I think we would all agree that this time
of year is even busier than usual for us, as patients all scramble to be seen
and have procedures done before they are faced with a new deductible or new
coverage, or while they have some time off from school or work. Some
offices do last-minute ordering of supplies before year-end, and the reports and
other paperwork seem to mushroom. That's all in addition to holiday
projects, activities and obligations in our personal lives. So it's no
surprise that the Inbox is getting a breather right now.
*_* *_* *_*
Just as no two people's feet (or personalities) are exactly alike, snowflakes
are wondrous designs, each individually unique. I came across this
interactive online "snowflake machine"
http://snowflakes.lookandfeel.com/
In the gallery are literally thousands of created snowflakes based on the
classic cutting of a folded paper triangle technique. Some seem a stretch
to be called snowflakes but are intriguing nonetheless, in some cases inviting a
Rorschach inkblot test comparison and in other cases reminiscent of various
tribal motifs, lace doilies, stained-glass window patterns, etc. There is of
course a snowflake created by "FootZine" (Flake #1006532) and it is on
display here: http://www.foozine.com/FZ_Snowflake.htm
It could be enjoyable to sip a cup of
spiced cider, or eggnog, or special coffee while you peruse the many snowflake
conceptions at the above "lookandfeel" site, perhaps while real ones
dance about outside. I hope you also enjoy our temporary falling
snowflakes animation on the FootZine website. (It's the only snow
in our neighborhood right now.)
~ Gayle
*_* Networking
*_*
Two Positions available:
1) Part-time receptionist/ back office person for very busy University Village
(Seattle)
area office. Computer experience and patient scheduling a MUST.
Detail oriented. Hours
vary Monday thru Friday.
Fax resume to: 206-286-3118 or 206-525-8870.
2) Part time medical transcriptionist, prefer in-office, two afternoons a
week. Experience only apply.
Fax resume to:206-286-3118 or 206-525-8870.
Notices of positions wanted or positions available, as well as other
"classified" information, are welcome. They are posted at the FootZine
web site's Networking page. Have a look at http://www.footzine.com/FZ_6.htm
*_*
"Show kindness in every thing,
everywhere and towards every person.
The true miracle of man's kindness is
that which repairs the hurt of others."
from a compilation by Rev. Jain Sadhvi Nidhi Shree
*_*
*_* Calendar
*_*
The APMA's 2004 Annual Meeting will be held
August 22-25 at the Boston Marriott Copley Place and the Hynes Convention
Center. At this meeting, APMA will also host the World Congress of
Podiatry for the first time, and will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the
American Podiatric Medical Students' Association (APMSA).
Registration may begin by January 1, 2004.
See http://www.apma.org/anmeet/meet.htm
for preliminary information and updates.
FootZine's "Calendar" page is found at http://www.footzine.com/FZ_4.htm
*_* FootZine
Feeture Article *_*
Gems of Practice Management
by Hal Ornstein DPM, FACFAS and Lynn Homisak, PRT
Passive Marketing of In-Office Dispensing Products
The driving force of a healthy economy is
supply and demand. This can be translated in a sense to a win-win
relationship in our offices between the physicians, assistants and patients,
where the patient is in need of a product and the office serves as the supplier.
The many benefits of an in-office dispensing program far outweigh any potential
negative aspects. This is fully dependant on the presentation of the
products to the patient, providing top quality products and educating staff as
to the products and their uses, and discussing their use and benefits to the
patients, as well as sharing the profits with the staff.
In our practice we have employed what we call “Passive Marketing”.
That means that we never suggest to a patient that they have to purchase our
products. We tell them, “Mrs. Smith you really need to use a skin
moisturizer on your feet twice a day”, and their response is usually “Can
you recommend one for me?” And now your door of opportunity is
open. In our waiting room we have two binders available for patients to
look through which have information on the doctors, the staff, the services we
offer and a section on foot care products, which shows the products we have
available and their uses. We also have a small display in the reception
area which includes some of those products. Patients often ask at the
front desk which product they should use. Our staff has been trained in
“non-selling”. We do not push a product but will show a bottle of the
moisturizer we offer, and the patient is informed that similar products can be
found in the pharmacy, but these are available for purchase in our office if
they would like. Our unscientific survey revealed that approximately 80%
of the patients make their purchase from our office.
One of the many joys in our practice is when one of our front office staff tells
us that a person (non-patient) just came to the front desk and made a purchase
of several items, because they were recommended by a patient who was
successfully using a product. Many of these people who present to our office for
purchases eventually make appointments to be seen as patients.
Here are some simple examples of scripts on presenting in-office dispensing
products to your patients:
“Mrs. Smith, the dryness of your feet is starting to create cracks called
fissures, which can split and bleed. You have used other creams but the
cracks continue. To prevent this, I recommend this cream, which will not
just moisturize but also eliminate the heavy skin buildup. My patients
have had good results with this cream and it has really helped them.”
“This product is available at local pharmacies but we have this available
here for your convenience.”
We will continue this series in the next issue of your FootZine.
Happy, healthy and safe holidays!
PS: Maybe you want to give some cream or Biofreeze as a stocking stuffer or
leave some for Santa for those dry and aching feet!!!
Previous "Gems" can be found on their own pages of the FootZine.com
web site, at
http://www.footzine.com/FZ_90.htm
*_* *_* *_*
Before we take off to indulge in and enjoy
our favorite holiday activities and people, we want to wish you and yours a very
happy holiday season. We'll see you next year.... and we'll be checking
our email!
~ Gayle
*_* *_* *_*
