American CareSource Enters Urgent Care

In 2013, Urgent Care industry revenue topped $14B.  By 2018, revenue is projected to increase to approximately $19B.  Not surprising then...that American CareSource, a network of ancillary healthcare providers, is moving into the urgent care market space.  Their foray begins with the acquisition of two urgent care clinics in the Atlanta metro area.  The Locust Grove and Decatur clinics were previously owned by CorrectMed, LLC.  >>Read more

With the completed acquisition, Dr. Richard Turner, American CareSource CEO, affirms,  

"…we have taken our first important step in entering the urgent care market.  The two centers will be the centerpiece of our strategy to become the high-quality, patient-centric provider of conveniently available affordable urgent care…"

Related:  More Regular Care = Urgent Care Growth

More Expansion in Dermatology Specialty

Dermatology Associates (Tyler, TX) is moving North…

The portfolio company of  Candescent Partners is combining with Kansas City-based Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center (DSCC).  Together, the organization of 25 physicians will provide services to patients from 14 locations in Texas, Kansas and Missouri.  Geoff Wayne will serve as CEO for the combined practices.  >>Read more     

Related:  Dermatology Associates of Tyler Get a Partner

The Dermatology Associates acquisition follows another healthcare-related deal by the PE firm completed earlier this year.  Candescent Healing, a Candescent Partners portfolio company, merged with a subsidiary of RestorixHealth in January.  The two companies, operating under the name RestorixHealth, will continue its focus in the development and management of wound care treatment centers.  (The transaction represented an exit for Candescent Healing, its investors and its management team.)

Derm Platform Continues Buying Spree

Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, the Maitland, Florida-based "Derm" Giant, followed up an early January Midwest acquisition with a few more this year.  Their most recent buys will further strengthen the firm's presence in their home state and include: 

1. South Florida:  Miramar Dermatology founded by Dr. Jay Gottlieb  >>Read more 
2. West Florida:  Albergo Palm Harbor Dermatology founded by Dr. Robert Albergo  >>Read more 
3. North Florida:   North Florida Dermatology Associates founded by Dr. Frank Schiavone and grew to four offices  >>Read more

Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery was established by Dr. Matt Leavitt in 1989 and has grown to over 75 locations with presence on both coasts and in the Midwest.  The firm also provides billing & coding services under the Ameriderm™ trade name.

Related:  Nationwide Derm Practice Adds Midwest Clinic

Rite Aid Acquires RediClinic

Step aside CVS and Walgreens…Rite Aid will also 
offer consumers a convenient alternative to a long doctor's office wait.   The recent acquisition of RediClinic, a pioneer in the retail clinic industry, bolsters Rite Aid's health and wellness strategy.  RediClinic services include basic physical exams, screenings, immunizations.

The new parent will support Houston-based RediClinic's expansion in its home state of Texas and into select Rite Aid markets.  RediClinic opened in 2005 and currently operates 30 locations.  Rite Aid operates 4600 stores in 31 states.  >>Read more

Facebook and PT?

What do they have in common? 
On the surface…not much.
However, Facebook's interest in Oculus, a virtual reality company, could do much to spur the adoption of telemedicine in a variety of specialties, including physical therapy.  >>Read more

“After games, we’re going to make Oculus a platform for many other experiences. Imagine… consulting with a doctor face-to-face — just by putting on goggles in your home.”       ~Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook Co-founder

VR therapy for phantom pain

The potential virtual reality application in physical therapy would address the phantom pain experienced by roughly 70% of amputees.  Current treatments include drugs, acupuncture, hypnosis and "mirror therapy" but don't always work.  VR therapies have been developed and tests conducted with more clinical studies needed to better assess the effectiveness.   >>Learn more about the VR approach to reducing phantom pain.

Telemedicine Interest Surges

Telemedicine is gaining a stronger foothold in the U.S. healthcare ecosystem thanks to its lower cost to patients, employers and insurers.  With the advent of smartphones and tablets…this healthcare delivery option is getting recognition as a time-saver too.

A greater number of large employers are covering telemedicine costs - an increase from 12% to 17% in 2013, according to HR consultancy Mercer.   Even more striking is the spike in interest among companies considering telemedicine coverage - from 33% to 43%.  The American Telemedicine Association CEO, Jonathan Linkous noted, "Telemedicine is increasing access, improving quality and decreasing costs…"  View the map for the number of states legislating telemedicine coverage.

How will the increased interest in telemedicine impact primary care physicians, urgent care centers, ERs?  Not.  With the influx of 7.1M newly insured Americans, it's likely that these traditional providers will continue to have a steady stream of patients.  What do you think?   >>Read more
 
Click for more information on telemedicine and telemedicine's niche markets.

Huron's Dental Platform Stronger

Huron Capital, recognized for its buy-and-build approach, is all smiles these days…
The firm strengthened their healthcare platform with the acquisition of a Richmond, VA dental practice.  Huron's portfolio company, Dynamic Dental Partners Group, is a leading dental practice management company providing centralized back-office services to a network of fee-for-service dental practices.  The latest acquisition increases Dynamic's network to 32 locations across Virginia, Florida and Arizona.

Linden Capital is another private equity firm with a dental platform.  Click here for more info.

Almost Family…Continues Buying Spree

Louisville-based Almost Family is planning to fold yet another home health facility into its operation of over 240 home health locations.  The organization entered into an agreement to acquire a 25-bed facility from Caldwell Medical Center in western Kentucky.  Almost Family operates two subsidiaries:  Visiting Nurse (home health nursing, physical therapy, etc.) and Personal Care (custodial and personal care services) with a presence in 14 midwest and eastern states.  The acquisition is expected to close before May.  Read more 

The latest purchase follows the SunCrest Healthcare acquisition in December.  Click here for more information.

Adult Day Care Back on Track?

The adult day care industry growth slowed during the recent economic slowdown.  However, the Affordable Care Act through an increase in private health insurance coverage is expected to generate increased funding for this sector.  Recovery in disposable income levels will also spur growth as households will be better able to afford the services again.

What is Adult Day Care?  Services provided during normal business hours at a center (not the home) include social and basic health assistance, including transportation, meals, personal hygiene and therapeutic activities, to the elderly and individuals with mental or physical disabilities.

Active Day/Senior Care, Inc., a Clearview Capital portfolio company, stands tall in the roughly $6B highly fragmented market adult day care industry.  The company created by the 2011 merger of Active Day and Senior Care Centers of America is the largest adult day service provider in the U.S.  The company operates 75 centers in 11 states:  Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Massachusetts, Kentucky, Ohio, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina.

The latest Active Day/Senior Care branded center is in New Jersey with the early March acquisition of a well-established center in Brick.  Acquisition is likely to remain a key component of the company's growth strategy.  >>Read more

Professional Pleased with Gold Coast PT

Is Adam Elberg from Professional Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy happy?  More than that… 

"We're thrilled to welcome Gold Coast to the Professional family," said Elberg, CEO of the leading provider of rehabilitation services in the New York metro area.    

With the acquisition, Professional brings four Long Island clinics under the firm's well-established umbrella.  Key Gold Coast personnel will also come on as partners.  Professional, founded in 1998, increases it outpatient clinic total to 27.   >>Read more

Acquisition Ensures Growth for Travel Nursing Pioneer

Fastaff Travel Nursing and U.S. Nursing Corporation now have the financial backing to ensure expansion - thanks to the recent acquisition by Healthcare Staffing Services, LLC.  

The Rapid Response travel nurse concept was pioneered 25 years ago by Fastaff.  Their goal...to provide urgent and temporary nurses to hospitals nationwide to ensure continuous, quality patient care.  Since 1989, U.S. Nursing's business focus was offering staffing solutions during labor disputes to various healthcare facilities.  With deeper access to quality nurses, it's a winning partnership for Healthcare Staffing Services and the newly acquired Greenwood Village, CO companies. >>Read more

Urgent Care Chain Plans Expansion

PM Pediatrics is looking to expand…thanks to its recent investment from Scopio Capital Management.  The pediatric urgent care chain, founded in 2005, has 9 clinics located in greater New York and Northern New Jersey.   Co-founder Steven Katz suggested that 6-7 more offices could open by the end of 2014.  Click here for more information. 

Another AxelaCare Acquisition

Following the late 2013 acquisition of Sirona Infusion, AxelaCare is already bringing another company into its fold.  Backed by PE firm Harvest Partners, AxelaCare will strengthen its presence in California with the acquisition of privately owned ARC Infusion.  ARC specializes in providing infusion and injectable medications and supplies to patients in Southern California (Los Angeles and Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside counties).

Recognizing that managed care companies are looking to partners for national coverage and product diversity, it appears that growth is an AxelaCare priority.  Future announcements are likely based on a quote from AxelaCare CEO Ted Kramm:

"We are continuing to actively pursue acquisitions in California as well as other states to increase our geographic and product line diversification."

>>Read more

More on AxelaCare

Healthcare Slips but Dominates Top Ten

The latest U.S. News & World Report Best Jobs list is out.  While a few technology jobs moved to the top of the 2014 ranking, healthcare titles dominate the Top Ten again.  Click here for rest of the list. 

More Fish in the Net...

U.S. Anesthesia Partners (USAP) cast a wider net - adding 2 more founding partners in January, 2014.  USAP, formed in 2012, by healthcare private equity firm, Welsh Carson Anderson & Stowe is a single-specialty physician services organization.  The new partners include Pinnacle Anesthesia (Dallas, TX) and JLR Medical Group (Orlando, FL) who join Greater Houston Anesthesiology (GHA).  The three groups cover more than 1000 anesthesiologists. >>Read more  According to USAP President and CEO, Kris Bratberg:

"USAP’s growth strategy is to invest in and partner with the nation’s leading anesthesia groups, positioning them for continued success and growth in a dynamic healthcare environment.”

The New Year also saw several regional anesthesia groups merge to form ONE Anesthesia.  ONE, a management services organization (MSO), will provide management infrastructure, leadership, enhanced IT support to better meet the needs of patients and health system partners.  The merger included Williams and Wagner, PSC; Anesthesia Associates of Louisville, PSC; Anesthesia Associates of Clark County, PSC and Southern Indiana Anesthesia Consultants, LLC. 
 >>Read more

Nationwide Derm Practice Adds Midwest Clinic

Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery (ADCS) is poised to increase its Ohio footprint.  The nationwide practice, founded by Dr. Matt Leavitt and headquartered in Maitland, Florida offers extensive dermatological services at its 70+ U.S. clinics.  The latest acquisition, targeted to close during the first quarter is Mason Dermatology in Mason, OH. >>Read more

Coming Soon: 10 for Premier

Premier Immediate Medical Care expects to benefit from the Affordable Care Act with an influx of newly insured patients.  Dr. Edward Silverman, owner of Premier, will be ready as he expands within his key market areas.  Currently, his 9 offices serve communities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware.  Winter and Spring will mark the opening of additional centers in the Philadelphia area (Plymouth Meeting - #10 and Villanova) with the convenient hours of "9 to 9".  >>Read more 

Former MT Client Continues on Acquisition Trail

DermOne, formerly Accredited Dermatology, ends 2013 on another positive note with a year-end acquisition.  The company succeeded in fulfilling CEO Ron Geraty's desire to grow beyond their core New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania footprint.  In 2013, they added practices in North Carolina and Virginia as well as Texas. (>>Read more) in 2013.  The initial move into the greater Dallas-Ft. Worth area was through the acquisition of 3 offices managed by U.S. Dermatology Medical Management, Inc.

Announced last week, one more practice will become part of DermOne "network of neighborhood dermatology centers" before year end.   The Allentown practice of Dr. James Wall (in operation since 1977) combines Dr. Wall's expertise with  the extensive resources of DermOne for the local community.  >>Read more
 

Home Healthcare Acquisitions

Almost Family, Inc., a regional leader in providing home health services announced its acquisition of SunCrest HealthCare.  The transaction increases their branch locations to over 240 across 14 states with a revenue run rate close to $500M.  >>Read more

Addus HealthCare, nationally known for services including nursing, personal care aides, and rehabilitation acquired Coordinated Home Health Care, LLC from Transition Capital Partners.  Addus serves 25,000 weekly consumers from 129 offices in 19 states and now adds 15 offices in New Mexico.  >>Read more

Key 2014 Growth Strategy is M&A

Results from last summer's GE Capital survey of senior healthcare services executives* indicate that 88% will pursue mergers & acquisitions within 12 months. Other survey revelations include:

• Current climate offers opportunities for healthcare companies to grow
• M&A outlook strong based on favorable capital markets, clarity of ACA
• Optimizing efficiency best approach going forward
• More strategic approach pursued with regard to acquisitions or partners vs. merely for growth's sake. 

*universe = 223
 Source:  Healthcare Finance News, 12/4/13

Sharing Emergency Healthcare Info Still a Challenge

Guess all the money directed to technology and processes to facilitate the sharing of healthcare data (across providers) has not been enough...   
While online data sharing may be possible within a closed network, linking to those outside the network remains elusive - not real helpful in an emergency situation.  To bring healthcare fully online, seamless transfer is critical.
 
Dr. Louis Sullivan, a former Health and Human Services Secretary, founded WEDI (Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange) in 1993.  The organization's latest report suggests that the medical system "was close but still not there yet".  The organization's CEO, Devin Jopp, is hopeful that seamless information transfer will be a possibility within 10 years.  Fingers crossed. 

Jobs that Produce Great Bosses

What experience or background will help mold you into an extraordinary company leader?  

CEO.com suggests five jobs that teach lessons that will last a lifetime.  A few jobs on the list are logical, others may prompt you to say…"Really?".   For better insight to their selections...Click Here

1. Sales
2. Fast Food
3. Manual Labor
4. Customer Service
5. Babysitter

U.S. HealthWorks Adds Florida Location

U.S. HealthWorks added another Florida urgent care center to its network with the recent acquisition of Urgent Medical Care in Pompano Beach.  The deal increases their Sunshine State sites to 14 and 203 company-wide.

U.S. HealthWorks clinics offer occupational health care and urgent care services, preventive care, pre-employment and post-offer exams and screening, and return-to-work rehabilitative care.  U.S. HealthWorks operates as a Calfornia-based subsidiary of Dignity Health - who acquired them in August, 2012.  >>Read more

AxelaCare is Moving On Up

AxelaCare, a 2013 acquisition of Harvest Partners, is moving on up into the Top 5 of home infusion companies.  With the recent acquisition of SCP Specialty Infusion* (SCPSI) from Shore Capital Partners, the company will double its pharmacy network.  SCPSI's pharmacy and infusion center locations span Arizona, New Mexico, California, Colorado and Oregon complementing AxelaCare's Southwest, Midwest and East Coast market coverage. Year end sales for the merged companies (AxelaCare and SCPSI) are projected to exceed $200M. >>Read more


*Includes Sirona Infusion, Access IV, HomeCare IV and Infusource

Good Showing in the Big Easy

A few weeks back, the principals at MT Consulting (Steve Mountain & Tony Lynch) presented at one of the premier events for physical therapy business owners.  The event, 2013 Private Practice Section Conference & Expo, was held in New Orleans and featured keynotes, educational sessions as well as a party in the SuperDome.

While thrilled with the opportunity to address this sharp group of professionals, there was a question if the MT topic would resonate with attendees.  That concern was allayed when attendees trickled... then streamed into the session room with many forced to stand through the presentation. 

Yes, Steve and Tony --- your topic, Valuing Your Business…What's Really Important? hit a chord among many in this time of healthcare changes and transition.  The energy was high and the questions flowed as the MT team outlined key factors to monitor in a PT practice…whether owners were preparing for a sale or looking to benchmark practice performance.  It was a good show and good showing...

Did you miss Steve and Tony's talk?  Conference presentations were recorded and available on the PPS website.

On-Site Clinic Provider Extends Reach

QuadMed, LLC brought primary care inside a company with its first clinic for parent, Quad/Graphics.  The business model - increased quality of care, decreased company healthcare costs, enhanced patient satisfaction - expanded to other employers over the last 20 years.  This week, QuadMed announced completion of the acquisition of another Midwest-based provider of employer-sponsored on-site clinics, Novia CareClinics.  QuadMed expects that the combined company will run 90+ clinic locations in 18 states serving 150 patients.  >>Read more

New Accelerated Program Addresses Women's Issues

In October, Accelerated Physical Therapy is rolling out a Women's Health Program targeting unique female health conditions.  In describing the new program, Christina M. Christie, PT, CCE,  FAFS, FMR explained "…in conjunction with your physician, we design an individualized program to address the core of the problem to decrease symptoms and assist a woman in achieving her goals to return to normal daily activities…"

Women health specialists will be available at 25 select Accelerated's locations in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Wisconsin.

>>Read or View more about the Accelerated Women's Health Program.

MD Now Urgent Care - 30 sites by 2015

Florida's busy urgent care provider, MD Now Urgent Care, is expanding…again.  With the opening of the eleventh location, it has become the largest independent non-hospital Urgent Care company in South Florida.

The company was established in 2004 and has grown rapidly offering residents of Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade Counties an alternative to a local crowded and costly hospital ER.  The recent opening of its Plantation, FL location fuels its growth plans.  According to MD Now CEO, Dr. Peter Lamelas, company plans include "upwards of 30 Urgent Care Centers throughout South Florida by 2015".

Read more about this growing urgent care provider.

Physiotherapy Associates Hits Bankruptcy Road

Physiotherapy Associates, the Exton, PA based rehabilitation service provider company, recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.  Accounting concerns along with a $325M debt load are reportedly at the core of the bankruptcy.  Physiotherapy operates 575 outpatient rehab and O&P clinics in 34 states.

The firm was a 2012 acquisition by Court Square Capital Partners - part of a trend toward increased PE investments in healthcare over the past few years.  Physiotherapy Associates is NOT headed down the bankruptcy road alone.  Rotech Healthcare, a home medical equipment company and Rural/Metro Corp., a provider of ambulance services hit the path earlier this year.  >>Read more

Source:  wsj.com

ATI Sails into the Southeast

ATI, one of the country's leading physical rehabilitation companies, again moved outside its Midwest base.  The recent acquisition of North River Physical Therapy extends its coverage into the Southeast US.  ATI brings on board eight Chattanooga, TN-area locations which includes a northern Georgia location.  According to ATI, Senior VP, Jason Hafner, the former owners of North River will stay on and continue "steering the ship…"

With the North River acquisition, ATI tops 275 locations in ten states.   It is the largest operator of comprehensive outpatient orthopedic rehabilitation clinics unified under one name. >>Read more

PE healthcare deals ▼ 65%

The healthcare sector has been lackluster when it comes to its share of PE deals in 2013, according to Thomson Reuters data. 

Check out 2013 vs. 2012 activity (Jan 1 - Sept 11):
2013:  268 deals valued at $5B
2012:  292 deals valued at $14.26B

A principal at The Riverside Company, Joseph Ibrahim, offers a differing perspective on this year's healthcare deal activity.  That is, middle-market M&A activity has not experienced a significant decline.  In fact, Ibrahim reveals "…[In terms of healthcare M&A], it was one of the strongest June, July and August [periods]."
 
Ibrahim's middle-market industry insight suggests there is a "backlog of deals that will come to market".   Certainly, that activity would demonstrate continued strength in this healthcare segment.  >>Read more

What triggered the overall healthcare PE deal slowdown in 2013?  Was it Obamacare uncertainty, "hangover effect"  from 2012, or...?  Let us know your thoughts.

Source:  PE Hub

21 Ways to Be a Better Leader…

Les McKeown has been around the proverbial block…with 40 companies and a few books under his belt, he knows about success.  McKeown's latest book, "The Synergist:  How to Lead Your Team to Predictable Success" suggests he also knows about effective leadership skills.

Inc. offered up McKeown's quick (and really logical) list of Do's and Don'ts for being a better leader.  Several are noted below:  

• Ask "What can I do for you?"
• Distrust what you trust.
• Ask more than you tell.
• Be present.
• Be nice.

Click here to check out the rest of the list.  As the intro states…it's not rocket science!  What else would you add to the list?

Source:  Inc.

More Regular Care = Urgent Care Growth

The urgent care industry is poised for more expansion driven by the Affordable Care Act, hospital closings, primary care doctor shortage, high Emergency Room costs.  Industry sources expect a steady flow of patients seeking regular care (vs. acute care) to flow into urgent care centers within the next 5 to 10 years.

Dr. Kenneth Palestrant, founder of Physicians Immediate Care in Florida, recognizes this trend.  Approximately, 20% of patients use his five centers to receive primary care.  With ACA implementation, Dr. Palestrant expects more hiring of nurse-practitioner and physician assistants in urgent care to address the gap in primary care.  >>Read more

Source:  MedCity News

6 Reasons You’ll Lose Your Best Employees

It's not always money that drives key employees to exit. 

Columnist Jeff Haden outlines and explains a few non-salary reasons.  Know of any others?  >>Read more

1. The business has grown - and so has your ego.
2. A boutique turned into a corporation.
3. The sky no longer seems the limit.
4. Exceptional skill resulted in handcuffs.
5. Flat became multi-layered.
6. Major League Baseball turned into Little League.

Source:  CEO.com

USCB - a New Platform for Bregal

Bregal Partners acquired US Community Behavioral (USCB), a multi-state provider of community-based residential and behavioral services to adults and children.  The PE firm will leverage the size and organization's reputation to foray deeper into behavioral health care sector.  The acquisition, made in partnership with management,  presents a well-capitalized platform poised for expansion.  

US Community Behavioral is a best-in-class provider offering a full continuum of services including supported living, licensed homes, employment services, autism and other therapy-based behavioral services.  >>Read more

New Home for Physicians Endoscopy

Physicians Endoscopy (PE), a healthcare services company that develops and manages endoscopic ambulatory surgery centers (ASC), is now a Pamlico Capital investment.  Pamlico recently acquired the stake in Physicians Endoscopy from Silver Oaks Services Partners.  (PE was a Silver Oaks portfolio company since 2008).  Under Silver Oaks, PE doubled its numbers to 29 centers nationwide.  The company partners with practicing physicians and hospitals.  Its services include development, management, and billing services..an effort to minimize the administrative burden on physicians.  
>>Read more
 

Home Infusion Therapy Leader Acquires CarePoint

BioScrip, recently announced the completion of its acquisition of CarePoint Partners.  With 30 years of infusion therapy expertise, BioScrip's coverage area encompasses 46 states, including 40 specialty infusion pharmacies, and 33 nursing locations.  The BioScrip and CarePoint consolidation will provide home infusion services to over 100,000 patients annually.
The home infusion industry has experienced healthy growth over the past few years and is estimated at $9-11B, according to Russell Bodoff, president and CEO of the National Home Infusion Association.  Since 2011, the industry has seen M&A activity resulting in the acquisition of Crescent Healthcare by Walgreens; Pediatric Health Choices's home infusion, enteral divisions acquired by CarePoint.  >>Read more

Improve Your Company's Exit Readiness

Came across a timeless blog post that should resonate with many small or medium business owners considering a sale:

• Where to start?…Prepare an exit strategy.
• What's next?…Organize key company information.  
• What kind?…Generally, the info falls into these categories:  Financial History, Intellectual Property, Regulatory Compliance.

>>Read more
Source:  Appfolio / Secure Docs

Envision, a Medical Services Co. - Goes Public

Envision Healthcare Corporation successfully debuted on Wall Street with its initial public offering.   The Colorado-based company is a provider of ambulance services for local governments, facility-based physician services (ER, anesthesiology, hospitalist/inpatient care, etc.) as well as patient care across various settings for the chronically ill.  The company, formerly EMSC Corporation, had been expanding via new contracts and physician practice acquisition. 

Envision, which operates American Medical Response (AMR), EmCare Holdings and Evolution Evolution Health, LLC, is expected to thrive in the era of the Accountable Care Act.    >>Read more

How to Minimize Growing Pains

Michael Shafe, MD leads a growing urgent care business, The Urgency Room -  starting and expanding the business to 3 locations within six years.  While growing can be anxiety-ridden, Dr. Shafe reduced some stress by following a roadmap that would apply to other healthcare service businesses.  Check out his Expansion TOP TEN List:

1. Determine what went right and Repeat
2. Ensure business can be replicated
3. Keep locations legally separate
4. Do your research
5. Contract with payers early
6. Prepare financially
7. Hire early
8. Allow adequate time for hiring and training
9. Create a comprehensive Operations Manual
10. Market cost effectively

>>Read more

Cause for Celebration at ATI

Management and staff at ATI, the nationally-recognized provider of outpatient orthopedic rehabilitations, deserve HIGH- FIVES.  In 2013,  ATI has steadily acquired clinics in key mid-atlantic and midwest states: Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin.  In fact, over 20 clinics have been added under the ATI banner.  We're pleased... as our former client, MX Physical Therapy, was acquired in January and is part of ATI's growth to date.

Top 10 Healthcare Workplace
Kudos to the Bolingbrook, IL-based organization… for recognition as a Top 10 healthcare company based on results of the yearly WorkplaceDynamics survey.  The survey measures employee satisfaction, engagement, organizational health.  Overall, ATI was ranked #54 of the 872 companies (with 1000+ employees)  participating in the top workplaces programs.  >>Learn more

In the Spring, ATI was also recognized regionally as a top workplace in the Philadelphia and Indianapolis regions, respectively.

As a proud President and CEO, ATI's Dylan Bates noted:

“As we look to the future, and as our company continues to grow, we are even more determined to provide an environment in which our employees can enhance their skills, succeed in the field of their choice, and grow from the positive experience of having excellent outcomes for our patients,” 

Good Job ATI...

Do Well by Doing Good

Community Marketing - it's smart marketing for local businesses… 
It raises your profile and elevates your reputation in the community.  And, that's a good thing if referrals and foot traffic are important.  So, how to?

According to Dr. Roger Levin from the Levin Group...

• Create an annual High-Visibility Event that benefits the community.
• Choose a Good Cause and "Own" it. 
• Involve your entire team to identify a local need and fill it.
• Keep the staff engaged so all have a stake in event success. 

Possibilities:  food drive for local food bank, fundraiser for nonprofit

Make the event memorable and worth repeating year after year:

• Think creatively
• Pay attention to details
• Create a timetable
• Assign responsibilities 
• Meet deadlines  

Enjoy Your event, the community connections and a job well done!

PatientFocus Signs Agreement with Choice Medical

PatientFocus, a healthcare billing company providing enhanced patient billing services, has signed an agreement with Choice Medical, Inc., a specialty distributor of orthopedic, neurosurgical, orthotic and prosthetic product lines. 

The agreement will give Choice Medical patients access to Patient Focus’ suite of patient-pay account management services.  Payment options will include check, credit card, bank draft, Health Savings Account and PayPal.  >>Read more

Hats off to U.S. Physical Therapy…

Forbes recognized the operator of outpatient physical therapy as a Top 100 U.S. small business.  Its #60 ranking is impressive as is its operational footprint - approximately 450 clinics in over 40 states.  Founded in 1990 and currently headquartered in Houston, U.S. Physical Therapy has close to 2000 employees.  

Kudos to other healthcare services companies appearing on the latest Forbes America's Best Small Companies list:  

• Metropolitan Health Networks
• Air Methods
• Bio-Reference Laboratories
• HealthStream
• HMS Holdings
• Ensign Group

Inclusion was based on earnings growth, sales growth, ROE in the past 12 months and over 5 years.
Source:  The Motley Fool

Pay Raise for Physical Therapists?...

Medicare recently released its proposed fees for healthcare professionals scheduled to take effect January 1, 2014.   As expected, there were winners and losers…a few are noted below but Click here to learn how others will be affected.  

Winners
Physical / Occupational therapists… +1%
Family practitioners…+1%
Chiropractors…+2%
ER physicians…+2%
Losers     
Dermatologists…-1 to -2%
Radiologists… -1 to -2%
Pathology specialists…-5%
Radiation therapy centers…-13%

3 Questions to Get Your Business Unstuck

Unsure of your business' next steps?  Glenda Eoyang, author of Adaptive Action:  Leveraging Uncertainty in Your Organization suggests that you start with 3 questions:

1. What is going on around you?  (Helps assess the current state of business affairs.)
2. So, what does this mean? (Helps clarify why it's important.) 
3. Now what do you do? (Set the path but be willing to change course, if necessary.)

Read more>>>

Source:  CEO.com

Retail Clinics Continue to Roll Out

Up 7% percent (as of July 1) - that's the growth of retail clinics year over year, according to Merchant Medicine, a consulting firm in the field of walk-in medicine. 

Impressive…

Today, the total number of retail clinics is over 1400 in 38 states and Washington, D.C.* and the upward trend will continue.  Evidence is the recent announcement by CVS, Minute Clinic's owner, of their plans to double locations by 2016 from 570 to 1000.  

Not surprising…

After all, a Forbes article points to the fact that retail clinics are expected to be a key component of Obamacare when it kicks in next January (2014) -  either through a private health plan operating on an exchange or through Medicaid health insurance programs for the poor.  Read more>> 

Solid ground…

Healthcare's walk-in side must be doing something right.  An editor at Physicians Practice, suggested in a blog post that traditional practices could learn a few things from retail clinics.  During a recent visit, she was impressed with the walk-in's "cleanliness and efficiency in handling patient intake, prescription list, insurance information and payment all by one person."  Another important point, her "care-coordination was equally smooth".    

*Convenient Care Association