Interview with Dr. Dahan about Medical Integration. (Pt 2)

Dr. Dahan, the nation’s expert authority on medical integration answers important questions about the medical integration model and its future.

1. Please define medical integration.

Medical integration is the establishment of a health care center where patients are offered multiple varied services. The fundamental concept is that it is designed to operate as a “one stop shop” whereby a patient can receive the most comprehensive diversified care available without having to leave the premises and go anywhere else. In our context, typically, the medical integration center’s primary doctor is a “natural” health care provider namely a Chiropractor. After an extensive initial examination, the doctor will recommend several treatment options beginning with natural noninvasive care. Then, depending on the severity of the condition, the doctor may also recommend a comprehensive medical treatment which may include medications, invasive procedures, as well as a combination of alternative treatments.

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Interview with Dr. Dahan about Medical Integration. (Pt 1)

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Interview with Dr. Dahan about Medical Integration. (Pt 1)

Dr. Dahan, the nation’s leading expert authority on medical integration answers important questions about the medical integration model and its future.

1. Please define medical integration.

Medical integration is the establishment of a health care center where patients are offered multiple varied services. The fundamental concept is that it is designed to operate as a “one stop shop” whereby a patient can receive the most comprehensive diversified care available without having to leave the premises and go anywhere else. In our context, typically, the medical integration center’s primary doctor is a “natural” health care provider namely a Chiropractor. After an extensive initial examination, the doctor will recommend several treatment options beginning with natural noninvasive care. Then, depending on the severity of the condition, the doctor may also recommend a comprehensive medical treatment which may include medications, invasive procedures, as well as a combination of alternative treatments.

2. What trend do you see in respect to medical integration in America?

Manage care is here to stay. There is no question that as the manage care system expands throughout the country and people are looking to save time and money while getting the best health care available, medical integrated centers are going to be in greater demands. Typically, patients ask three questions at the doctor’s office: Can you help me? How long is it going to take? And, how much will it cost? It is only common sense that patients are very concerned about their health care. Hence, over the next several years, my opinion is that we are going to see a considerable expansion of integrated medical centers throughout the USA. Obviously, those practitioners who will have taken the opportunity early on and had the foresight to create well established integrated medical centers will most likely reap all the best and greatest benefits.

3. Is medical integration a financially sustainable business model?

Absolutely.

Healthcare is a service and must be treated as a business. First and foremost, it is critical that one pays close attention to the current business trends and developments and make sure to act accordingly. Let’s look today how the internet is affecting businesses who did not early on, pay attention to the rapid rise of online eCommerce. In today’s fast pace world, business owners and professionals must be vigilant and protect their future. For a medically integrated clinic to succeed today, social media has to be one of the most crucial business components to consider. Indeed, irrespective of the location, the doctor of the future can succeed in such a model but at the same time must act prudently and intelligently using the latest resources available.

In conclusion, it is very important for doctors today, to pay close attention to the many changes which will affect our health care profession. Our patients, our most important “assets” deserve the best of health care and therefore it is our responsibility as doctors, to ensure that we create health care facilities that will provide the latest and most beneficial health treatment options.

Get your FREE medical integration book and find out all the details on how you will successfully integrate your clinic!

If you’ve been contemplating medically integrating your clinic to provide the BEST diversified healthcare without compromising your philosophy, this is YOUR opportunity to join our group of 1256+ centers in 45 states and create the wave of the future!

The Nation’s #1 Medical Integration Program

COA’s Medical Integration is USA’s most trusted and reputable program. Dr. Dahan, America’s most recognized expert authority on Medical Integration has guided thousands of doctors reach their ultimate potentials. Dr. Dahan owned and managed his two clinics for twelve years in Southern California before he became a consultant. His direct and simple approach as well as his ability to take very complex business and life issues and translate them into real life lessons, has been the hallmark of his success. In the fall of 2019, Dr. Dahan was exclusively chosen to host the Doctors Daily Live Radio Show, addressing physicians’ issues while influencing doctors to reach higher potentials. With brilliant marketing strategies, unmatched healthcare consulting experience and clinic integration expertise, Dr. Dahan has so much to offer. A gifted speaker and accomplished writer, Dr. Dahan shares his advice in his unique, informative manner. His Wisdom Podcasts are downloaded by 52,000 global listeners daily. Dr. Dahan also writes blogs for the VJ Posts and has appeared on the Charlie Harary Radio Show.

Follow Dr. Dahan on social media so you don’t miss a thing!

Should I Consider Medical Integration?

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Should I Consider Medical Integration?

One of the profession’s most talked subject, today is the concept of medical integration. Many names indeed have been used to describe such association:

DC/MD/NP/PT
DC/MD/PT rehab center
Integrated healthcare
Holistic/wellness care

Nonetheless, they all mean pretty much the same thing. In this article, we will basically discuss the pros and cons of such arrangement. Having assisted in the establishment of over 1256 centers in 45 states, I can honestly tell you that the medical integration program is certainly NOT for everyone.

CONS

Legal: It has been very interesting to see how many attorneys have over a short period of time, called themselves “healthcare specialists” in an attempt to share in the medical integration legal process. The very fact that there are many very serious medical integrations suits currently pending, as well as many investigations questioning the validity of many of these infrastructures, should certainly let you know that only qualified health care attorneys should be considered. Indeed, given to the various laws which differ from state to state, only competent and qualified attorneys should be involved. Your attorney should not only be familiar with all the particularities which exist in your own state but also the various federal rules and regulations which may apply.

Philosophy: A doctor wishing to consider medical integration, needs to be very well “anchored” in chiropractic philosophy. Frankly, chiropractic is an art, a science and a true belief. If after the medical integration, the medical doctor (or newly added health care professional) questions either the values or treatment benefits from the DC, the challenge may indeed tip the scales and what was a very successful chiropractic center may end up as a very poor medically integrated center with most patients receiving a medication and a bunch of diagnostics tests for no true legitimate medical value other than financial rewards.

Liability: Increasing services beyond the scope of a DC license will definitely increase liability, especially since many services added may not even be understood by the DC (i.e. treatment protocols beyond the DC scope of practice, prescription Rx…)

HMO’s, PPO’s: (managed care) Generally, being contracted by an HMO means to agree to a reduced fee for a contracted service. Adding “extra” services under a non provider within the same center may potentially be considered breach of contract and get you kicked off the plan. This in turn can decrease your patient load and hence your revenue. This is one of the many issues which need be addressed by your a qualified attorney.

Complexity: The ever-changing codes (CPT) rules and reimbursable benefits are indeed all very complex. Integrated medical centers demand a great deal of attention to details in all aspects of practice management. The added consulting cost (which is too often ridiculously high) can add unnecessary stress to an inflated monthly budget.

Truths: There are too many overstated sales pitches trying to convince you that “you just cannot survive without an integrated medical practice”. This is probably one of the biggest untruthful sales pitch and ridiculous comment I have ever heard. The integrated medical center is NOT for everyone. Period!

PRO’s

Having owned and practiced for almost 12 years in two integrated centers (with 5 physicians, 1 DC, 2 PTs, 1 acupuncturist and 5 massage therapists), I cannot help but believe in the integrated model. I guess, you can say that I am partial to medical integration because of my experience and successes. Let’s review the concept and compare from the list of cons written above.

Legal: Hiring a very well qualified attorney should alleviate most of your worries and able you to sleep better. Large experienced health law firms spend enormous amount of time researching the most complicated and intricate rules and regulations and often represent many integrated medical centers. After all, the medical integrated clinic is not new to the general health care medical community. Therefore, only consider the most serious law firms with qualified expert knowledge. They are well worth your peace of mind, and future.

One-Stop Shop – The patient, the most important asset of your practice, receives the fullest comprehensive care available.

Every Patient Benefits – In a medical integrated setting, patients with all types of healthcare problems will be treated even if the condition is strictly medical (e.g. medication refill, diabetes testing, physical checkup, etc.)

Limited insurance coverage- A fully accredited medical integrated center is hardly ever restricted to any insurance limits or prejudice given the diversity of providers.

Greater Financial Reward – Across the country as a generally accepted established protocol, the medical fee schedule is higher in billing with quicker reimbursements, and less issues with collections.

Patients are more comfortable – 80% of the population has been and continues to be seen by medical doctors and other medical institutions. Owning a medically integrated center will make you part of the widest and most prevalent healthcare system while keeping “your philosophy intact”.

HMO’s, PPO’s, & IPA’s – The managed care arena is set up to minimize expenses while improving the efficiency of its health care delivery system. In a medically integrated center, the best of all worlds is present to offer just what the future of health care is demanding.

Patient Retention – Because our society has been so “ingrained” in believing that medicine is “the only” answer to all health issues, MD’s, DC’s and PT’s working together will prove that there are many alternative treatments available for the same condition.

Liability – Multiple specialists working together in under one roof, have a greater understanding of a patients needs and conditions and therefore would most likely minimize liabilities.

Competition – Our generation of patients expect only the “best of all worlds,”, i.e. efficiency, timing and savings. The medical integrated clinic can deliver the most unadulterated genuine care available.

Growth – Your center can offer as many services as needed:

Medical: general medicine, neurology, physiatry, orthopedic care…
Musculoskeletal: Chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage therapy…
Rehabilitation: physical therapy, physical medicine, occupational therapy….
Diagnostics: EMG, NCV, EEG, SSEP, SEMG…
Ancillary services: blood work, durable medical equipment, in-office testing…
In-patient: hospital privileges, emergencies…
Out-patient: medical referral, medical network…

Workers Compensation (W/C) – Employers, adjusters and patients attempting to receive efficient, thorough, diversified care will find medical integrated centers, a most viable solution.

So, where should you start?

First Step: Evaluate your philosophical position about your profession:

Do you truly believe and love what you do?

Do you understand your patients needs?

Do you breathe, talk, walk, think, act and practice chiropractic?

Is the intent to integrate your clinic to enhance your services?

If the answers to the above question is yes you may continue your search.

Second: Analyze your demographics.

How many medical integrated centers are in your town?

What do your patients think about the idea of medical integration?

How many MD’s in your town?

Third: Staffing, management, and finances.

Are you a good manager? (Or do you have one?)

How are your staff’s organizational skills?

Are your financially stable (some what)?

Finally:

Are you ready for a change?

Being a consultant for many years to over 1256 clients nationwide, it often breaks my heart to see some doctors truly struggle to try to find happiness with the medical integration process. Happiness is where YOU are TODAY!! If you are not genuinely happy with yourself today, the medical integration idea will not make matters any better. It may certainly increase your income, but again, what is money if you are not happy?

I trust what this article has given you a better objective view on what I believe to be the best of all worlds. The medical integration is indeed not for everyone, but for those few, it is a true dream come true.

Get your FREE medical integration book and find out all the details on how you will successfully integrate your clinic!

If you’ve been contemplating medically integrating your clinic to provide the BEST diversified healthcare without compromising your philosophy, this is YOUR opportunity to join our group of 1256+ centers in 45 states and create the wave of the future!

The Nation’s #1 Medical Integration Program

COA’s Medical Integration is USA’s most trusted and reputable program. Dr. Dahan, America’s most recognized expert authority on Medical Integration has guided thousands of doctors reach their ultimate potentials. Dr. Dahan owned and managed his two clinics for twelve years in Southern California before he became a consultant. His direct and simple approach as well as his ability to take very complex business and life issues and translate them into real life lessons, has been the hallmark of his success. In the fall of 2019, Dr. Dahan was exclusively chosen to host the Doctors Daily Live Radio Show, addressing physicians’ issues while influencing doctors to reach higher potentials. With brilliant marketing strategies, unmatched healthcare consulting experience and clinic integration expertise, Dr. Dahan has so much to offer. A gifted speaker and accomplished writer, Dr. Dahan shares his advice in his unique, informative manner. His Wisdom Podcasts are downloaded by 52,000 global listeners daily. Dr. Dahan also writes blogs for the VJ Posts and has appeared on the Charlie Harary Radio Show.

Follow Dr. Dahan on social media so you don’t miss a thing!

The Fundamental Principle of Association

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Have you ever heard the saying, “Bird of a feather stick together.”? Simply put the person you associate with. Indeed, associating with certain people will have a major effect on how your life turns out to be. One should never underestimate the power of influence. Being around people who are kind, thoughtful, and caring will certainly bring out the best in you. On the other hand, being around people who are negative, who use inappropriate language or are stingy, will certainly bring out the worst in you. So how do you know if you are around people who will help you grow and become successful.

Here are questions you need to ask yourself: (more…)

Do I Qualify for Medical Integration?

Integrate Your Clinic

Qualifying for medical integration is a very important questions that cannot be dismissed.
Even though medical integration sounds attractive you probably wonder if you will succeed in integrating your clinic. Many doctors have jumped onto the “medical integration wagon”, only to realize that they were not well prepared to handle the complexities and challenges that come with medical integration.

Here is a list of a few areas that need to be carefully examined before opening a medically integrated center:

1. Philosophy: If your practice currently treats a number of patients who believe in you and your philosophy’s approach to health care, you must ensure that you and your staff are prepared to embrace the new treatment protocols so that your patients will easily follow through with your recommendations and advice. Therefore, understanding and being well anchored in the “philosophy of your practice” is a critical point to be fully entertained.

2. Management: An integrated medical center by its very nature requires more staff and greater management skills. You need to adapt to having various health care personnel work well with each other to ensure a greater success. You will also need to learn how to clearly delineate treatment protocols so that your patients know what treatment they are receiving and from whom. A successful medical integrated center does require a well-trained and dedicated management team.

3. Budget: Medical Integration will need to be adequately funded to be successful. One of the most often complaint you hear from those who tried and did not succeed at medically integrating their clinic, is that they did not have a soundly prepared financial budget. It is highly recommended that you meet with your financial advisor or accountant and create a strategic business plan with projections of collections and purchasing of expenditures. This will not only give you a piece of mind but also ensure the successful development of your medical integration.

4. Patient Load: Your Revenue will be dictated by how many new services you offer to each patient and how much you are collecting for each service provided. If this is not a new clinic you should be typically treating about 100-125 office visits per week to be able and properly integrate your clinic successfully. The new health care practitioners will need time to build up referrals generated from their services. In the meantime, the current patient load who will need medical services based on medical necessity, will be the first patients who will be referred to keep the clinic profitable.

5. Marketing: By far one of the most important components of a truly successful medical center is advertising. Your patient’s demographics as well as your whole town need to be aware of your new medical center and its added services. Indeed, your clinic is unique and its approach to health care can be very attractive if it is marketed properly. A well designed integrated medical center offers an innovated holistic approach to health care complimented by allopathic medical services. This exclusive and particular healthcare is very attractive to many people. However, the message needs to be broadcasted by using the best extensive marketing tools available today. Undeniably, the internet, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Yelp and so many other available social media applications and platforms can be very beneficial to promote your center and increase your patients’ volume exponentially. Thus, it is critical that you work with a reputable and experienced marketing firm who has a track record with current active medical integrated centers. As a final note, it behooves you to be prepared and be aware of what you will be needing because starting an integrated medical center has shown to be rewarding and beneficial while offering a beneficial alternative to all patients. It goes without saying that medical integrated centers are much more lucrative than solo practitioner clinics due to the fact that they treat a much greater volume of patients compared to a solo practice.