DICCF

Who is Dr. Hendricks?

2010-03-23T19:45:00.000-07:00

“I quit when medicine was placed under State control some years ago,” said Dr. Hendricks. “Do you know what it takes to perform a brain operation? Do you know the kind of skill it demands, and the years of passionate, merciless, excruciating devotion that go to acquire that skill? That was what I could not place at the disposal of men whose sole qualification to rule me was their capacity to spout the fraudulent generalities that got them elected to the privilege of enforcing their wishes at the point of a gun. I would not let them dictate the purpose for which my years of study had been spent, or the conditions of my work, or my choice of patients, or the amount of my reward. I observed that in all the discussions that preceded the enslavement of medicine, men discussed everything—except the desires of the doctors. Men considered only the ‘welfare’ of the patients, with no thought for those who were to provide it. That a doctor should have any right, desire or choice in the matter, was regarded as irrelevant selfishness; his is not to choose, they said, but ‘to serve.’ That a man who's willing to work under compulsion is too dangerous a brute to entrust with a job in the stockyards—never occurred to those who proposed to help the sick by making life impossible for the healthy. I have often wondered at the smugness at which people assert their right to enslave me, to control my work, to force my will, to violate my conscience, to stifle my mind—yet what is it they expect to depend on, when they lie on an operating table under my hands? Their moral code has taught them to believe that it is safe to rely on the virtue of their victims. Well, that is the virtue I have withdrawn. Let them discover the kind of doctors that their system will now produce. Let them discover, in the operating rooms and hospital wards, that it is not safe to place their lives in the hands of a man they have throttled. It is not safe, if he is the sort of man who resents it—and still less safe, if he is the sort who doesn’t.”
-- Ayn Rand, from Atlas Shrugged, published in 1957

March Professionals Helping Professionals Semaniar was Fantastic!

2010-03-20T14:28:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who attended this morning's PHP seminar at UDI Winter Park office. What a great turnout! Thanks again to Brianna for getting things together.

Drs. Ingrando and Connelly were awesome speaking about nervous system physiology and whiplash injury. One of the best I've heard on the subject. Richard Hale, Esquire did a great job discussing PIP statues including some very interesting case law.

Jennifer Taggart was fantastic discussing Small business management. Karlye Martonelli and Stephan finished the seminar with a wonderful and informative talk on the subject of internet marketing.

What a great networking opportunity for all! The turnout was great and the coffee was hot. What could be a better way to start off the weekend. While Orlando sleeps, we are learning and networking!!

Don't miss the next seminar on April 17 from 8 to 10:30 am at UDI Winter Park office. So far the list of speakers include Dr. Marc Ott, Michael Mills, Esq., and David Stahl from SunTrust. RSVP to Brianna Entler at bentler@udiwp.com.

Anyone interested in presenting at future seminars can also contact Brianna.

Please check out the lecture materials posted on this website from past talks.

February PHP Seminar was AWESOME!!!!!

2010-02-20T17:53:00.000-08:00

Happy to announce a great turnout at today's Professionals Helping Professionals seminar. Thank you to all the speakers- wow!!! It was a great networking opportunity for all the doctors, attorneys, financial folks and all the rest. Next seminar is March 20th again at UDI at 8 am.

Rick Martinadle and Ana Lopez gave great talks on insurance and PIP issues. They were fantastic.

Brent Jordan spoke about financial planning strategies and was great.

The humble Dr. Stanley lectured about intracranial trauma imaging and tailored MRI techniques.

Special thanks to Brianna Entler for organizing this event. As usual she did a great job! She is a true pro. YOU ARE AWESOME!!!

Professionals Helping Professionals (Round 2)

2010-02-17T12:33:00.001-08:00

Don't forget! This weekend is Professionals Helping Professionals, a seminar series and networking event hosted by Dr. Stanley. This month's seminar will feature

Rick Martidale, The Martindale Law Group
Brent Jordan, Merill Lynch
George Stanley, Diagnostic Imaging Consultants of Central Florida

Last month we had a great turnout and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Please RSVP by Friday to Brianna at bentler@udiwp.com or 407.937.9245. Make sure you bring plenty of business cards!

We hope to see you there!

University Diagnostic Institute of Winter Park

111 N Lakemont Ave

Winter Park Fl 32792

8.00-10.30 am

Twitter and Facebook and Blogs... Oh, my! (Part II)

2010-02-10T12:35:00.000-08:00

I often joke around that I am a Professional Facebooker. My friends just call me a stalker. Others say I am a social medial marketer. No matter what you call me the endgame is the same: I love Facebook. It's genius! No, seriously. It is. Why? Oh, I'm so glad you asked!

Connections. Say you go to a networking event. We'll use Professionals Helping Professionals (Feb 20th. RSVP to bentler@udiwp.com.) At PHP you meet Dr. X, a new chiropractor in the area. You guys really hit it off and realize you have the same business goals and that there is an opportunity for business expansion. You excahnge business cards but, because you are so busy, you misplace the card. Simply jump on Facebook and "friend" Dr. X (He knows, like you, that social media is really important for businesses). You can now follow up with your orignal meeting and get started on that expansion.
Business Promotion. Fan Pages are key! Create one for your business/event/book etc. and keep all of your fans up to date. The important thing to remember in business promotion is to create a fan page... not a group. Fan page updates are published directly to news feeds. You update. People read.

There are so many other uses for Facebook... What is your favorite part about Facebook? Need help getting started? Contact DICCF and let us help out.

Use the economy to your advantage

2010-02-08T13:13:00.000-08:00

Check out the new issue of Florida Doctor! Dr. Stanley's article gives tips for maximizing your practices profitablity by maximizing inbound logistics.

To read the article click here and skip down to page 22.

Twitter and Facebook and Blogs, Oh My! (Part 1)

2010-02-04T11:07:00.000-08:00

First things first. One does not twitter. One tweets. And, no, I'm not talking about the sound birds make. I'm talking about Twitter.

I'm not going to lie. At first, I thought Twitter was creepy. Why do I want the entire world to know what I ordered at PF Chang's for lunch? Or that my Mac computer is on the fritz? Or how the driver in front of me should not be allowed on the roads? Creeps McGee. Well, I've jumped on the bandwagon. Twitter is an invaluable tool for companies.

But, I'm getting a bit ahead of myself. For those of you who don't know about Twitter say hello to the light that's been blocked by the huge rock you've been under... Twitter is a micro-blog that allows its users to post entries of 140 characters or less. Stuck in a traffic jam? Tweet it. Running late to a meeting? Tweet it. But Twitter is no longer just for the average Joe. (Taken directly from their website:)

"Business and organizations of all shapes and sizes are now able to stay connected to their customers. It can be used to quickly share information with people interested in your company, gather real-time market intelligence and feedback, and build relationships with customers, partners and other people who care about your business. Customers can use Twitter to tell a company (or anyone else) that they've had a great--or disappointing-- experience with your business, offer product ideas, and learn about great offers they've selected to be notified of."

The condensed version? You can connect with your customers very easily and find out what they think about your company. A man didn't like the service he received? *bam* He tweets about it and you receive his feedback immediately. You can address his complaint and solve the problem. Chances are, your fast response time and acknowledgement will impress the customer and keep him coming back to your company.

Twitter has a section of their website geared specifically towards business solutions. I really recommend you check it out. One company, for example, lets customers Tweet their coffee order. Pretty cool right? I don't know about you but any company that makes my life easier is a company I will keep returning to... Especially if I can do it in 140 characters.

New Link to Nomenclature and Classification of Lumbar Disc Pathology

2010-01-24T07:56:00.000-08:00

We have added a link to the February 2003 Update on the Nomenclature and Classification of Lumbar Disc Pathology. This may be helpful to our physicians and attorneys that deal with these issues. As always, if you have any questions you can include them in the comments section or email them to Dr. Stanley.

Professionals Helping Professionals Seminar was a Success!

2010-01-24T05:36:00.000-08:00

Thanks everyone for attending the inaugural Professionals Helping Professionals seminar on Saturday morning January 23 at the UDI in beautiful Winter Park. The speakers were interesting and informative. Dr. George Stanley spoke about the rational behind PHP and then delivered a lecture on the nomenclature of disc disease based on the February 2003 update. Rich Millar then spoke on asset allocation with emphasis on minimizing downside risk in a portfolio.

Karyle Martonelli spoke about emarketing and strategies to get your company on the first page of Google searches. Rick Martindale, Esquire gave an informative talk about insurance law. Todd Long, Esquire spoke about his run for US Congress in the 2010 election.

Special thanks to Brianna Entler for organizing this fabulous event.

We had a full room of professionals for our first event and hope to build upon this success for the next meeting. PHP is interested in bringing together quality professionals that our members are proud to recommend to members of their network.

The next meeting of PHP will be held at University Diagnostic Imaging Winter Park located at 111 N. Lakemont Ave. in Winter Park, FL 32792 at 8 am on Saturday February 20, 2010. Please RSVP to Brianna Entler at bentler@udiwp.com.

2010

2010-01-04T07:25:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, everyone!

The new year brings new beginnings and new ventures. For DICCF this means a new website. Check it out at DICOCF.com.

Don't forget about the upcoming Professionals Helping Professionals seminar on Saturday, January 23. RSVP your spot today!

Welcome Back!

2009-12-27T15:14:00.000-08:00

Here at DICCF and the Gator Nation are happy to have our great coach back! We pray that Coach Meyer's physical ailments and stress will be taken care of soon.

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am meek and humble of heart;
and you will find rest for yourselves.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

Prayers for Coach Meyer

2009-12-26T18:01:00.000-08:00

Our prayers are with Coach Urban Meyer and his family. Thank you for all you have done for the Gators. We know it was an extremely stressful job with high expectations. May God bless you and keep you healthy.

What will Happen to a Government Run Health System? Look at Rent Controls

2009-12-23T15:28:00.000-08:00

A few decades ago, bureaucrats in large cities such as New York and San Francisco had bleeding hearts for it's citizens. The reason that the lower and middle class could not get "affordable housing", according to these politicians, was that the evil landlords were too greedy and were charging outrageous rents. How dare they make "excessive profits". So the politicians passed rent controls. Rent controls are price ceiling that put a limit on how high a landlord could charge for rent. These were put on apartment buildings that were in neighborhoods of the middle and lower classes.

Now the greedy landlords couldn't raise rents on their tenants, no matter how high inflation, cost of living, taxes and cost of repairs went up. So predictably, the first thing that happened was that repairs were not made by the landlords and the buildings went into disrepair. Next, since the landlords could not make a profit, or even pay expenses, many abandoned the buildings and walked away. The buildings turned into slums and many were vandalized and some burned down. The very people that were supposed to get affordable housing now had nowhere to live. Of course, no one built buildings that would qualify for rent controls, so no new rent controlled apartments became available. Landlords either turned apartment buildings into condominiums or built luxury apartments that were not subjected to rent controls. Of course the cities did build government owned "projects" which of course turned into slums and were riddled with drugs and crime.

This resulted in less housing for the people that the rent control programs were intended to help. The more affluent had more housing choices. This didn't help the poorer city residents because, of course they couldn't afford the luxury apartments. So even though there was housing available, the poor and middle class didn't have access, unless they waited long enough for the few remaining rent controlled apartments or a place in the projects opened up. The wait was usually years and sometimes people had to wait for people to die to get an apartment in the few remaining rent controlled buildings.

Fast forward to the Democratic health care Plan.

The rent controlled apartments and projects are the public option and government run healthcare, the landlords are the private practice physicians and the luxury apartments are their practices. Figure it out.

'Tis the Season

2009-12-23T10:30:00.000-08:00

The Martindale Law Group hosted their annual holiday party last week. Thank you for the invitation!

UDI Christmas Party

2009-12-23T06:54:00.000-08:00

The annual UDI Christmas party was held this Monday at Circa. Everyone had a great time. A big thanks to Dr. Stanley, Dr. Bagby and Suzanne for hosting us!

Maximizing the Profitability of Your Practice: Value Chain Analysis

2009-12-21T08:18:00.000-08:00

Part 1: Inbound Logistics: Cost Reduction

Economic times are tough for all businesses, including many of our medical practices. Our patients are putting off medical treatments for a myriad of reasons, including unemployment and high insurance deductibles. Compounding the issue is the fact that our payers have drastically reduced payments for those we treat.

Since most of us rely on managed care and government insurance for the majority our revenue, we are by definition price takers. In other words, we accept the reimbursement that is contractually available to us and have limited ability to set our prices. Given these challenges, it is essential that we optimize the factors we can control.

Linking Competitive Advantage to Profitability

Let’s examine the concept of the value chain. Harvard professor Michael Porter introduced this concept in the 1980s. The value chain applies to all businesses and can be applied to our medical practices. The basic concept of the value chain is that business processes can be categorized by five primary and four secondary activities, each of which should be maximized to allow for competitive advantage over “rival” companies in one’s industry.

When value chain activities are maximized, so is profitability. Primary activities include inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, marketing and sales, and finally, service after the sale. Secondary activities include firm infrastructure, innovation of technology, human resources, and procurement. Here, we will concentrate on the primary activities of the value chain with a focus on inbound logistics.

Inbound logistics deals with the acquisition of the components that we use to run our practices. These include our supplies, vendor contracts, office equipment, and managed care contracts. As profit is the difference between revenue and expenses (costs), it is critical to look closely at the cost component of this equation, especially in light of the diminishing reimbursements we all are facing.

Using the Challenging Economy to Your Advantage

The first thing to consider is that as the business aspect of practicing medicine gets tougher for us, it also becomes tougher for our vendors. You can turn this situation to your advantage by negotiating better deals. Review your contacts with the suppliers and shop around contracts for supplies and services. In order to keep existing customers and attract new ones, these vendors must offer more competitive pricing on their products. Just as we do, vendors currently have to operate at lower margins, but certainly will not proactively give you a break on an existing product; it is up to you to initiate the negotiations.

The Internet is a great tool for discovering and locating alternative suppliers. Because competitors are anxious to generate new business, most will significantly lower their prices. A few hundred dollars per month of savings here and there adds up to several thousands of dollars per year in profit. This could be equivalent to several office visits, surgeries, or procedures.

Next, consider used or refurbished office equipment rather than brand new. For example, computer systems, phone systems, fax machines, copiers and office furniture can be purchased used at significantly lower prices than new, and if procured by a reputable company with a solid track record, these items can perform as well as their new counterparts. It is up to you to conduct due diligence before making such purchases to ensure optimum performance. Also, the service contracts for these products should be put out to bid to find the best value.

Renegotiate with your other vendors, such as linen suppliers, custodial services, and medical waste companies, as well. Many of these contracts were probably initiated years ago before the economic downturn and have not been reviewed in light of the current situation. Over the past year, the author has enjoyed significant savings per month (several thousands per year) simply by changing suppliers of these services.

Become a Bargain Hunter

This isn’t to suggest cutting the quality of our supplies and services, but instead lowering our costs to match current market prices while maintaining good quality. These prices are reflected in the marketplace by simple supply and demand. As demand for these products are decreasing because of the down economy, we as consumers benefit by taking advantage of the lower market prices. However, we have to look for or even ask for the bargains; most will not fall into our laps.

In summary, increased revenue is not the only element of the profit equation. In fact, increased revenue for most of us means higher volumes and longer hours. While this is certainly not always bad, simply reducing costs may be the easiest and most effective way to increase the profitability of our practices in these challenging economic times.

Striving to be a Great Leader

2009-12-19T13:05:00.000-08:00

What makes a great leader? What person do we think of when asked this question? It may be someone we are drawn to because of inteligence or charisma. Some imagine someone with the ability to give clear direction during times of frustration and uncertainty. Others think of a person that gives emotional support and encouragement in seemingly bleak and insurmountable situations. All of these are acceptable characteristics of succesful leaders and have been validated in various theories and research.

However, I submit that one should step back and evaluate a leader in terms of the general good that he bestows upon his followers and not just on the grounds of the success of particular projects. Being a great leader is much more than that. A leader should be judged ultimately by the long term value he adds to each of his followers. A great leader transforms his followers by unlocking their potential to perform on a much higher level than they ever though possible. He admonishes the virtuous gift of improving someone else’s life. Most importantly, a great leader enhances his followers’ self-worth and self-image, both of which will allow his followers success not only at future jobs, but also in life as better spouses, parents and friends. To sum it up, a great leader must be a life changer.

In order for a leader to achieve this objective, he has to spend time and effort to really know each suborinate on a very personal level. He must understand their long term goals and bestow his experience and knowledge to give them the necessary tools to achieve them. He must remove obsticles laid by thoughts of past failures which leave them uncertain of their self-value. He must overcome poor first impressions and outward apperences and dig deep to find the good in each person and nurture it. A great leader understands that it’s not about him, it’s about others.

The follower desires a leader with honesty, integrety, and moral clarity. A great leader must be honest in terms of never overpromising or underrewarding. His integrety consists of wholesome behavior on and off the job. His moral clarity is displayed by his understanding of right versus wrong. Only when a follower has trust in a leader will he allow himself to be transformed.

This is the type of leader I strive to be. Remember, as leaders we will touch thousands of people in our lifetimes, but each for a relatively short period. If we are lucky enough to be their “life changer”, maybe when they are asked, “What makes a great leader?” our image will appear in their minds.

Much to Be Thankful for in 2009

2009-12-14T16:16:00.000-08:00

It's been a great year. Great family, friends and associates have made it that. The best is yet to come.

In the last few weeks with the help of several people especially Brianna, we have lauched an exciting new company. Diagnostic Imaging Consultants of Central Florida has a unique appeal to physicians and entrepreneurs alike. Our exciting monthly seminars, "Professionals Helping Professionals" will be a great success. We are looking forward to another exciting year with our new and old team members. Most importantly, we are looking forward to developing new friendships and nourishing old ones.

May God bless you and your families as we share the gift of His Son this Holy season.

Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Increased Health Care Access for the Uninsured

2009-12-13T19:51:00.000-08:00

Besides costs, critics site access to the US health care system as a major problem. It is estimated that there are between 15 and 40 million uninsured people in the US. The real number of uninsured US citizens is around 20 to 24 million, well less than 10% of the US population.

Despite the small percentage of uninsured in this country, our Congress and president feel the need to revamp our entire system, with increased cost to tax payers (who for the most part are happy with their current insurance) and more government control. Why would anyone want their health care run with the same compassion, efficiency, and customer service as the DMV or IRS? These politicians want to throw the baby out with the bath water.

How is this for a simpler solution? If we are really concerned about taking care of the uninsured instead of drastically increasing government bureaucracy, why don't we focus on the uninsured alone instead of changing the system for everyone.

Who are these uninsured? The impoverished have Medicaid, so they are insured. The elderly are insured by Medicare. Some young adults choose not to be insured which is their right. Some however are caught in the middle somewhere. These people may have lost their jobs recently or for other reasons may have fallen on hard financial times because of economic downturns. Some are uninsurable because of pre-existing conditions. These are the people we should help.

Our solution? Identify theses citizens by setting up private organizations, perhaps staffed by volunteers, or by county medical societies. Citizens that meet certain criteria of low income, unemployment or other factors apply to these private organizations for approval. These criteria are either set by the county or state, but never the federal government (10th Amendment).

If the citizen and his family meet the criteria, they are given an "insurance card". They may use this in any hospital or doctor's office of their choosing. The provider will get reimbursed with a tax credit equal to or slightly greater than Medicare reimbursement. Not for profit hospitals and clinics would be obligated to take these citizens as patients to maintain their tax exempt status. Private doctors and hospitals that take Medicare would have a choice whether or not to participate.

The citizens truly in need would now have health care, willing providers will be compensated with tax credits, and the vast majority of Americans that are happy with their insurance will be able to maintain it. This is without out of pocket costs for state or federal governments (our money anyway) and without a government take over of our system.

This is a blueprint for a simple solution to access of health care for the vast minority of Americans that are truly in need. The details can be worked out. DICCF will volunteer to help.

Heatlthcare Reform. Why Not Go Back to Economics 101?

2009-12-11T17:32:00.000-08:00

There is an utter panic on both sides of the aisle concerning the health care debate. The United States has the highest quality medical care in the world. This is not debatable. Our doctors are the best trained and our medical schools are second to none. Foreign citizens flock to the USA for medical care and the opposite is anecdotal.

The critics of our current system site costs and access as the main problems. Let's talk about costs today.

Advances in technology including such procedures as CAT scans and MRI scans have taken a bad rap in the rise of medical costs. However, these procedures have led to earlier diagnoses and therefore reduced mortality and morbidity. These machines allow doctors to diagnose diseases in a noninvasive manner (no cutting on the patient). Just a quarter century ago, some of the same diseases had to be discovered with exploratory surgery. Despite the risks of the surgery and the anesthesia, some of these explorations found nothing. These surgeries certainly were more expensive relative to the modern cost of a CAT scan or MRI and by far posed a greater risk to the patient.

Is it any wonder that these procedures are highly sought after by doctor and patient alike? The appeal of MRI and CAT Scans are early and accurate diagnoses without surgery or other invasive tests. Patients know they are available and want them. Therefore the natural demand for these procedures is high.

Going back to Economics 101, when there is high demand for a product (increase in quantity demanded), the price of the product (equilibrium price) rises. More profits can now be made by the "seller". What happens next, in a free market, more sellers come into the business and the supply (quantity supplied) increases. As the quantity supplied increases, the price of the product decreases as sellers will lower their price (price competition) to entice consumers. The high profits realized by the initial sellers will also decrease until an new equilibrium price is reached. It is at this price sellers can sell all they want and buyer can buy all they want. Also sellers will only receive "normal profits" which are just enough profit to justify being in that particular business. Thus, the free market has decided what the price of the product should be.

This however is not the case in the medical industry. Third party payers (government and insurance companies) have set prices that they are willing to pay doctors and hospitals for their services. This is called "managed care". Essentially these are price controls or ceilings. Therefore the free market influences have become severely diluted. Usually price ceilings create a situation that lowers the profits of sellers because they cannot charge what the free market consumer is willing to pay. If the price ceiling is too low, some sellers leave the business as they cannot make normal profits. Therefore the quantity supplied decreases, however the demand increases because of the lower prices. This ultimately results in shortages (too many consumers, not enough product). This is the scenario in countries with socialized medicine where patients must want months, sometimes years for procedures. Many die waiting. We do not want this in the USA. Cuts in medicare funding proposed in some of the legislation may do just that.

Here at DICCF, we are not here to criticize the current system or any one's opinion about health care. The purpose of this piece is to generate ideas of how this country's outstanding health care could be better distributed to its citizens. DICCF believes in the free market approach as do many scholars in the field. This system works in all businesses, why not health care? What can we do as citizens to maintain our highest quality health care and at the same time make it affordable to our citizens without driving doctors and hospitals out of business? Here at DICCF, we believe Adam Smith's invisible hand of free market capitalism needs to become more visible in health care.

Seminar Dates

2009-12-08T11:19:00.001-08:00

Start your year off the right way. Join DICCF for our monthly seminar series, Professionals Helping Professionals. Enjoy breakfast and mingle with colleagues before the seminar. Sign up your office or attend solo. This event is promised to be a wonderful networking opportunity.

When:
January 23, 2010

Where:
University Diagnostic Institute
111 N Lakemont Avenue
Winter Park, Florida 32792

Our scheduled speakers:

George A. Stanley, M.D., M.B.A

Rich Millar, CIMA

Todd Miner, Personal Injury Attorney

If you would like to attend please RSVP to 407.937.9245 or bentler@udiwp.com. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

We're on Facebook!

2009-12-08T09:53:00.000-08:00

Yes, DICCF is finally on facebook! Become a fan and be kept up to date with our latest events.

All you have to do is search Diagnostic Imaging Consultants of Central Florida!

New Opportunities

2009-12-01T07:41:00.000-08:00

At Diagnostic Imaging Consultants, we recognize the importance of new technology and the impact social media has on society. Businesses are no longer limited by their geographic location. We can connect with patients, customers, and business contacts from all over the world. Our patients are more informed. More aware. Results are expected almost immediately, excellent customer service is demanded and DICCF agrees.

Follow our blog for the latest in medical information, seminar dates, and other little tidbits. We are so excited to start this new venture. Visit frequently, comment often but, most importantly, enjoy.