Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
I.Q. -- Interesting Quote
HMOs Dangerous to Elderly?
A recent study1 compared the health of chronically ill patients treated in health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and fee for service systems (FFS). Although they observed adults ranging from 18 to 97 years of age, after four years of observations in three geographic areas, the investigators discovered a disturbing difference:
"For elderly patients (those aged 65 years and older) treated under Medicare, declines in physical health were more common in HMOs than in FFS plans (54% vs 28%; P<.001)"Reference
1. Ware JE, Bayliss MS, Rogers WH, Kosinski M, Tarlow AR. Differences in 4-year health outcomes for the elderly and poor, chronically ill patients treated in HMO and fee-for-service systems. JAMA 1996;276: 1039-1047.