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!

What Sort of Budget Do I Need for Medical Integration?

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What Sort of Budget Do I Need for Medical Integration?

While broadening your scope of practice to offer more services is a noble idea, medical integration certainly requires a financial commitment which makes many doctors feel uneasy and even apprehensive.

Understandably, many doctors are worried about the “unknown” financial investment one will need to consider. Even though many positive feedbacks have been publicized about medical integration, the negative aspect we mostly hear today, is the huge initial monetary commitment it requires.

But does medical integration actually “demand” a big financial investment?

Given what we know today, do these “new” doctors have valid concerns?

What is the “true” cost consideration to open an integrated medical center?

There is no doubt that the success of an integrated medical center is based on its viability to survive through the many changes it will experience in its infancy. So, let us explore the two main initial areas of concern. In my 26 years of experience as a consultant, and the longest practicing consultant in the nation for medical integration, I can outline two major financial areas for creating an integrated medical center.

Qualified legal representation
Professional medical and support staff

Qualified Legal representation:

To ensure that a newly integrated medical center is “properly” established, there can be no option but to retain the services of a qualified health care attorney. The national amount for legal fees for medical integration, ranges from about $3000 on up. Again, according to your attorney’s advice, you may need to have multiple contractual agreements in place. Indeed, depending on each individual state requirements, there maybe the need to create one or more corporate entities which may add to the cost of your legal representation. Just as well, setting up new corporations will invariably add accounting expenses. With over 26 years of experience as a consultant, I am proud to say that I have extensive experience in this field and by having assisted over 1256 centers in 45 states, I can unequivocally state that in regard to legal representation, on must make sure to only work with qualified health care attorneys. I can assure you that carefully following this advice will save any doctor, years of anxiety and thousands of dollars.

Professional medical and support staff:

Secondly, one of the ongoing expenses that a newly medical integrated center will incur, is the addition of medical and support staff. The professional licensed medical team and added staff members will add significant fees to the clinic. Hence, the clinic owner must be prepared to assume the added expense and expect these constant recurring costs to increase over time as the clinic grows. It is however critical that the owner creates a well outlined plan with a sound budget. As the saying goes “Not having a plan, is a plan to fail”. Why would anyone invest time and efforts into any venture without having a solid budget in place? Over the past many years of my professional life as a consultant, I have spoken to thousands of doctors who did not take the time and conscientiously sit down and clearly develop a concrete budget with proper allocations and ended up regretting not taking my advice.

Successful practices must invest time to create and manage a budget, prepare and review a solid business plan and regularly monitor financial reports and performance. A structured planning can make all the difference to the growth of your business. It will enable you to concentrate resources on improving profits, reducing costs and increasing returns on investment. The key benefit of business planning is that it allows you to create a focus for the direction of your integrated medical center and provide targets that will help your clinic grow. It will also give you the opportunity to stand back and review your performance and the factors affecting your clinic.

Sound business planning will ensure:

A greater ability to make continuous improvements while maneuvering around obstacles as you acquire more patients.
Sound financial information on which to base future decisions managing your medical staff.
Improved clarity and focus on new medical services you wish to add to your clinic.
A greater confidence in your decision-making.

I can unequivocally attest to the fact that my clients who have followed this advice, have greatly enjoyed the financial rewards of success earlier in the game and with less worry.

So, in conclusion, I must again reiterate as I often do on my Dr. Dahan Daily Live Radio Show, that medical integration is simply not for everyone. If you wish to succeed, you must do your homework seriously so that you can have a strategic plan of action with a well-designed detailed step by step managerial program to lead you to success.

COA’s Medical Integration is USA’s most trusted and reputable program. Dr. Dahan, America’s most recognized leading 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!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrDahan/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdahanlive/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdahanlive/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drdahanlive

Blog: https://drdahan.com//category/blogs/

The Challenge of Medical Integration

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The Challenge of Medical Integration

Although many doctors speak about the many advantages of medical integration, it would be naïve to think that there are no negative issues associated with such a complex business model. Having spent over 26 years as a consultant, I have had the privilege to help thousands of doctors realize their dream practice. Yet, being the longest practicing consultant for medically integrated centers, I have had ample opportunities to see how this innovative idea has developed and become so popular today. So, what are some of the negative drawbacks with medical integration?

Basically, there are three major areas to be concerned with:

Legalities
Billing and Coding
Medical supervision and communications.

Legalities

Given the very intricate detailed laws associated with medical integration, the best way to create a safe and sound integrated medical center, is to retain the services of a qualified health care attorney with in-depth knowledge and understanding of the Chiropractic and medical scopes of practice. Before opening the doors of a newly created medical center, it is critical that the infrastructure falls well within legal parameters both at the state and federal level. One only need to look at the current active legal investigations to realize that medical integration is a serious business model which must be properly set up and operated with unadulterated honesty and integrity. Unfortunately, throughout my 26 years as America’s longest practicing consultant for integrated medical centers, I have seen many doctors pay a very heavy price for not wanting to follow “the rules”. What is even more ludicrous, is that many doctors as well as unscrupulous consultants believe that they can do whatever they wish or whatever they consider is right and think they can get away with it. This alarming and risky reasoning can only lead to disastrous results.

Billing and Coding

Another issue which requires close attention is the convoluted billing and coding system.

Certainly, one must realize that billing and coding for an integrated medical center is quite complex. Not having a great understanding of how to combine billing codes for services rendered, will create confusion and therefore hinder the ability for any clinic to collect what is truly due. These errors will undoubtedly cause a cash flow shortage and therefore limit the clinic to keep its doors open. Hence, having a qualified and well-trained billing team is not a “luxury” option but an absolute obligation. Unfortunately, today, many consultants have very limited knowledge of the billing reimbursement exceptions which vary from state to state. Therefore, many unscrupulous consultants simply avoid these billing variations issues leaving their clients in the dark. Regardless, the clinic owner should make sure that the staff is well trained in the medical integration billing model before taking such a leap of faith and causing unnecessary added stress to an already complex operation.

Medical supervision and communications.

It is well known that medical integrated centers treat larger volume of patients. To ensure proper case management, doctors in these multidiscipline centers will need to learn how to efficiently communicate and internally refer to one another. Hence, it is critical that proper protocols are established from the beginning. Just as important is the supervisory role of the medical director. Indeed, due to the wider scope of practice, integrated medical centers offer a wide variety of treatments. As is well known, the treatment of many of these newly added conditions will often require direct medical supervision to ensure compliance and to ensure that none of the doctors are practicing outside the scope of their license. This obviously, could also negatively affect any possible malpractice issue. I am pleased to report that most of our clients nationally have indeed been very fortunate and hardly ever had any issue in this area.

To end on a positive note, one must know that while there are definite explicit requirements to successfully operate an integrated medical center, with professional guidance, experienced advice and genuine intend, one can set up an amazingly beneficial and lucrative center representing the wave of the future.

COA’s Medical Integration is USA’s most trusted and reputable program. Dr. Dahan, America’s most recognized leading 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!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrDahan/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdahanlive/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdahanlive/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drdahanlive

Blog: https://drdahan.com//category/blogs/

Is Medical Integration A Viable Health Care Option?

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Is Medical Integration A Viable Health Care Option?

Doctors throughout the nations have been questioning the viability of a medical integration. In this article Dr. Dahan explores its most common advantages.

What are the general benefits of integrated medical centers?

The patient can receive comprehensive care in one location under one roof.
A medically integrated center allows all practitioners to work cohesively as a team ensuring that all patients are offered the best of health care combined with alternative options.
The fact these specialists are in constant communication with each other, creates an environment where each provider can elect to minimize the over usage of any unnecessary treatments or diagnostic testing.
With the combined knowledge and expertise of these doctors, the patient will initially receive the least invasive natural care followed by intensive medical services when appropriate and necessary.
The billing, as complex as it is, is easier in a medically integrated center due to coding and will provide the patient one itemized bill giving the patient, the most important asset: “peace of mind.”
Medical integration is very lucrative simply due to the shear volume of patients treated. This concept is so popular that it attracts hundreds of new patients who seek alternative options.
With medical integration, patient retention is much higher because the patient believes and is convinced that it is the “ultimate care.”
An integrated medical center has no limit to how many health care professionals from varied discipline it can attract and offer.
Just as well, being all under one roof, with a well-trained management team, the center will maintain expenses to a minimum.

Medical integration is not for everyone. However, given the above listed advantages, a conscientious doctor will easily agree that medical integration is un unprecedented opportunity for all patients.

In 1988, as a new practitioner, I created a very successful integrated medical center which quickly grew exponentially and attracted patients from several surrounding cities and nearby states. Our great popularity was due to the fact that, patients could confidently rely on the expertise of several practitioners from various disciplines all in one location offering unprecedented holistic care. Indeed, the integrated medical center offers patients the ultimate choice of options while allowing each doctor to maintain their respective philosophy.

COA’s Medical Integration is USA’s most trusted and reputable program. Dr. Dahan, America’s most recognized leading 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!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrDahan/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdahanlive/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdahanlive/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drdahanlive

Blog: https://drdahan.com//category/blogs/