While the healthcare industry is one of the highest grossing industry globally, it is yet to fully utilize its digital marketing potential. This is due to a lack of understanding of the value proposition offered by digital marketing. Digital marketing in healthcare can be used to drive traffic to your website, build reputation, boost credibility, and showcase your medical expertise. Using these digital marketing techniques doctors can reach their target audience and expand their practice. Therefore, healthcare organizations can invest in a healthcare digital marketing agency to drive more traffic, showcase their services to the digital world, grow beyond their locality, and generate more sales and revenue.
Consumers are now using the internet to look for information regarding health issues. According to Google Health Vice President David Feinberg, MD, as The Telegraph reports, an estimated 7 percent of Google’s daily searches are health-related and Google’s total daily health-related searches amount to 70,000 each minute. Similarly, majority of the patients book their appointments online, leave reviews online etc.
How digital marketing helps healthcare organizations
Digital marketing helps you to track your potential patient’s buying behavior, tastes and preferences, and thereby provide better customer experience.
Digital marketing lets you engage your potential patients with your informative content.
Digital marketing allows healthcare organizations to segment campaigns to target local, suburban and urban areas that makes it easier for the target audience to reach you.
The use of mobile phones is rising rapidly every year and mobile phones create a new and improved way for healthcare businesses to meet consumers online.
Using email marketing and social media marketing, healthcare organizations can connect with the potential patients.
Tips to boost your sales with digital marketing
Get more potential patients with content marketing: Majority of the visitors comes from the web search, and Google gets many queries that are related to healthcare. So, providing wellness or healthcare related information that people are looking for can bring more patients to the website. Content marketing is a popular digital marketing strategy, especially for the healthcare industry. As per CMI 2019 B2B Content Marketing report, 62% of B2B marketers say they have been more successful with content marketing. High quality content along with the proper marketing strategy can get more potential patients to your content and to your website. So, invest time and resources in developing blogs, case studies or any other form of content that will let your potential patients know about the services that you offer and your expertise.
Know your customers: Developing a deep understanding of healthcare consumers is essential for any healthcare organization. Adapt to customer needs to stay successful and provide great healthcare services or products. Healthcare clients are different from other customers. So, understand and give them what they are looking for so you can grab their attention. This helps to build trust in your potential patients.
Understand buyer’s organizational chart: This point is applicable for healthcare businesses such as pharmaceutical companies. Small clinics often have a single decision maker who decides to buy any product. But for big hospitals, you will have a buying group or a purchasing department. Take time to map out how each client makes their purchase and identify everybody involved in the process. Each and every client in healthcare has a different purchasing style. Get their purchasing information with contacts and networking within the organization as much as possible, and this helps to expand your influence.
Focus on your clients: Serving your customers is the good rule of thumb for any business. Make sure to improve your relationship with your clients in the long run. It is important that you learn how to effectively communicate with each of these individuals. Think about what to provide to ensure that they receive better, quicker, or more cost-effective care. If you want to become a better salesperson for your company and your clients, you need to write a convincing narrative about your company, as well.
Implement social media marketing: One of the best ways to promote your business is through social media platforms. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are very popular and almost everyone has more than one social media account. Post consistently on social media to connect with the patients. The patients can also leave their reviews on social media. Social media marketing can help you thrive as a healthcare entity and be on the top of your sales game at all times.
Choose Account-based Approach: Account-based approach helps you in increasing the number of your sales. This approach focuses on identifying the most influential players in the organization and communicating with them from a position of authority and expertise. Salespeople need more information and resources to help them engage prospects at critical moments in their buying process. Account-based selling is a proven strategy for gaining access to key decision makers within an organization so that you can reach your customers when they are ready to buy.
Use AI and Big data analytics: Big data analytics in medicine and healthcare integrates analysis of several scientific areas such as bioinformatics, medical imaging, sensor informatics, medical informatics, and health informatics. It helps to improve the quality of care and increases the accuracy of patient diagnosis. Data from various sources is integrated to analyze the current state of health care. Similarly, AI has the ability to gather patient insights, leading to predictive analysis. Getting patient insights helps the healthcare ecosystem discover key areas of patient care that require improvement.
Digital marketing provides you with a wide array of options for promoting and advertising your healthcare practice or business in a very modern way. Healthcare digital marketing is much more than just having a website, it is about having the right mix of digital channels that can enable you to connect with your customers. Using the right digital marketing strategies with the help of a medical SEO company, you can easily reach millions of people around the world, get more customers, and generate more sales and revenue.
Need help with search engine optimization, content writing services, and web design services? Our team at MedResponsive can help!
Call us at (800) 941-5527 and schedule a FREE consultation with our Senior Solutions Manager.
PPC or Pay-per-Click advertising is one of the top ways to advertise plastic surgery practices online. Partnering with a reliable medical SEO company can help plastic surgeons implement effective strategies to reach their target audience and attract new clients. Paid search ads appear when people search for things online using a search engine – like Google, Bing, Yahoo Search Marketing, and so on. Digital marketers can help plastic surgeons to launch PPC ad campaigns across social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. PPC ads will promote your website and provide a multitude of data that can be used to refine and retarget your paid search ads.
The internet is the medium for healthcare practices to reach out to a large number of potential patients/healthcare consumers, and having a strong online presence has become more important than ever in this present digital world. Today, just having an optimized medical website is not enough to attract potential patients to the website. To help patients find your medical practice or healthcare business online, it is important to claim your medical practice on Google My Business listing (GMB). Getting listed on Google’s My Business listing increases your chances of improving your website ranking. So, associate with a professional medical SEO service to optimize your GMB profile and help potential patients find your medical practice.
My Business listing is Google’s free tool that helps medical businesses create and manage their online presence with Google listing which appears when a potential patient finds your medical business on Google Search or Google Maps. It provides key business information like your registered medical business name, logo, full address, open hours and contact details. Even though there are several other online local directories like Bing Map and Apple Map, Google My Business (GMB) is the most popular tool that is responsible for driving 80% of local targeted traffic to neighborhood businesses. Google My Business gives your business the opportunity to appear as top listing in local search and it also shows in the form of a map showing your business location and basic information along with three other providers. According to Google, having a full profile on GMB gets 5 times more views than those businesses that do not have a profile.
How to optimize Google My Business Profile
Having a consistent NAP and URL: NAP refers to name, address and phone number and it is important to provide a consistent name, address and phone number in your GMB profile as well as website. If Google finds any inconsistency in your NAP, then it can lower your ranking and it can be confusing for potential patients too. Similarly, your website’s URL should be listed in your GMB profile and if you have multiple URLs then you can mention that too, provided there is consistency in the URLs. Inconsistent URLs are regarded as untrustworthy in the eyes of Google.
Claim your business: If you own a physical business location, then the first thing you need is to claim your Google My Business listing. This will help patients find your medical practice easily when they search online. Claiming your medical business listing and providing correct location and contact information will help patients find your business on search engines easily.
List your services: Mention the service that you offer in your GMB listing and this will help you stand out from the competition. Make sure to include search phrases in your list of service so that it easier for your potential patients to find you.
Use photos and videos: Include high resolution images and videos of your doctors, support staffs, facilities and building so that your prospective patients can see how your practice looks like. Appealing videos and images may help prospective patients feel more confident about choosing you and what to expect. According to Google, listings that have a virtual tour and photos generate twice as much interest as those without these features.
Select your category: Google allows you to choose your category so that it helps you appear in search results when a user searches for the specific category. You can choose more than one category but make sure to avoid choosing plurals of categories.
Include your working hours: It is important to mention your working hours in your GMB profile so that patients will know when to approach for any treatment. Make sure that you post your updated timings if there is any change.
Write about your clinic: Write a small section about your practice on your page with one or two keywords. This will give your prospective users an idea about what to expect from your practice.
Multiple locations: If you have more than one practice in multiple locations, then make sure to have a separate GMB listing. The practice name and category at each should be the same but ensure that contact details and numbers are given correctly.
Keep Updating Your Google My Business Listing
SEO is an ongoing practice and Google My Business is a tool that lets you create a strong online presence. Therefore, being active on Google My Business listing is important, whether you are open or not. If you fail to engage with your GMB profile then it may lead to a fall in publishing tempo and decrease in review volume, which may eventually affect your ranking.
Keeping your profile up-to-date is vital if there are any temporary changes. Suppose you are expanding your services and providing service over the phone, then you can include “telemedicine services” in your listing. Or if there is any change in the visiting hours you can update your profile with the new timings.
If there is no engagement with your GMB listing then Google can add “Temporarily closed” using its Duplex Artificial Intelligence. It helps Google know if businesses have not taken the initiative themselves to indicate a temporary closure. If you don’t have time or are not current on GMB management requirements to keep an eye on your listings, then hire a professional to take care of these requirements. Ensure that you do not make too many edits as it can lead to suspension of your listing.
Provide the Latest Information and Help People Stay at Home During COVID-19
Many businesses may be closed due to the spread of coronavirus and it is important to let your customers know how it affects your business by managing your Google My Business correctly. So, always keep your profile updated about the adjusted working hours. Some other updates that you have to add to your profile are:
Use attributes to highlight your services
Add a COVID -19 update post to your profile with detailed and timely updates about online services, safety and hygiene practices
Connect with your customers with Google My Business app and turn on messaging
Edit your business description to share information about your medical services
Recommendations of healthcare providers
By providing detailed information and a variety of media through Google My Business, healthcare providers can save people the trouble of visiting their location to acquire that information in person. This also helps promote social distancing and keep people safe by allowing them to stay home during this pandemic.
To keep your Google My Business listing active, make sure that you hire a professional medical SEO company that can review your GMB profile and advise you on whether it is being leveraged properly. They will review your GMB profile and optimize it with the best strategies to improve ranking and traffic.
In today’s dynamic world search engine optimization is changing rapidly and businesses should use is the right medical SEO tools to stay ahead of your competitors. The customer demands and expectations and Google algorithm updates forces businesses to continuously make adjustments to their SEO strategies to survive in the market. SEO is one of the most important ways to gain and keep a competitive advantage. It is the practice of increasing the quantity and quality of traffic to your website through organic search engine results. It generates huge volumes of data like numbers, line graphs, bar graphs, pie graphs, Venn diagrams, percentages, proportions, analyses, analytics etc. This data help businesses understand traffic, customer experience, conversion rate, ranking etc.
SEO has become highly competitive that it no longer relies on standard techniques. So businesses are incorporating data science into SEO data to find more opportunities for businesses to grow and expand.
Following are certain steps for applying data science to your SEO data and transforming it into valuable insights:
Decide your data source: Google analytics and other analytics such as Google Search Console, SemRush, Ahrefs, heatmaps and technical audit tools can be used for search engine optimization. But as SEO gets more complex and integrates with other areas of digital marketing. So, to get better SEO insights you should have current setup and post adoption goals. Focus on areas where your visibility is limited and take the necessary steps.
Data science helps to align SEO with other marketing initiatives: SEO becomes stronger with marketing initiatives. No singe team can optimize all the SEO factors. It needs the cooperation of specialists, developers, UX designers, sales and customer support teams etc to develop and implement a good set of SEO practices. Track the relationship between dependable and independent variables to understand what actions are important for your business. Analyze the following data to know how your SEO impacts other channels.
Conversion and assisted conversion: Assisted conversion helps you identify the channels that don’t directly generate the conversions but play a part in processing. For example, a customer discovers your website through organic search and finds your products and services. Later the customer types in the URL directly to make a purchase, or is converted from a remarketing FB ad.
Top conversion paths: This data will provide more insights about how users interact with your website and other channels before becoming a lead.
Concentrate on stories and not numbers: Picking the right data or tools is not enough, it is important to pay attention to the right metrics. Focus on tracking the metrics directly tied to specific KPIs – such as those reflecting conversions, repeat business, higher customer engagement etc. Make sure that you focus on quantifiable, actionable metrics, not the vanity ones. So look beyond SEO campaign numbers and focus on the results. Insights are not just stories, it explains certain behaviours your customers are exhibiting and their associations with the marketing campaigns.
Data science can be used to visualize: Business leaders may not understand spreadsheets filled with numbers. So data visualization is important and helps you to speed up knowledge discovery, spot common trends and patterns, compare and contrast, digest large amounts of data, and reveal questions that would otherwise be missed. For example, data science can be leveraged during SEO audit to receive many insights about the client’s website and health and performance. The data would show page authority, number of inbound/outbound links per page, rankings and a multitude of other factors. Visualization of data makes your SEO data even more useful and actionable. With data science you can eliminate most of the guesswork.
Google search rankings are clearly a strategic matter. 91% of clicks on the world’s most famous search engine are made on the first page of results. So using data science businesses can optimize their websites for better ranking, sales and revenue. Approach a medical SEO company to optimize your website.
Over the past few years, the Internet and social media have had a great influence on all business segments including healthcare. Both social media and the internet are now being used by businesses to stay connected and communicate with targeted consumers, and to market or buy/sell products or services. Social media marketing plays a crucial part in healthcare digital marketing and healthcare businesses are also aware that social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc are important for reaching out to potential patients and healthcare customers. A good social media strategy helps to reach out to a large number of targeted audiences and boosts your business’s visibility with both existing and new consumers.
In 2016, LinkedIn found that 90% of top-performing sales people use social media as part of their sales strategy. The way of selling your services and products has changed over time. The traditional method of selling has changed to social selling. Social selling refers to making use of your social networks to find the right prospects to build a trusted relationship and achieve your sales goals. It ensures better sales, lead generation, and sales prospects. Social media marketing and social selling are distinct. Social media marketing uses social media channels to attract qualified leads, and they use email marketing and calls to action to transform these leads into clients. Social selling leans more towards conventional sales process, connecting with leads on social networks. Social selling puts the traditional sales process on social media channels and connects with leads on social media platforms. They would comment on their posts on LinkedIn and Twitter or share or retweet them. These interactions act as sales touch points.
Today healthcare businesses are moving towards social selling because a greater number of people use social media. Tools to track social selling helps healthcare marketers keep up with leads and understand what strategies work. The healthcare industry requires social selling due to the following reasons:
Difficult sales cycles selling a complex product
A high level of difficulty identifying the right buyers for your medical device/solution
Businesses that want to begin with social selling can follow some useful steps:
Businesses should have value-driven social networking and they must also know which social media channels are valuable; for B2B companies, LinkedIn is ideal.
Marketers should have built-out pages, posting schedules and followers.
They should post valuable content and not just promo content about their products/services.
You can find groups that have relevant topics and add insights to those. There are many groups active on Facebook and LinkedIn. Find the prominent groups, join those groups and start connecting with them. Posting useful content on these groups will increase the number of followers.
The next step is to connect with prospective clients. You can begin by sending a message in LinkedIn or any other social media channel, which is a polite way to start a conversation. Begin the conversation by providing something useful to the prospect, such as an informative/relevant article. Otherwise, answer a question that a person must have asked. After building a rapport you can start marketing your sales materials.
Just as in conventional marketing, it is important to measure efforts. Most social selling platforms have built-in analytics that will help the marketing team understand what works and what doesn’t. Social selling is a new concept, but businesses are already realizing its significance and those organizations that have implemented social selling already know how useful it is. It is essential to identify the platforms wherein the targeted customers spend most of their time. Your marketing team should be educated regarding what it means to provide real value, be helpful and engage in constructive networking via social media. Social selling also signifies that a business hopes to gain footing as a helpful resource and expert in their particular niche.
Social media plays a crucial role in healthcare digital marketing. Social media marketing is the ideal solution for reaching out to prospects and retaining existing healthcare customers. A Medical SEO company provides effective social media optimization, social media marketing and selling solutions that will ensure your business better online visibility, increased traffic and conversions.
Summer Shootout Barrel Racing beckons all horse lovers to the Oklahoma City State Fair Park from the 19th to the 21st of August, 2011. The event will be held from 8 AM to 8 PM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the State Fair Arena and SuperBarn. It is sure to be a weekend of fun, and Oklahoma City is full of natural and urban attractions not least of which is the Bricktown entertainment district. Hotels at Bricktown offer you affordable hospitality, beckoning one and all.
Cost-effective but Unforgettable Hospitality
With the cost-effective packages offered by hotels in Bricktown, you can expect comprehensive features to make each day a memorable one, right from the creature comforts at the rooms to the 24-hour shuttle services that chauffeur you to your destination and also take you through the many must-visit attractions of the city. Here’s what you can expect:
Exquisitely comfortable mattresses
Free high speed wireless Internet
Complimentary breakfast
Stainless steel fridges & microwaves
Personal voicemail
Complimentary shuttle service
Business center
Iron & ironing boards
Coffee makers
Digital cable TV
Hair-dryers
Working desks with plug-ins
Extra pillows for comfort
Sensory & spa products
The rooms are exquisitely designed and the complimentary breakfast is sumptuous. Guess there’s nothing more you could ask for to have an unbelievably marvelous time at Oklahoma City.
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Loads of Fun at the OKC State Fair Park
The OKC State Fair is a hugely popular annual competition and entertainment extravaganza held at Oklahoma City every year at the State Fair Park. The 2011 OKC State Fair features live music, family-friendly and kids’ events, competitive events and lots more from the 15th to the 25th of September, 2011.
Non-stop Entertainment at the OKC State Fair
The Chesapeake Energy Stage features great entertainment with live bands, while Disney On Ice has entertainment for kids including the staging of Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 3 from the 15th to the 20th. You can experience the vibrancy of color during the 60th Annual Oklahoma State Fair Band Day as mid-high, junior and high school bands from around the state compete on September 19, 2011. Competitive events are conducted in the categories of Livestock/ FFA/ 4-H, Horse, Creative Arts, Wine Contest and Band Day Competition. There are plenty of other events taking place as well including a beauty contest, so please visit okstatefair.com for tickets (not all events require tickets) and more information.
Southern Hospitality Affordably
The hotels at Bricktown provide you with excellent hospitality to make any visit worth remembering and coming back to. Family-friendly Southern hospitality blends with world class service to offer guests a very memorable experience in an affordable manner. Enjoy features such as:
Exquisitely comfortable mattresses
Free high speed wireless Internet
Complimentary breakfast
Stainless steel fridges & microwaves
Personal voicemail
Complimentary shuttle service
Business center
Iron & ironing boards
Coffee makers
Digital cable TV
Hair-dryers
Working desks with plug-ins
Extra pillows for comfort
Sensory & spa products
With unforgettable hospitality and tons and fun, there’s nothing keeping you from checking out OKC.
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Oklahoma State Fair Is Waiting for You
From September 15 to 25, 2011 Oklahoma City will erupt with excitement and fun thanks to the Oklahoma State Fair. It is an annual event containing competitive and entertaining events at the OKC State Fair Park.
Great excitement in Store at Oklahoma State Fair
This year’s edition is no different, with competitive events in the Horse, Livestock/FFA/4-H, Wine Contest, Band Day Competition and Creative Arts classifications raising the competition fever. There are entertainment shows such as live music at the Chesapeake Energy Stage and the staging of the Disney Pixar Toy Story 3 from the 15th through the 20th of September. On the 19th, the 60th Annual Oklahoma State Fair Band Day will entertain with high school, mid-high and junior high school bands adding a splash of color. Many events are free while some have tickets. Visit okstatefair.com for more details.
More Than the State Fair to Entertain you – the Hospitality
It isn’t only the State Fair that will entertain you, but a host of other vibrant attractions Oklahoma City and its Bricktown entertainment district are known for. But you need affordable but fine hospitality to make your experience memorable. Hotels at Bricktown are known for their affordable but fine Southern hospitality. The experience is completed by comprehensive features such as:
Exquisitely comfortable mattresses
Free high speed wireless Internet
Complimentary breakfast
Stainless steel fridges & microwaves
Personal voicemail
Complimentary shuttle service
Business center
Iron & ironing boards
Coffee makers
Digital cable TV
Hair-dryers
Working desks with plug-ins
Extra pillows for comfort
Sensory & spa products
Oklahoma City beckons you to fun and more. And with great hospitality, you don’t need to think twice.
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Five New Strategies for Revenue Cycle Management
In the evolving healthcare landscape, hospitals and medical practices need new revenue cycle management (RCM) strategies. Choosing an experienced, technologically savvy medical billing service provider will ensure valuable support to optimize reimbursement. However, as the business of healthcare has become very complex, medical billing is no longer a simple administrative function. In a recent Beckers Hospital Review report, industry experts recommend specific new strategies to ensure that hospitals’ RCM efforts are focused and financially stable.
Tracking claim denial rate: Following up on claims and denials is a critical aspect to enhance revenue generation. The claims tracking process involves reviewing accounts receivable (AR) and measuring the average number of days it takes to collect the payments due to the healthcare provider, and identifying patterns in payment by insurance companies. Automating key revenue cycle workflows, finding more efficient ways to submit clean claims, and improving collection efforts,and focusing on the appeals process can reduce days in AR and boost cash flow. In fact, AR management is an important element of the RCM solutions provided by medical billing companies.
Review of chargemaster: Experts recommend that hospitals conduct a comprehensive review of their chargemaster and ensure price transparency for patients. This is an important requirement to prepare for the CMS’ price transparency rule coming into force Jan. 1, 2019. Under CMS’ annual Inpatient Prospective Payment System rule, hospitals need to publish a list of their standard charges online in order to help patients understand the cost of care and prepare for any out-of-pocket costs. CMS also requires providers to update that information every year. A recent report from the National Association of Healthcare Revenue Integrity, an expert recommends that hospitals take the following steps to prepare to post their chargesmaters online:
Review existing state hospital pricing and price transparency requirements
Review the chargemaster for consistent pricing
Inform all stakeholders about the new requirements, including IT personnel responsible for the online posting of the chargemaster
Fix a date for post the chargemaster
Create customer service scripts to deal with patients’ questions about the chargemaster and pricing
Price transparency is critical to boost patient satisfaction and collection of patient financial responsibility.
Reduce operating room delays and last-minute cancellations:Operating rooms are a very costly area of hospital operations.Depending upon the complexity of the procedure, last-minute cancellations or delays can prove very costly for hospitals. When planned surgical procedures are cancelled, it leads to considerable loss of revenue and waste of resources,and also results in significant psychological, social and financial consequences for patients and their families.Experts say that, to improve financial performance, hospitals should review their OR operations for avoidable costs and focus on minimizing cancellations and delays in procedures.
Strategies to improve OR operations include focusing on same-day cancellations, on-time procedure starts, equipment availability and parallel processing to increase efficiency.
Blocking OR time by the day rather than stints of hourly blocks
Adjusting block times based on the balance between under- and overutilization of the OR
Avoiding potential delays and gaps for missing equipment by assessing the risk of potential problems in advance
Avoiding tardiness in the OR by starting cases on time
Turnover time reductions:
However, as ORs differ considerably based on patient population, type of hospital and type of surgery and anesthesia, it is difficult to set universal benchmarks for all Ors.
Using online estimator tools to help patients understand their potential out-of-pocket costs: In an era of regulation, high-deductible plans and increased patient responsibility for bills, using a customer-friendly online estimator can ensure that patients get the information they want. Experian’s price-estimator tool, for instance, calculates patients’ out-of-pocket cost based on the hospital’s chargemaster price, its claims history for providing that service, its contract terms with the patient’s insurer, and the patient’s benefit structure and deductible status. It also estimates out-of-pocket costs for self-pay patient. Using a price estimator tool can boost patient satisfaction and attract more patients. Experts advise that when using the tool, hospitals should also post a disclaimer with standard charges, so patients know that the price list they are viewing may not indicate their actual out-of-pocket costs.
Include both clinical interactions and nonclinical interactions when considering net promoter scores: Net promoter scores reflect how likely patients are likely to recommend the organization to another person. Patient care involves both clinical and nonclinical support services. Even the best clinical services cannot be truly optimal without dedicated nonclinical and clinical-support staff.Experts recommend that hospitals include both clinical interactions and nonclinical interactions when considering net promoter scores. Healthcare providers need to use the same approach as retail businesses and tap into what the patient not only wants but also expects by examining how every nonclinical touchpoint is interacting with the patient. Net promotion scores will provide hospitals with a more accurate picture of patient satisfaction.
Medical billing is the core of healthcare RCM. The medical billing process is complex and difficult to manage, but with the right processes, proactive strategies, and the support of an experienced medical billing and coding company, providers canoptimize RCM and reduce days in accounts receivable.
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Thermo Scientific Indiko™ Plus Clinical and Specialty Chemistry System
A leading supplier of high-quality lab equipment, Block Scientific offers the Indiko™ Plus Clinical and Specialty Chemistry System from Thermo Scientific. This fully-automated random access benchtop system offers optimal operational excellence for clinical and specialty chemistry testing. A reliable, fully supported solution integrating analyzer, reagents and consumables, this system offers laboratories ease of use and time-saving automation to supports routine daily work. It is an ideal option for small and medium sized laboratories.
In addition to offering true operational reliability and walk-away convenience, this analyzer is self-contained with no need for external water or drainage connections, which makes it quick and easy to install.
Indiko™ Plus Analyzer – Reliable and User-friendly
The Indiko Plus is a flexible system with uncompromised level of performance. Three different sample racks are available for user convenience:
Two 9-position racks can be adjusted for different aspiration heights and used for 0.5 and 2.0 ml cups and 5, 7 or 10 ml tubes
The 18-position for non-barcoded 7 ml tubes can be used either for 0.5 and 2.0 ml cups or for non-barcoded 7 ml tubes
The system’s reagent disk can accommodate 42 reagents. Its unique, low-volume cuvette design guarantees small reagent volumes, minimal amount of reagent waste, and thus secure low reagent cost. As it enables users to work with disposable cuvettes, this analyzer helps lower the risk of contamination and shortens the time of analysis. The simple and clear user interface eases patient sample handling and also allows control of the reagent levels in real-time during work.
Key Features
Minimal maintenance, maximized analyzer uptime
Optimized, liquid system reagents
Automated clot detection
Built-in real-time QC program
Automated real-time monitoring of the reagent usage and expiry date
Ready-to-use, maintenance-free electrodes
Bi-directional LIS connection
Specifications
Operating Principle: Fully automated, sample oriented, random access analyzer
Capacity: photometric tests/hr: up to 350; ISE tests/hr: up to 135
On-board capacity: up to 108 sample positions and 42 reagent positions
Sample volume: 2 to 120μL
Reagent volume: 2 to 240μL (1 to 4 reagent additions/test)
Reaction volume: 120 to 300μL
Incubator: 9 x 10-position single-use cuvettes, totally 90 cuvette positions
Photometer: 12 filter positions
Absorbance range: 0 to 3.5A
Water consumption: 2.5L/hr.
Workstation: separate PC
Bi-directional LIS-connection
Power consumption: 300w
Dimensions (L x W x H): 27.6 x 37 x 24.4in. (70 x 94 x 62cm)
Weight: 242 lb. (110kg)
Block Scientific offers the Thermo Scientific Indiko Plus, NEW, including Installation, Training, Validation, 1 year warranty, and Shipping.
Contact Us
To place an order for the Thermo Scientific Indiko™ Plus Clinical and Specialty Chemistry System or to check out other chemistry analyzers we offer, visit our online store – http://www.blockscientificstore.com. To contact us, call 631-589-1118 or send an email to info@blockscientific.com.
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Food Service Products
Aluminum Foil Sandwich Wrap – Silver
The Silver Aluminum Foil Sandwich Wrap is made of exclusive foil/paper lamination to retain heat, absorb steam and resist curl. Its honeycomb design creates air pockets for superior heat retention. The moisture-absorbing paper layer helps to keep food fresh.
Product Features
Dimensions – 14 X 16
Excellent deadfold capability
Case: 1000
Case Weight – 16#
Blue Foil Sheets – 10.5 in. x 13 inch
The Blue Foil Sheets are foil insulated wraps that come with a honeycomb design for superior heat retention, moisture/grease resistance and holding times. Their superior dead-fold design helps to hold the shape of the wrapped food items. A moisture-absorbing paper layer helps to maintain the freshness of crispy breads and buns longer.
Product Features
Dimensions 10.5 in. x 13 inch
Case Pack – 4@500
Surpasses rigid clamshells in raw-material waste reduction and heat retention
D Vour Absorbent Powder
The D Vour Absorbent Powder absorbs and coagulates spilled liquids and bodily fluids, as well as eliminates all the repellent odors. D Vour deodorant powder, made of special polymer, ensures effective results in short time. When sprinkled lightly on liquid, the powder converts it into an odorless, semi-solid mass within seconds, enabling easy and fast clean-up. D Vour is the perfect choice for removing spills and unpleasant odors in restaurants, schools, healthcare facilities and grocery stores. Its quick absorbent formula sets spills of all free-flowing liquids, except oils and strong oxidizing materials such as acids.
Product Features
Volume: 16 oz.
Lemon fragrance
Absorbs spills 100 times its weight
Sets liquids and remove repulsive odors within seconds
Weight: 7
Pack: 6 cans per case
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Round Eye Supply
Conex Rolled Rim Graduated Medicine 1.25 oz. Clear Cup
Made of durable, crack-resistant polypropylene, Conex Rolled Rim Graduated Medicine cups are ideal for many diverse applications. These 1.25 oz. clear cups are suitable for dry and liquid medications, household, dining, and carryout applications. For dining, these Conex clear polypropylene cups can serve anything from small side dishes to salad dressing and whipped butter. For carryout, when coupled with a secure fitting clear lid, they safely transport side sauces such as ranch dressing, marinara, salsa, and more.
Features
Covers all market needs
Durable polypropylene construction
Polypropylene increases product visibility
Secure lid fit
Rolled rim
Lids Sold Separately
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Fresh, Fun Contemporary Area Rugs
Decorating with fresh, fun contemporary area rugs is a stylish and fantastic way to add a bright splash of color to the décor of any room. These area rugs can be the focal point of the room, giving the entire room an inviting, modern look.
Area Rugs in Contemporary Style to Fit Any Room Décor
From the vast selections of area rugs available in the market, you can select those that are perfect for your purpose. Nowadays, contemporary area rugs can easily and harmoniously fit into any room of your home, including doorways, bedrooms, family rooms, kid’s rooms and kitchens. Machine-made or hand-knotted museum pieces, big or small rugs, square or round rugs, discrete or fun rugs, you can find these in a variety of different styles and patterns for every walk of life – from the leading name brands you know and love. To brighten your kid’s room, you can find rugs detailed with bright, fun designs in attractive colors.
Fine Choice of Materials and Colors
A variety of rugs ranging from those made from traditional materials to multi-functional area rugs can be found in a variety of striking colors and at all price points. Wool, cotton, polypropylene, faux silk, and olefin are just a few of the materials that work well with striking and trendy contemporary touches. One can also avail of these in sizes such as 6’x 9′, 4’x 6′, 8’x 10′, 9’x12′, and 10’x14′. While making a choice, you have to take into account factors such as the size of the room, the feel you want to create, and more.
Purchasing online is considered the most cost-effective way to find high quality and durable contemporary area rugs. You will find hundreds of online vendors offering the finest quality area rugs in contemporary designs. Whether you need looped, shag, woven, or outdoor rugs – all can be purchased online in just a few minutes.
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Floral Area Rugs - Add a Warm Welcome
Use floral area rugs to add a warm welcome to your home or office space. It is a good choice for those who want to beautify their homes in a creative and cost-effective manner. By decorating with floral area rugs, you can bring the beauty of nature into your home.
Wide Selections, Great Choices
Apart from protecting high-traffic areas like hallways or sitting areas, these are sure to bring a touch of elegance to your interiors in entryways, guest room, dining room, bed room, kitchen, or any other place where you would like to add brightness and charm. In today’s market, floral area rugs in all modes, from traditional to modern in a variety of sizes ranging from small sized 4’x 6′ to large to 10’x 14′ and every size in-between. These also come in a variety of styles, designs, shapes, and vivid colors to liven up a household.
Online floor covering stores offer a wide variety of new and striking floral rugs in fresh patterns and designs, including begonia, cala lily, orchid, sunflower, tulip, and more. Machine-made rugs, hand-knotted museum pieces, big or small rugs, and square or round floral rugs from leading brand names are available in the stores. Area rugs in floral designs made from polypropylene, silk, or wool can be purchased.
Floral Rug Options
As it can list the prices, styles, and sizes of branded collections, online shopping is considered the best and cost-effective way to shop for these products. Most of the online vendors who are engaged in providing exceptionally beautiful rugs, offer a fine line of floral area rugs that are chosen to complement any decor.
Always take your time when making a choice. A good dealer can provide customers with a great selection of floral rugs, superior product knowledge, excellent service and expert installation – all at reasonable rates.
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Medical Coding for Skin Biopsies - Use the Correct CPT Codes
Biopsies are used to obtain a sample of your tissue or cells for diagnostic histopathologic examination performed independently or unrelated/distinct from other procedures/services. The removal of tissue or cells for analysis is called a biopsy. A skin biopsy is a procedure in which a physician cuts and removes small samples of skin or cells from the surface of your body to get it tested. The sample obtained from a skin biopsy is further examined to diagnose certain skin conditions such as skin tumors, infections and other types of growth or skin conditions. A biopsy of a lesion of the skin can help physicians report the difference between a skin cancer and a benign or noncancerous lesion. The skin sample obtained during a biopsy is further sent for laboratory analysis under a microscope.Dermatology medical coding involves several difficult aspects for coders to memorize unique termsrelated to sizing wounds and lesions. As skin procedure codes take into account the type of removal, the size and location of the lesion (such as length, depth, width, and circumference), the provider’s intent and pathologic results, documenting the service and selecting the right medical codes can be confusing. Outsourcing the task to a reliable and experienced medical billing and coding company is a feasible strategy that helps physicians simplify their documentation process. Coders must be familiar with terminology related to benign and malignant masses along with actions such as shaving, destruction, and performing biopsies.
Why Is a Skin Lesion Biopsy Done?
Generally, a skin biopsy is performed to determine the cause of a growth, sore or rash and could include –
Skin cancer including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma
Rashes or blistering skin conditions
Pre-cancerous cells
Non-cancerous growths
Chronic bacterial or fungal skin infection
Changing moles
Actinic keratosis
Warts
The potential risk factors associated with this procedure include – excessive bleeding from the biopsy site, pain, skin infections, local reaction to the anesthetic, scarring and other healing problems.
Types of Skin Biopsies
There are four main types of skin biopsies which include –
Shave biopsy – Physicians will remove only a small section of the top layers of skin (epidermis and a portion of the dermis) using a special razor blade or scalpel.
Punch biopsy – Physicians use a circular tool to remove a small section of skin including deeper layers (epidermis, dermis and superficial fat).
Excisional biopsy – This type is used to remove the entire lesion/abnormal skin, including a portion of normal skin down to or through the fatty layer of skin.
Incisional biopsy – This is used to remove a small part of a larger lesion.
After the biopsy, the wound will be covered with gauze and other bandaging. Patients will be able to go home once the sample has been taken.
Undergoing Skin Biopsy – Preparations Required
Generally performed in the doctor’s office, patients undergoing skin biopsy will be asked to change into a hospital gown so that the area of suspect skin can be more easily seen and removed. Before undergoing the procedure, patients must disclose information about – current medicines consumed (including over-the-counter drugs, street drugs, or herbal or nutritional supplements), any allergies/reactions to medications (especially to local anesthetics, such as lidocaine or novocaine, or to iodine cleaning solutions, such as Betadine), pregnancy and bleeding problems if any.
The physician will first cleanse the biopsy site (with a sterile soap solution) and then numb the skin by using a local anesthetic (pain-relieving) injection, usually lidocaine. Patients will experience a brief prick and stinging sensation as and when the medicine is injected. After the skin is numb, the physicianwill perform the biopsy and the tissue will be removed. The removed portion of tissue will be sent to the laboratory for analysis by a pathologist. After the procedure, the wound will be covered with gauze and other bandaging. A skin biopsy typically takes about 15-20 minutes, including the preparation time, dressing the wound and instructions for at-home care.
CPT Codes for Skin Biopsies
Dermatology medical codinginvolves the use of specific CPT codes to document different types of skin biopsies. The CPT codes for skin biopsies include –
For the first biopsy, submit code 11100 – Biopsy of skin, subcutaneous tissue and/or mucous membrane [including simple closure], unless otherwise listed; single lesion). For each separate biopsy after the first one, use the add-on code 11101 – Biopsy of skin, subcutaneous tissue and/or mucous membrane [including simple closure], unless otherwise listed separate procedure; each separate/additional lesion [List separately in addition to the code for primary procedure].
For instance, if three lesions are biopsied, codes 11100, 11101 and 11101 should be submitted. If skin biopsy is performed more than the maximum number of times, it is important to submit supporting documentation to avoid denials. If the removal is simply for diagnosis, the procedure is coded as a biopsy. If the entire lesion is removed, the excision codes should be used.
The new CPT codes that range from 11102 – 11107 are reported on the basis of method of removal, which offers greater specificity. The new CPT codes are as follows –
11102 – Tangential biopsy of skin (e.g., shave, scoop, saucerize, curette) single lesion
+11103 – Each separate/additional lesion (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
11104 – Punch biopsy of skin (including simple closure, when performed) single lesion
+11105 – Each separate/additional lesion (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure
11106 – Incisional biopsy of skin (including simple closure, when performed) single lesion
+11107 – Each separate/additional lesion (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure
Prior to the above new CPT codes, biopsies were reported with CPT code 11100 for the first lesion and 11101 for each additional lesion biopsied regardless of method of removal. However, the new biopsy codes are reported based on method of removal including –
Tangential biopsy (Codes – 11102 and 11103)
Tangential biopsy includes removal via shave, scoop, saucerization or curette. The procedure is performed with a sharp blade like a flexible biopsy blade, obliquely oriented scalpel or curette. A sample of epidermal tissues is removed with or without portions of the underlying dermis. This type of biopsy does not involve the full thickness of the dermis. When the full thickness of the dermis is involved, the procedure is reported using the codes – 11300-11313 (removal of epidermal or dermal lesions).
Punch biopsy (Codes -11104 and 11105)
Performed using a punch tool, the purpose of this biopsy is to remove a sample of a cutaneous lesion for a diagnostic pathologic examination. Simple closure is included and cannot be billed separately.
Incisional biopsy (Codes -11106 and 11107)
An incisional biopsy requires a sharp blade (not a punch tool) to remove a full-thickness sample of tissue via a vertical incision or wedge, penetrating deep into the dermis, into the subcutaneous space. An incisional biopsy may sample subcutaneous fat. When the entire lesion is excised, it is important report the excision codes – 11400-11646 (depending on type of lesion – benign or malignant).
Multiple Biopsies
If more than one biopsy is performed on the same date, report only one primary biopsy code. When more than one biopsy is performed using the same technique, the appropriate primary biopsy code is reported for the first biopsy and the add-on code is reported for each additional lesion.
Recovery after the Procedure
Once the skin biopsy is complete, patients may experience some soreness around the biopsied site for a few days. Physicians will either put a bandage or stitches (in some cases) over the biopsy site. In most cases, physicians may instruct patients to keep the bandage over the biopsy site until the next day. They may be advised to change the bandage daily, wash the wound and apply antibacterial ointment. Tylenol is usually sufficient to relieve discomfort. However, patients who have stitches around the biopsy site need to keep the area as clean and dry as possible. Healing of the wound can take several weeks, but is usually complete within two months. Wounds on the legs and feet tend to heal slower than those on other areas of the body.
Medical billing and coding can be complex and requires knowledge regarding appropriate coding, modifiers and payer-specific medical billing for correct and on-time reimbursement. With all the complexities, the support of an experienced medical coding serviceprovider could be useful to report skin biopsy procedures correctly for optimal reimbursement. Professional coders in reliable medical billing and coding companies can ensure accurate reporting of diagnostic and procedure details.
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Common Knee Injuries and Treatment Options
The knee is a fragile and sensitive joint which plays a vital role in the body’s stability and motion. The knee is made up of many structures and these can be severely injured by a traumatic event or disease. Injuries generally occur due to twisting or bending force applied to the knee or a direct blow suffered while playing sports, or by a sudden fall or accident. In addition to sudden injury, repetitive overuse and underlying medical conditions like osteoporosis can cause knee pain. There are different types of knee injuries all of which involve various symptoms including pain, swelling, and stiffness. Injury to the knee can cause instability and become debilitating if not treated quickly. Fortunately, effective nonsurgical knee injury treatment is available in established pain management and rehabilitation centers in Brooklyn, NYC.
Common Injuries of the Knee — Symptoms and Causes
Injuries to the knee are mainly defined by the affected anatomy of the knee and the mechanism that caused the injury. Let’s take a look at some common knee injuries –
Sprains – A sprain is an injury to the ligaments that hold the knee together. Sprains are graded by the amount of stretching or tearing of the ligament fibers and how much instability it causes. Ligament tears include – injuries to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL). ACL injuries occur as a result of a twisting or pivoting movement. PCL injuries are the result of a powerful force such as a football player falling on a knee that is bent. The LCL runs along the outside of the knee joint and stabilizes the knee so that the bones do not slide from side to side. A common injury among athletes, MCL sprain occurs due to a blow to the outside of the knee, which forces the knee inward.
Strains – Strains occur when the tendons or muscles surrounding the knee are stretched, usually due to hyperflexion or hyperextension of the knee. Strains can cause pain outside the joint as well as dysfunction of the normal range of motion of the knee.
Tendinitis – Tendinitis refers to inflammation or irritation of a tendon (the thick fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone) that connects the kneecap to the shinbone. Also known as jumper’s knee, tendonitis is common among athletes who frequently jump. However, any physically active person can be at risk of developing this condition.
Bursitis – This is a painful condition that affects the bursae – small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons and muscles near your joints. Bursitis occurs when bursae swells and become inflamed with overuse or repeated pressure from kneeling. Most cases of bursitis respond well to self-care measures. However, in some instances, antibiotics or aspiration (a procedure that uses a needle to withdraw excess fluid) may be required.
Runner’s knee – Patellofemoral pain syndrome or runner’s knee is one of the most common causes of knee pain in young athletes. It is caused by overuse of the patellofemoral joint (the joint between the kneecap (patella) and thighbone) — causing pain in the front of the knee.
Meniscal tears – One of the most frequently occurring cartilage injuries of the knee, meniscal tears generally occur when the knee twists or pivots. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, locking, and decreased range of motion. This type of knee injury is common in contact sports like football as well as noncontact sports requiring jumping and cutting such as volleyball and soccer.
Fractures and dislocations – Knee fractures are usually the result of trauma such as falling directly on the knee, repetitive stress injuries, osteoporosis and tumors. Dislocation is the displacement of a joint from its normal position, which is usually caused by a blow, fall or other trauma. Symptoms include loss of motion, swelling and pain and sometimes, a visibly out of place joint.
Cartilage injuries – Cartilage, the tough, flexible tissue which covers the surface of joints, can get damaged as a result of a sudden injury, such as a sports injury, or gradual wear and tear (osteoarthritis). Symptoms include – knee joint pain, swelling, stiffness and clicking or grinding sensation.
Chondromalacia patellae – This condition occurs when the cartilage on the undersurface of the patella (kneecap) deteriorates and softens. It is the result of repetitive wear and tear of the kneecap that can occur due to acute injury to the patella or due to aging. A work or sports activity that puts great stress on the knee increases the risk of developing chondromalacia patella.
Knee Injury Diagnosis, Treatment and Rehabilitation
Diagnosis will typically begin with a detailed physical examination of the joint, wherein the physician will examine the bones and check whether any of the joints are out of place. Diagnostic imaging tests such as x-ray and MRI scan may be conducted to examine the condition of the bones, cartilage, muscles, ligaments and tendons and the extent of injury. Once the diagnosis is established, a team of pain management professionals will collaborate to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Knee injuries that are not severe can be effectively treated without surgery. The first course of action is rest, application of ice packs and a compression bandage. Most minor injuries improve with rest (after two to three weeks). However, if the pain persists beyond three weeks despite these measures, medical treatment will be necessary.
Multispecialty pain management centers in Brooklyn, NYC offer effective nonsurgical treatment modalities to address chronic pain symptoms. Nonsurgical modalities used in knee injury treatment include – physical therapy, injections, anti-inflammation medications, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), and Game Ready Cold Therapy.
Exercises to Strengthen the Knee Joint
Physical therapy for knee injury will include exercises to strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility. Strengthening exercises help build up the muscles around the joints. Strengthening the muscles around the knee such as the quadriceps and hamstrings will reduce stress on the joint and help it absorb shock. Gentle stretching or flexibility exercises stretch the muscles in order to restore range of motion, reduce muscle soreness, and prevent injury. In addition, patients will be educated on how to manage injury when it occurs and how to prevent re-injury. This will help prevent potential damage and disability in the long-term.
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