At this time you can find over a dozen different software programs to help you generate or keep patient records. I have written many times in this column about the importance of keeping clear and accurate records. I will be the first to admit that all that paperwork is a pain, but it is nonetheless vitally important to maintain clear, concise, contemporaneous records of your patient care. Many of the electronic health record programs out there tout "quick and easy" recording of patient information – but is "quick and easy" the same as "accurate and appropriate?"

By Douglas R. Briggs, DC, Dipl. Ac. (IAMA), DAAPM The current trend in healthcare is electronic record-keeping. At this time you can find over a dozen different software programs to help you generate or keep patient records. I have written many times in this column about the importance of keeping clear and accurate records. I will be the first to admit that all that paperwork is a pain, but it is nonetheless vitally important to maintain clear, concise, contemporaneous records of your patient care. Many of the electronic health record programs out there tout "quick and easy" recording of patient information – but is "quick and easy" the same as "accurate and appropriate?" tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32404 2011-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

Recently, I met the human resources assistant for a local manufacturing business which has over 2,000 employees spread out over two locations - both within 15 minutes of where I live and work.

By Joni Renee Zalk Recently, I met the human resources assistant for a local manufacturing business which has over 2,000 employees spread out over two locations - both within 15 minutes of where I live and work. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32396 2011-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

What is the perfect formula? E=MC2? 1+1=2? The search goes on and on. I really don't know if there is a "perfect" formula for anything. I have for years looked for the perfect formula for a specific situation. The formula that I am referring to is the one that makes some doctors successful while others struggle. Do you have the answer? Do you know the perfect formula?

By Stanley Greenfield, RHU What is the perfect formula? E=MC2? 1+1=2? The search goes on and on. I really don't know if there is a "perfect" formula for anything. I have for years looked for the perfect formula for a specific situation. The formula that I am referring to is the one that makes some doctors successful while others struggle. Do you have the answer? Do you know the perfect formula? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32389 2011-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

Doing this work is a constant tension and relief experience. The only way I have found to remain relatively unscathed by the milieu, the possibility of overwhelming doubt and by the prospect of guilt when things don't turn out as expected, is to keep rules for myself and my clients.

By Gregory Ross, LAc Doing this work is a constant tension and relief experience. The only way I have found to remain relatively unscathed by the milieu, the possibility of overwhelming doubt and by the prospect of guilt when things don't turn out as expected, is to keep rules for myself and my clients. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32385 2011-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

I am sure this does not come as a big surprise to you. Drive down any street and see how many homes have "for sale" signs are stuck in the lawn. This is just one sign of what's going on nationwide. I don't think we will see the bottom for another few years. With that gloomy forecast looming ahead it is time to make sure that you have your finances in order so that you can ride out this storm.

By Stanley Greenfield, RHU I am sure this does not come as a big surprise to you. Drive down any street and see how many homes have "for sale" signs are stuck in the lawn. This is just one sign of what's going on nationwide. I don't think we will see the bottom for another few years. With that gloomy forecast looming ahead it is time to make sure that you have your finances in order so that you can ride out this storm. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32382 2011-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

I have recently been recruiting an associate to join my practice. This has been an enlightening process, to say the least. With help from the practice management teacher from a well-known acupuncture program, I have done a thorough job of analyzing my business finances, making projections, and developing a clear contract to offer. I have thought very carefully about this process and have interacted with many people regarding the position.

By Laura Christensen, MA, LAc, MAc I have recently been recruiting an associate to join my practice. This has been an enlightening process, to say the least. With help from the practice management teacher from a well-known acupuncture program, I have done a thorough job of analyzing my business finances, making projections, and developing a clear contract to offer. I have thought very carefully about this process and have interacted with many people regarding the position. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32367 2011-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

The vast majority of our medical education is dedicated to learning diagnosis and treatment, with almost no time at all focused on learning to communicate with patients, share information and build rapport in a health-promoting way. This despite many studies showing that using techniques that establish rapid rapport can be as valuable as other diagnostic or treatment techniques in getting better results, higher levels of patient compliance, consistently greater patient satisfaction, lower incidences of malpractice complaints, and reductions in practitioner burnout.

By Jason Luban, MS, LAc The vast majority of our medical education is dedicated to learning diagnosis and treatment, with almost no time at all focused on learning to communicate with patients, share information and build rapport in a health-promoting way. This despite many studies showing that using techniques that establish rapid rapport can be as valuable as other diagnostic or treatment techniques in getting better results, higher levels of patient compliance, consistently greater patient satisfaction, lower incidences of malpractice complaints, and reductions in practitioner burnout. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32364 2011-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

I love a good magic show! My son is a magician and I have always enjoyed watching good magician work. Sleight of hand has always amazed me. It takes a lot of practice to become a great magician.

By Stanley Greenfield, RHU I love a good magic show! My son is a magician and I have always enjoyed watching good magician work. Sleight of hand has always amazed me. It takes a lot of practice to become a great magician. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32363 2011-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

Being part of a community and receiving nourishment from others is especially vital for those of us who are in a profession of giving. If you review the friendships that you have developed through professional contexts you will, hopefully, find a lovely tapestry of caring people and common interests.

By Felice Dunas, PhD Being part of a community and receiving nourishment from others is especially vital for those of us who are in a profession of giving. If you review the friendships that you have developed through professional contexts you will, hopefully, find a lovely tapestry of caring people and common interests. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32359 2011-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

While attending acupuncture school, I was disappointed at the irrelevant nature of business classes that were offered to nascent practitioners, most of whom would eventually need to run a business on their own. Most acupuncture schools offer one business course that is mostly focused on such matters as teaching students how to write resumés. Those classes should be replaced by courses that will train practitioners in the business arts, such as banking, bookkeeping, herbal inventory and internal cash/collection control, to name just a few.

By Joni Renee Zalk While attending acupuncture school, I was disappointed at the irrelevant nature of business classes that were offered to nascent practitioners, most of whom would eventually need to run a business on their own. Most acupuncture schools offer one business course that is mostly focused on such matters as teaching students how to write resumés. Those classes should be replaced by courses that will train practitioners in the business arts, such as banking, bookkeeping, herbal inventory and internal cash/collection control, to name just a few. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32357 2011-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

It's important to separate yourself from work, even if you love what you do. For acupuncturists this is especially important because we interact with patients who tell us very private details about their lives. Sometimes it's a lot of information to carry on our shoulders.

By Denise Cicuto, LAc It's important to separate yourself from work, even if you love what you do. For acupuncturists this is especially important because we interact with patients who tell us very private details about their lives. Sometimes it's a lot of information to carry on our shoulders. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32354 2011-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

While attending acupuncture school, I was disappointed at the irrelevant nature of business classes that were offered to nascent practitioners, most of whom would eventually need to run a business on their own. Most acupuncture schools offer one business course that is mostly focused on such matters as teaching students how to write resumes. Those classes should be replaced by courses that will train practitioners in the business arts, such as banking, bookkeeping, herbal inventory and internal cash/collection control, to name just a few.

By Joni Renee Zalk While attending acupuncture school, I was disappointed at the irrelevant nature of business classes that were offered to nascent practitioners, most of whom would eventually need to run a business on their own. Most acupuncture schools offer one business course that is mostly focused on such matters as teaching students how to write resumes. Those classes should be replaced by courses that will train practitioners in the business arts, such as banking, bookkeeping, herbal inventory and internal cash/collection control, to name just a few. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32350 2011-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

I make mistakes. However, after 20 years of acupuncture detox work I have learned a few things, mostly the hard way. Every teacher tries to mitigate mistakes, and it is important to note there are things that can be taught, but to truly understand certain things, you must experience them first hand.

By Gregory Ross, LAc I make mistakes. However, after 20 years of acupuncture detox work I have learned a few things, mostly the hard way. Every teacher tries to mitigate mistakes, and it is important to note there are things that can be taught, but to truly understand certain things, you must experience them first hand. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32349 2011-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

When I have to negotiate and I am uncomfortable, I call the feeling "squidgy." To get rid of that feeling of insecurity I assess the situation, and use the Thomas-Killmann Conflict Instrument. In 1974, Kenneth W. Thomas and Ralph H. Kilmann introduced the five different conflict modes through Thomas-Killmann Conflict Instrument, and devised an assessment test. Knowing what type of conflict handling style you use helps you gain a perspective on your own actions and interpret other behaviors.

By Cynthia Pasciuto, JD When I have to negotiate and I am uncomfortable, I call the feeling "squidgy." To get rid of that feeling of insecurity I assess the situation, and use the Thomas-Killmann Conflict Instrument. In 1974, Kenneth W. Thomas and Ralph H. Kilmann introduced the five different conflict modes through Thomas-Killmann Conflict Instrument, and devised an assessment test. Knowing what type of conflict handling style you use helps you gain a perspective on your own actions and interpret other behaviors. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32347 2011-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

I am concerned, as I am at the start of every new year, on what is new or changing. Are there new diagnostic codes for acupuncture professionals? Also are we changing to ICD10 from ICD9? Finally, are there any new CPT codes for treatment from an acupuncturist such as acupuncture, exams, or physical medicine services that are commonly used by practitioners?

By Samuel A. Collins I am concerned, as I am at the start of every new year, on what is new or changing. Are there new diagnostic codes for acupuncture professionals? Also are we changing to ICD10 from ICD9? Finally, are there any new CPT codes for treatment from an acupuncturist such as acupuncture, exams, or physical medicine services that are commonly used by practitioners? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32333 2011-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

It's that time again! Time to see how much of the money that you already sent to I.R.S. you will be able to reclaim, or how many additional funds you will have to send now. It's a game that most dread, but with a little pre-planning, this can be more fun than any computer game. You can win every time if you know the rules and use them to benefit you.

By Stanley Greenfield, RHU It's that time again! Time to see how much of the money that you already sent to I.R.S. you will be able to reclaim, or how many additional funds you will have to send now. It's a game that most dread, but with a little pre-planning, this can be more fun than any computer game. You can win every time if you know the rules and use them to benefit you. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32301 2010-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

The dictionary defines deviate as "to turn aside from a course." I think that definition fits what I want to write about perfectly. It is exactly what I want you to do. I want you to turn aside from a course. The one that will take you down a route to financial disaster with no possibility of return.

By Stanley Greenfield, RHU The dictionary defines deviate as "to turn aside from a course." I think that definition fits what I want to write about perfectly. It is exactly what I want you to do. I want you to turn aside from a course. The one that will take you down a route to financial disaster with no possibility of return. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32280 2010-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

Every dollar you spend is a statement about the kind of world you want. Likewise, the way you run your office is a statement of the kind of practitioner you are.

By Gregg St. Clair, BA, MSTOM, LAc Every dollar you spend is a statement about the kind of world you want. Likewise, the way you run your office is a statement of the kind of practitioner you are. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32278 2010-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

Marketing encompasses all contact between anyone in your practice with everyone in the outside world. I suggest that your healing and marketing are closely related because your goal is to heal as many people as possible, and marketing yourself and your practice can make that possible.

By Jeffrey Grossman, LAc Marketing encompasses all contact between anyone in your practice with everyone in the outside world. I suggest that your healing and marketing are closely related because your goal is to heal as many people as possible, and marketing yourself and your practice can make that possible. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32230 2010-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

It's time to clean house and dump some insurance. Time to save a few bucks and make your overall insurance program leaner and meaner. So let's get to work. A good place to start is with your automobile insurance. Lots of dead weight there that we can get rid of and save a bundle.

By Stanley Greenfield, RHU It's time to clean house and dump some insurance. Time to save a few bucks and make your overall insurance program leaner and meaner. So let's get to work. A good place to start is with your automobile insurance. Lots of dead weight there that we can get rid of and save a bundle.