The Survival of Physicians

On January 6, 2012 the CNN website posted an article titled "Doctors Going Broke". It described several cases of independent physicians who are near bankruptcy although they once were quite well off. For instance, the article detailed the case of Dr. William Pentz, a cardiologist in a small group practice, who had to borrow money last month to make payroll. He and the other cardiologists have cut their salaries in order to meet overhead. Dr. Pentz ascribed the budget problems of the practice to the 35% to 40% cut in Medicare reimbursements for certain tests, such as stress tests. The practice overall saw a 9% decline in income compared to 2010. The article did say that there is a worrisome rise in the number of physicians experiencing financial difficulties. Although some point to new regulations and declining enrollment as the source of the troubles some financial experts point out that the problems may be due to the lack of business acumen of physicians and their staff.

A day after this report the Wall Street Journal posted an article about the bankruptcy and decline of several large corporations, including Kodak and Barnes & Noble. It compared these organizations to successful ones such as IBM and Johnson and Johnson. Briefly, it emphasized that the successful organizations were willing to take some risks on future developments and invest some of their capital into these risks. Not all such investments were successful but enough were to insure the success of the business.

With a bit of insight and some reasoning skills I believe I see in these patterns similarities to Darwin's theory on the survival of the species. Businesses and physician practices that adapt to their changing environments succeed where others languish or subside or sell their practices to hospital groups or insurers.

What are some of the common challenges that independent physicians as well as those that are part of hospital groups must face that directly affect income? Doctors face a 1% cut in Medicare reimbursement this year if they have not successfully demonstrated that they are using e-Prescribing in their practice. Practices must start using the new HIPAA security protocols this year or face cuts in reimbursements. This is the last year that physicians can receive the full $44000 for the adoption of EHR's. These are the most prominent challenges facing physicians but there are many others as mentioned in the opening paragraph.

What are some of the opportunities for independent physicians? Some independent physician practices are doing well in spite of the challenges. Many have looked at the changing landscape of reimbursement and have altered the way that they provide their services to maximize these new sources of income. To me it seems that many of the increased sources of income are for primary care groups and others who provide primary care services. One such example that comes to mind is the Patient-Centered Medical Home. Although CMS is not reimbursing groups for becoming PCMH's yet, some private insurers are. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is rewarding practices financially that become qualified as PCMH's. The January 27 edition of the Wall Street Journal stated that WellPoint and Aetna are beginning to reward primary care physicians for becoming certified a PCMH.

Another example is the formation of Accountable Care Organizations by physician groups. Although it seems that most medical professionals think about CMS's rules for ACO's several physician groups are contracting with private payers to form ACO's. Advocate Care in Illinois has successfully done so. The final rules from CMS on the formation of ACO's has made it much easier for physician groups to contract with CMS in the formation of an ACO without the inclusion of a hospital group as a partner.

I have found some very good resources that describe in some detail pathways for physicians to adopt in order to improve their income and outcomes for patients in light of the new landscape for reimbursement. One in particular that I like is Pathways for Physician Success Under Healthcare Payment and Delivery Reforms; it is posted on the AMA website. It describes in some detail the major new initiatives in payment reform, including PCMH's and ACO's. It also describes in some detail the skills needed by physician groups to successfully accommodate the new payment models. Among the skills are the ability to improve the delivery of the quality of service and the ability to be able to read and interpret data for the improvement of the quality of services delivered. The AMA also has a webpage that has many other resources for the successful adoption of new payment models. The American Society for Quality also has resources for healthcare that help develop the skills necessary for the adoption of the new payment models.

What are some of the change processes physicians can adopt in order to change their practices effectively? There are several, such as Lean Healthcare, Six Sigma and Total Quality Management. At the heart of most of them is the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle, a skill which most professional healthcare providers can learn. At its heart are teamwork and effective leadership.

Looking ahead to 2012 for your healthcare business, which pathway will you take? It seems manifest to me that continuing on the traditional pathway of the fee-for-service model exclusively only will result in a steady decline in income for most sites. Adapting to new payment models gradually but with a willingness for some risk more than likely will reward providers with new revenue sources and stable incomes.

Locating Good Sources for Hospital Medical Supplies and Medical Equipment

Hospitals have a obligation to give their patients quality healthcare. This means not only providing excellent service from doctors, nurses and staff members, but also to make certain the medical equipment used is up-to-date and fully operational. Locating sources of medical supplies is one of the most important functions of a hospital's administrators.

A good place to start the search for medical supplies is by contacting the purchasing managers of other medical centers. These people have experience in obtaining medical equipment for their institutions and can usually offer sound advice on what manufactures and distributors offer quality supplies at reasonable prices. You can simply call the hospitals in your area and tell them your looking to locate a new supplier.

An even easier way to find suppliers is to go online and perform a web search. Just type in "medical supplies" into the search box of your search engine and visit the various websites of the distributors. Virtually all of the major hospital supply companies have websites that showcase the types of products they sell. These websites will also provide contact numbers so that you can contact them directly to ask for more details, such as whether the distributor rents hospital equipment in addition to selling it, and also for pricing information.

If you are looking for a supplier who focuses on a particular need, such as acute care, for instance, you can type this phrase into the search box and discover companies that specialize in a particular field.

After finding a company that seems to offer the type of quality supplies you need at a price you can accept, its time to do further research to make sure they are reputable and have a history of customer satisfaction. You can check with your state's consumer safety agency or Attorney General's office to find out whether they have any complaints against them. You can also contact the supplier directly and ask him to provide a list of recommendations from hospitals or medical centers with which he has done business.

Another good resource to ensure that you are purchasing from a business with a good reputation is to check with the Better Business Bureau, or BBB. You can do this easily online at the BBB website, which grades businesses from A to F depending on the numbers and types of complaints that have been lodged against them.

For hospital purchasing managers looking to obtain quality supplies, another option is to utilize the services of a group purchasing association or co-op. These organizations have staff who are skilled in getting discount prices from manufacturers in exchange for doing a large volume of business. Hospitals can take advantage of their expertise and experience and allow the purchasing group to find the suppliers themselves. This will free up the time of hospital staff for other functions. The purchasing group knows what companies offer the best quality equipment for specific areas, such as surgical instruments or wound care supplies, and can simplify the overall process considerably.

Learn The Art Of Making A Pack For Your Surgical Instruments

Surgical packs are very popular amongst surgeons as it includes the necessary items like gauze sponges, sterile drapes that are properly wrapped, the basic instruments, and other similar materials that are usually laid out during surgical procedures on proper fenestrated pans. It is the duty of technicians in hospitals to sterilize and prepare these surgical packs for the E.R and then stock them for future need. The process of sterilization for instruments is very important and has to be done adequately through the use of pressurized steam created in an autoclave, especially if the surgical instruments require sterilization on a low pressure, using plasma or gas sterilization.

Learning how to properly sterilize and pack surgical instruments is really important for the safety of the patient. This is why learning the basic principles that apply in the art of packing instruments should be learned by all doctors and technicians working in hospitals. To start the process you have to first painstakingly clean and then fully dry all the instruments. Then collect all the other materials that you need to add in to your pack. The use of an ultrasonic instrument for cleaning the instruments once you are done washing is preferable. Otherwise you can simply hand wash the instruments using enzymatic solution which is specially designed for cleaning surgical instruments. You should make sure that you properly clean off all rust and debris from the instruments. You have to make sure that the solution you are using for cleaning your instruments is neutral pH otherwise you can end up with stains on your instruments.

Now proceed to lubricating the surgical instruments that need to be lubricated. Again always purchase a lubricant that is specifically designed for this purpose. Give proper time for the instruments to fully dry once you are done lubricating them. You have to make sure that you properly count all the materials and instruments like suture needles, gauze sponges, etc to ensure that you have the count absolutely necessary. This is a very crucial stage because when the pack of instruments is opened, the surgeons count every item before stitching up the patient to make sure that they have not accidentally left any item from the pack inside the surgeon.

When packing some of the instruments it is best that they are packed individually or in small collections using plastic or paper pouch made of the professional usage heat - sealing plastic variety. If you plan on using plasma sterilization on your surgical instruments you should use Mylar or Tyvek pouches or simply purchase a polyester fabric wrap of the nonwoven variety. Some of the packs that you put together would have to be of a larger size according to your surgeon's preferences. If you need to pack a fenestrated pan in your pack of instruments, always make sure that you first place a lint - free towel on to your pan before putting in other instruments or materials. This is how you pack surgical instruments professionally and efficiently. For more further visit Surgical Instruments.

Importance of Timely Maintenance and Repair for Your Laboratory Equipment

The medical equipment you use need to be durable and precise to ensure accurate results and flawless functioning. Timely maintenance and repair for your laboratory equipment is therefore necessary if you want it to function smoothly. Whether in a chemistry or medical lab, devices are subject to wear and tear because of frequent use. To ensure high accuracy of various diagnostic test results, excellent maintenance of medical laboratory equipment is vital.

Keep Medical Equipment Up-to-date with Timely Attention

With increased focus on patient safety in the present day medical scenario, reputable hospitals and lab practices have to concentrate on measures designed to prevent adverse events resulting from medical errors. The maintenance and repair of laboratory devices should by all means be carried out by qualified and adequately trained personnel or technicians. All equipment parts are to be checked and verified, and the faulty components are to be replaced. Repairers can be asked to inform in advance about the malfunction of a particular unit connected to the equipment. All such devices should be checked often and inspection reports submitted to the head of the laboratory or institution.

There are certain medical equipment that requires lubrication and oiling. The oil and liquid used should also be kept in parameters prescribed by manufacturers. If you have the budget for it, you can retain a maintenance staff, but if you find it costly you can opt for trustworthy and dependable third party agencies.

Points to Note when Purchasing Lab Equipment

While purchasing the required laboratory equipment, the first thing one has to make sure is the quality of the equipment. The dealer should also guarantee proper warranty and after sales services in a timely manner. Ideally, go for an established medical equipment supplier with an extensive collection of new and recertified products of well-known brands. Ensure that you are given a good equipment service contract, as well as installation and repair solutions for all laboratory equipment you buy. Another thing you have to be sure of is that your dealer has factory trained technicians with expertise to provide on-the-site service and ensure safe and smooth functioning of the laboratory equipment.

A number of agencies provide economical, customized service contracts, designed to meet your needs on a wide variety of instrumentation.

Whether your laboratory equipment is brand new or recertified, it is necessary that its performance is evaluated frequently and the devices reconditioned promptly. Though modern laboratory devices are designed with sophisticated technology and specifications, proper and timely post-purchase maintenance services is important to ensure their smooth and accurate functioning. The efficient maintenance and revamping services offered by an established laboratory equipment supplier make certain that all apparatus in your facility function well.

Timely maintenance and repair for your laboratory equipment is the best way to make sure that your lab processes are uninterrupted and you benefit from accurate test results.

Pharmacy Jobs - A Top Career in the Healthcare Industry

Pharmacy professionals play an important role in the care of patients and in other areas of the healthcare industry. Pharmacists in the community and hospital setting ensure that patients receive the right medications. They also advise patients regarding medicines, including how to take them, what reactions could happen, and about drug interactions. They are a major resource for medical information in hospitals, clinics, community pharmacies, and many other settings.

One major advantage of having a doctor of pharmacy degree (PharmD) is the variety of opportunities that are available. When most people think of the pharmacy profession they think about the community, hospital, or clinic pharmacist. Although community and hospital pharmacies are the top employers, pharmacy jobs or jobs that require a pharmacist's knowledge are available in other areas of healthcare or related industries. The pharmaceutical industry is such an example. Pharmaceutical companies have many jobs that are a close match with PharmD training. Some entry level jobs are available immediately after graduation but many jobs require a fellowship/residency, experience, or additional credentials. Other non-traditional pharmacy jobs include pharmacy consultant, nuclear pharmacy, regulatory jobs at the FDA, and academia. Recently, a new type of pharmacy job called medication therapy management (MTM) pharmacist or personal pharmacist has emerged and is growing. MTM pharmacists provide face-to-face comprehensive medication consultation and bill for their services independent of drug dispensing. Many experts believe that this is the future of the pharmacy profession.

Coupled with the diversity of opportunities, pharmacists also enjoy very high starting salaries compared with most health professions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2012 Handbook the median salary for pharmacists was $111,570 in 2010. Top earners earned more than $138,620 annually. Pharmacists are one of the highest paid professionals in the healthcare industry.

The job outlook is very favorable for pharmacists. Between 2010 and 2020 the Bureau of Labor projects a 25% growth in the number of pharmacy jobs. This is faster than projected growth for all occupations and is closer to the projected growth in nursing jobs (26%). Factors that may contribute to this future growth include new drug approvals, more insured individuals, aging population, older pharmacists retiring, and a shift in demand for more pharmacists to provide patient counseling services (medication therapy management).

Given the above-mentioned variety of pharmacy jobs, pay, and growth trends, a pharmacist career is very promising. Those who are embarking on a career in the healthcare field should seriously consider pharmacy as an option.

Walk In Clinics Offer Many of the Same Services As Hospitals

With all of the time constraints that the average person faces on a daily basis, it can seem impossible trying to make it to a doctor's appointment on time, let alone scheduling one. Since the average person has numerous obligations and there are only 24 hours in a day; out of which a typical doctor's office is only open for 8 of those hours; there is no wonder why more and more people are opting to be seen and treated at a walk in clinic instead.

These types of facilities not only cater to people with busy schedules, they also are much more affordable than the average hospital. In a day and age where more and more people are losing their jobs, having to work more than one job and are unable to afford medical insurance, going to a walk in clinic for all of your medical needs is a lot more desirable.

Clinics offer many of the services you can get at a hospital. The only difference is you are not paying an astronomical amount of money for testing and treatment; you also are not restricted to being seen between 9-5 when most people are at work. You have more flexibility because many walk in clinics have extended hours that leaves them open well into the evenings for the working folks. Unlike hospitals and their physicians who tend to have hundreds of patients on any particular day, you don't have to wait for an appointment. You can walk into a treatment facility any time you feel the need or have the time. This comes in handy when you are sick, feeling miserable and in need of some medication.

Since you are being seen at a clinic, the fees you incur for a visit are much less expensive than what you are charged at a hospital for the same procedures. One reason for this is the walk in clinic does not have to make up for the huge overhead operating expenses. You don't have to pay a portion of the doctors' salary or contribute towards the price of all the equipment and salaries of their thousands of employees.

As the cost of healthcare continues to rise, more and more people are going to medical clinics instead. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is more comfortable and soothing than a sterile hospital setting. Many people are not fans of having to go to a hospital because they feel put off and intimidated by the buildings and staff. Since smaller medical facilities are much more welcoming, more patients develop lasting relationships with the medical professionals at these facilities.

Studies show that more people tend to be more honest about their medical history with the physicians at the local medical facilities than they are with the doctors at the hospitals. One reason for this may be due to a patient's uneasiness and from hearing about someone else's negative experiences at a hospital. Walk in clinics are much more accessible and affordable to everyone regardless of income and residency.

Healthcare Management - A Career in Healthcare Without a Medical Degree

Healthcare is an expanding industry. The need for qualified doctors and medical staff in hospitals will continue to increase as will the need for skilled managers to run them.

Hospital managers or healthcare administrators plan, coordinate and manage the business related activities within a hospital or medical practice and ensure proper delivery of services. This includes activities such as creating and supervising work schedules and managing finances. Individuals that choose this career path usually have sympathetic personalities and genuinely want to help others. They also need to display good interpersonal skills and leadership ability as directing and motivating others forms a key part of the position.

On an academic level, entry into this field requires at least a bachelor's degree and most healthcare management professionals hold a master's degree in health administration, health sciences or business administration. Graduates generally begin their careers as administrative assistants and move on to become managers, administrators or department heads once they've gained some experience.

The number of hospital administrators present in a hospital will vary and depend to a large extent on the size of the facility. A larger medical facility may have an administrator that's responsible for each department i.e. nursing, physical therapy and patient records. In smaller facilities there may only be one administrator that takes care of all activities across the board, either on their own or with the help of an assistant. For this reason it can be more beneficial for graduates to start out at a smaller facility to get a more hands on experience across all departments.

Hospital administrators need to keep up to date on industry development and regulations to ensure that their medical practice stays compliant. The provision of safe healthcare and accreditation of institutions is one area where standards and regulations are enforced strictly. Accreditation as a practice aims to minimize and prevent the occurrence of human error through standards development and incident reporting. In South Africa, medical professionals across all areas of specialization need to be registered with the Health professions council before they are allowed to practice.

According to the US Bureau of labor statistics, projected growth of this career field between 2010 and 2020 is 22 percent (which is considered faster than average across all occupations). The median annual wage of health service managers in 2011 was $86,400. According to Pay scale, starting salaries usually range from $35,000 - $95,000 a year while more experienced healthcare managers can earn over $200,000 a year.