Guest guest Posted March 4, 2006 Report Share Posted March 4, 2006 Congratulations!! Office opens Monday! Hi Folks -- It's time for me to do as some others have done and pass along some happy news... my new office officially opens in two days, Monday March6! First, a giant " Thank You " to everyone for sharing their experiences and opinions on this list. Over these three years or so I've learned a lot from all of you. And until recently I didn't realize it, but it's true, the list does feel like a bit like family. Second, a warning... you should get another email (likely on Sunday or so) from me with a link to a Kodak site to view some photos. You do not have to register (unless you want to order photos...?) and it's not junk email. The photos will be of my office and will range from the barebones space I started with last month to whatever it looks like tomorrow after putting in lots of hours this weekend. About the office... about 50 patients have already had their medical records copied and sent to me. I have about 25 patients already registered on RelayHealth. I have four patients booked for Monday... for five appts (one is a Workers Comp follow up who is also diabetic so he's got two appts to bill each with different insurance). Interestingly, 3 of the 4 patients are Deaf... but that is one of my clinical interest areas as I know sign language and have served large numbers of Deaf patients for many years. I have 10 appts booked on AppointmentQuest for the next two weeks... five were set up by the patient him/herself and the others by me with patient on the phone. I think that ratio is a good sign, though I admit the earliest registered patients may be more tech-savvy so it may be a statistical glitch. My technology stuff has held up pretty well through my first week of having all the pieces together... a " loaded " Toshiba Tecra convertible laptop-tablet with a port at the office for easy connection to everything there... HP color laser printer (on sale for $299)... Panasonic scanner (expensive, but it's worked GREAT so far -- dealer is a local small businessman who is has already referred his son to me and has been a good link to the local community, so the extra expense of the machine has already paid off as opposed to buying online) ... EMR= AC... OneBox.com for voice mails, faxes and some emails (has worked great so far and VM is fast with my DSL line and computer) ... single tel line with all calls/faxes sent to OneBox.com (btw, tel company rep on the phone I've worked with to set up line and DSL, after regular calls back and forth, is becoming my patient too!)... Treo 700W (new and I'm just getting started with it, but it's been good so far)... about to tie in voice recognition with local highly-recommended " training " company. I've tried to think about and come to good decisions along the way for where to spend money and thusfar I'm satisfied the few times I've put out larger sums. Each time I can see a reason and have already seen some benefit with referrals and good advise about other businesses/resourses. I didn't realize it, but this world of small business does run on handshakes and relationships. A good financial deal at one point may not benefit you later. But a good relationship with a colleague can keep growing with time. Financial choices are not just about the current dollars but are " investments " for the future. At this point however, I'm mostly all set so there won't be many more outlays of money. Anyway, I've not run the numbers but I'd estimate my start up costs are about $25,000 and I've been able to arrange for some of that to delay payment (no interest) which will help my early cash flow but require me to keep track and be sure I have cash available when they come due. I've got a $50,000 small business loan with a low interest rate and my minimum payment is 1% a month. I only pay what I take out of it too... thus far $20,000. My technology overhead (www, online messaging, online scheduling, cell phone, etc) is about $450/month and I doubt I'll go over the limits for use with the way I set the contracts. I've got no staff... one of my mottos is, " it's just me, the patients, our computers and our phones! " Now I've got to go and finish painting trim (have put it off all week), put up some shelving, paint a few last pieces of funiture, move my last two pieces of furniture and straighten up the office...! I'm sure many of you recall the feeling, but right now the office feels like a jigsaw puzzle with all the pieces spread on the table. At this point they are all faced right-side-up but only small bunches are all attached... I've got the border and some bunches of similar colors, but really it is still not put together! ;-) Overall, this feels good! The mild anxiety is mixed with joy. Thanks to you all for helping me get here. I'll be sending the pictures and will share with the group any thoughts or observations about office or practice as time goes on. 7:40... time to get to the office as I hit the homestretch!!! Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2006 Report Share Posted March 4, 2006 Congratulations!! Office opens Monday! Hi Folks -- It's time for me to do as some others have done and pass along some happy news... my new office officially opens in two days, Monday March6! First, a giant " Thank You " to everyone for sharing their experiences and opinions on this list. Over these three years or so I've learned a lot from all of you. And until recently I didn't realize it, but it's true, the list does feel like a bit like family. Second, a warning... you should get another email (likely on Sunday or so) from me with a link to a Kodak site to view some photos. You do not have to register (unless you want to order photos...?) and it's not junk email. The photos will be of my office and will range from the barebones space I started with last month to whatever it looks like tomorrow after putting in lots of hours this weekend. About the office... about 50 patients have already had their medical records copied and sent to me. I have about 25 patients already registered on RelayHealth. I have four patients booked for Monday... for five appts (one is a Workers Comp follow up who is also diabetic so he's got two appts to bill each with different insurance). Interestingly, 3 of the 4 patients are Deaf... but that is one of my clinical interest areas as I know sign language and have served large numbers of Deaf patients for many years. I have 10 appts booked on AppointmentQuest for the next two weeks... five were set up by the patient him/herself and the others by me with patient on the phone. I think that ratio is a good sign, though I admit the earliest registered patients may be more tech-savvy so it may be a statistical glitch. My technology stuff has held up pretty well through my first week of having all the pieces together... a " loaded " Toshiba Tecra convertible laptop-tablet with a port at the office for easy connection to everything there... HP color laser printer (on sale for $299)... Panasonic scanner (expensive, but it's worked GREAT so far -- dealer is a local small businessman who is has already referred his son to me and has been a good link to the local community, so the extra expense of the machine has already paid off as opposed to buying online) ... EMR= AC... OneBox.com for voice mails, faxes and some emails (has worked great so far and VM is fast with my DSL line and computer) ... single tel line with all calls/faxes sent to OneBox.com (btw, tel company rep on the phone I've worked with to set up line and DSL, after regular calls back and forth, is becoming my patient too!)... Treo 700W (new and I'm just getting started with it, but it's been good so far)... about to tie in voice recognition with local highly-recommended " training " company. I've tried to think about and come to good decisions along the way for where to spend money and thusfar I'm satisfied the few times I've put out larger sums. Each time I can see a reason and have already seen some benefit with referrals and good advise about other businesses/resourses. I didn't realize it, but this world of small business does run on handshakes and relationships. A good financial deal at one point may not benefit you later. But a good relationship with a colleague can keep growing with time. Financial choices are not just about the current dollars but are " investments " for the future. At this point however, I'm mostly all set so there won't be many more outlays of money. Anyway, I've not run the numbers but I'd estimate my start up costs are about $25,000 and I've been able to arrange for some of that to delay payment (no interest) which will help my early cash flow but require me to keep track and be sure I have cash available when they come due. I've got a $50,000 small business loan with a low interest rate and my minimum payment is 1% a month. I only pay what I take out of it too... thus far $20,000. My technology overhead (www, online messaging, online scheduling, cell phone, etc) is about $450/month and I doubt I'll go over the limits for use with the way I set the contracts. I've got no staff... one of my mottos is, " it's just me, the patients, our computers and our phones! " Now I've got to go and finish painting trim (have put it off all week), put up some shelving, paint a few last pieces of funiture, move my last two pieces of furniture and straighten up the office...! I'm sure many of you recall the feeling, but right now the office feels like a jigsaw puzzle with all the pieces spread on the table. At this point they are all faced right-side-up but only small bunches are all attached... I've got the border and some bunches of similar colors, but really it is still not put together! ;-) Overall, this feels good! The mild anxiety is mixed with joy. Thanks to you all for helping me get here. I'll be sending the pictures and will share with the group any thoughts or observations about office or practice as time goes on. 7:40... time to get to the office as I hit the homestretch!!! Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2006 Report Share Posted March 4, 2006 ditto LL" Brady, MD" wrote: Congratulations!! -----Original Message-----From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Malia, MDSent: Saturday, March 04, 2006 7:52 AMTo: Subject: Office opens Monday! Hi Folks --It's time for me to do as some others have done and pass along some happynews... my new office officially opens in two days, Monday March6!First, a giant "Thank You" to everyone for sharing their experiences andopinions on this list. Over these three years or so I've learned a lotfrom all of you. And until recently I didn't realize it, but it's true,the list does feel like a bit like family.Second, a warning... you should get another email (likely on Sunday or so)from me with a link to a Kodak site to view some photos. You do not haveto register (unless you want to order photos...?) and it's not junk email.The photos will be of my office and will range from the barebones space Istarted with last month to whatever it looks like tomorrow after puttingin lots of hours this weekend.About the office... about 50 patients have already had their medicalrecords copied and sent to me. I have about 25 patients alreadyregistered on RelayHealth. I have four patients booked for Monday... forfive appts (one is a Workers Comp follow up who is also diabetic so he'sgot two appts to bill each with different insurance). Interestingly, 3 ofthe 4 patients are Deaf... but that is one of my clinical interest areasas I know sign language and have served large numbers of Deaf patients formany years.I have 10 appts booked on AppointmentQuest for the next two weeks... fivewere set up by the patient him/herself and the others by me with patienton the phone. I think that ratio is a good sign, though I admit theearliest registered patients may be more tech-savvy so it may be astatistical glitch.My technology stuff has held up pretty well through my first week ofhaving all the pieces together... a "loaded" Toshiba Tecra convertiblelaptop-tablet with a port at the office for easy connection to everythingthere... HP color laser printer (on sale for $299)... Panasonic scanner(expensive, but it's worked GREAT so far -- dealer is a local smallbusinessman who is has already referred his son to me and has been a goodlink to the local community, so the extra expense of the machine hasalready paid off as opposed to buying online) ... EMR= AC... OneBox.comfor voice mails, faxes and some emails (has worked great so far and VM isfast with my DSL line and computer) ... single tel line with allcalls/faxes sent to OneBox.com (btw, tel company rep on the phone I'veworked with to set up line and DSL, after regular calls back and forth, isbecoming my patient too!)... Treo 700W (new and I'm just getting startedwith it, but it's been good so far)... about to tie in voice recognitionwith local highly-recommended "training" company.I've tried to think about and come to good decisions along the way forwhere to spend money and thusfar I'm satisfied the few times I've put outlarger sums. Each time I can see a reason and have already seen somebenefit with referrals and good advise about other businesses/resourses.I didn't realize it, but this world of small business does run onhandshakes and relationships. A good financial deal at one point may notbenefit you later. But a good relationship with a colleague can keepgrowing with time. Financial choices are not just about the currentdollars but are "investments" for the future. At this point however, I'mmostly all set so there won't be many more outlays of money.Anyway, I've not run the numbers but I'd estimate my start up costs areabout $25,000 and I've been able to arrange for some of that to delaypayment (no interest) which will help my early cash flow but require me tokeep track and be sure I have cash available when they come due. I've gota $50,000 small business loan with a low interest rate and my minimumpayment is 1% a month. I only pay what I take out of it too... thus far$20,000. My technology overhead (www, online messaging, onlinescheduling, cell phone, etc) is about $450/month and I doubt I'll go overthe limits for use with the way I set the contracts. I've got no staff...one of my mottos is, "it's just me, the patients, our computers and ourphones!"Now I've got to go and finish painting trim (have put it off all week),put up some shelving, paint a few last pieces of funiture, move my lasttwo pieces of furniture and straighten up the office...!I'm sure many of you recall the feeling, but right now the office feelslike a jigsaw puzzle with all the pieces spread on the table. At thispoint they are all faced right-side-up but only small bunches are allattached... I've got the border and some bunches of similar colors, butreally it is still not put together! ;-)Overall, this feels good! The mild anxiety is mixed with joy.Thanks to you all for helping me get here.I'll be sending the pictures and will share with the group any thoughts orobservations about office or practice as time goes on.7:40... time to get to the office as I hit the homestretch!!!Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2006 Report Share Posted March 4, 2006 ditto LL" Brady, MD" wrote: Congratulations!! -----Original Message-----From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Malia, MDSent: Saturday, March 04, 2006 7:52 AMTo: Subject: Office opens Monday! Hi Folks --It's time for me to do as some others have done and pass along some happynews... my new office officially opens in two days, Monday March6!First, a giant "Thank You" to everyone for sharing their experiences andopinions on this list. Over these three years or so I've learned a lotfrom all of you. And until recently I didn't realize it, but it's true,the list does feel like a bit like family.Second, a warning... you should get another email (likely on Sunday or so)from me with a link to a Kodak site to view some photos. You do not haveto register (unless you want to order photos...?) and it's not junk email.The photos will be of my office and will range from the barebones space Istarted with last month to whatever it looks like tomorrow after puttingin lots of hours this weekend.About the office... about 50 patients have already had their medicalrecords copied and sent to me. I have about 25 patients alreadyregistered on RelayHealth. I have four patients booked for Monday... forfive appts (one is a Workers Comp follow up who is also diabetic so he'sgot two appts to bill each with different insurance). Interestingly, 3 ofthe 4 patients are Deaf... but that is one of my clinical interest areasas I know sign language and have served large numbers of Deaf patients formany years.I have 10 appts booked on AppointmentQuest for the next two weeks... fivewere set up by the patient him/herself and the others by me with patienton the phone. I think that ratio is a good sign, though I admit theearliest registered patients may be more tech-savvy so it may be astatistical glitch.My technology stuff has held up pretty well through my first week ofhaving all the pieces together... a "loaded" Toshiba Tecra convertiblelaptop-tablet with a port at the office for easy connection to everythingthere... HP color laser printer (on sale for $299)... Panasonic scanner(expensive, but it's worked GREAT so far -- dealer is a local smallbusinessman who is has already referred his son to me and has been a goodlink to the local community, so the extra expense of the machine hasalready paid off as opposed to buying online) ... EMR= AC... OneBox.comfor voice mails, faxes and some emails (has worked great so far and VM isfast with my DSL line and computer) ... single tel line with allcalls/faxes sent to OneBox.com (btw, tel company rep on the phone I'veworked with to set up line and DSL, after regular calls back and forth, isbecoming my patient too!)... Treo 700W (new and I'm just getting startedwith it, but it's been good so far)... about to tie in voice recognitionwith local highly-recommended "training" company.I've tried to think about and come to good decisions along the way forwhere to spend money and thusfar I'm satisfied the few times I've put outlarger sums. Each time I can see a reason and have already seen somebenefit with referrals and good advise about other businesses/resourses.I didn't realize it, but this world of small business does run onhandshakes and relationships. A good financial deal at one point may notbenefit you later. But a good relationship with a colleague can keepgrowing with time. Financial choices are not just about the currentdollars but are "investments" for the future. At this point however, I'mmostly all set so there won't be many more outlays of money.Anyway, I've not run the numbers but I'd estimate my start up costs areabout $25,000 and I've been able to arrange for some of that to delaypayment (no interest) which will help my early cash flow but require me tokeep track and be sure I have cash available when they come due. I've gota $50,000 small business loan with a low interest rate and my minimumpayment is 1% a month. I only pay what I take out of it too... thus far$20,000. My technology overhead (www, online messaging, onlinescheduling, cell phone, etc) is about $450/month and I doubt I'll go overthe limits for use with the way I set the contracts. I've got no staff...one of my mottos is, "it's just me, the patients, our computers and ourphones!"Now I've got to go and finish painting trim (have put it off all week),put up some shelving, paint a few last pieces of funiture, move my lasttwo pieces of furniture and straighten up the office...!I'm sure many of you recall the feeling, but right now the office feelslike a jigsaw puzzle with all the pieces spread on the table. At thispoint they are all faced right-side-up but only small bunches are allattached... I've got the border and some bunches of similar colors, butreally it is still not put together! ;-)Overall, this feels good! The mild anxiety is mixed with joy.Thanks to you all for helping me get here.I'll be sending the pictures and will share with the group any thoughts orobservations about office or practice as time goes on.7:40... time to get to the office as I hit the homestretch!!!Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2006 Report Share Posted March 4, 2006 GOOD LUCK .. DONT FORGET YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS GEORDIE > Hi Folks -- > > It's time for me to do as some others have done and pass along some > happy news... my new office officially opens in two days, Monday March6! > > First, a giant " Thank You " to everyone for sharing their experiences and > opinions on this list. Over these three years or so I've learned a lot > from all of you. And until recently I didn't realize it, but it's true, > the list does feel like a bit like family. > > Second, a warning... you should get another email (likely on Sunday or > so) from me with a link to a Kodak site to view some photos. You do not > have to register (unless you want to order photos...?) and it's not junk > email. > > The photos will be of my office and will range from the barebones space > I started with last month to whatever it looks like tomorrow after > putting in lots of hours this weekend. > > About the office... about 50 patients have already had their medical > records copied and sent to me. I have about 25 patients already > registered on RelayHealth. I have four patients booked for Monday... > for five appts (one is a Workers Comp follow up who is also diabetic so > he's got two appts to bill each with different insurance). > Interestingly, 3 of the 4 patients are Deaf... but that is one of my > clinical interest areas as I know sign language and have served large > numbers of Deaf patients for many years. > > I have 10 appts booked on AppointmentQuest for the next two weeks... > five were set up by the patient him/herself and the others by me with > patient on the phone. I think that ratio is a good sign, though I admit > the earliest registered patients may be more tech-savvy so it may be a > statistical glitch. > > My technology stuff has held up pretty well through my first week of > having all the pieces together... a " loaded " Toshiba Tecra convertible > laptop-tablet with a port at the office for easy connection to > everything there... HP color laser printer (on sale for $299)... > Panasonic scanner (expensive, but it's worked GREAT so far -- dealer is > a local small businessman who is has already referred his son to me and > has been a good link to the local community, so the extra expense of the > machine has already paid off as opposed to buying online) ... EMR= AC... > OneBox.com for voice mails, faxes and some emails (has worked great so > far and VM is fast with my DSL line and computer) ... single tel line > with all > calls/faxes sent to OneBox.com (btw, tel company rep on the phone I've > worked with to set up line and DSL, after regular calls back and forth, > is becoming my patient too!)... Treo 700W (new and I'm just getting > started with it, but it's been good so far)... about to tie in voice > recognition with local highly-recommended " training " company. > > I've tried to think about and come to good decisions along the way for > where to spend money and thusfar I'm satisfied the few times I've put > out larger sums. Each time I can see a reason and have already seen > some benefit with referrals and good advise about other > businesses/resourses. > > I didn't realize it, but this world of small business does run on > handshakes and relationships. A good financial deal at one point may > not benefit you later. But a good relationship with a colleague can keep > growing with time. Financial choices are not just about the current > dollars but are " investments " for the future. At this point however, > I'm mostly all set so there won't be many more outlays of money. > > Anyway, I've not run the numbers but I'd estimate my start up costs are > about $25,000 and I've been able to arrange for some of that to delay > payment (no interest) which will help my early cash flow but require me > to keep track and be sure I have cash available when they come due. > I've got a $50,000 small business loan with a low interest rate and my > minimum payment is 1% a month. I only pay what I take out of it too... > thus far $20,000. My technology overhead (www, online messaging, online > scheduling, cell phone, etc) is about $450/month and I doubt I'll go > over the limits for use with the way I set the contracts. I've got no > staff... one of my mottos is, " it's just me, the patients, our computers > and our phones! " > > Now I've got to go and finish painting trim (have put it off all week), > put up some shelving, paint a few last pieces of funiture, move my last > two pieces of furniture and straighten up the office...! > > I'm sure many of you recall the feeling, but right now the office feels > like a jigsaw puzzle with all the pieces spread on the table. At this > point they are all faced right-side-up but only small bunches are all > attached... I've got the border and some bunches of similar colors, but > really it is still not put together! ;-) > > Overall, this feels good! The mild anxiety is mixed with joy. > > Thanks to you all for helping me get here. > I'll be sending the pictures and will share with the group any thoughts > or observations about office or practice as time goes on. > > 7:40... time to get to the office as I hit the homestretch!!! > Tim > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2006 Report Share Posted March 4, 2006 GOOD LUCK .. DONT FORGET YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS GEORDIE > Hi Folks -- > > It's time for me to do as some others have done and pass along some > happy news... my new office officially opens in two days, Monday March6! > > First, a giant " Thank You " to everyone for sharing their experiences and > opinions on this list. Over these three years or so I've learned a lot > from all of you. And until recently I didn't realize it, but it's true, > the list does feel like a bit like family. > > Second, a warning... you should get another email (likely on Sunday or > so) from me with a link to a Kodak site to view some photos. You do not > have to register (unless you want to order photos...?) and it's not junk > email. > > The photos will be of my office and will range from the barebones space > I started with last month to whatever it looks like tomorrow after > putting in lots of hours this weekend. > > About the office... about 50 patients have already had their medical > records copied and sent to me. I have about 25 patients already > registered on RelayHealth. I have four patients booked for Monday... > for five appts (one is a Workers Comp follow up who is also diabetic so > he's got two appts to bill each with different insurance). > Interestingly, 3 of the 4 patients are Deaf... but that is one of my > clinical interest areas as I know sign language and have served large > numbers of Deaf patients for many years. > > I have 10 appts booked on AppointmentQuest for the next two weeks... > five were set up by the patient him/herself and the others by me with > patient on the phone. I think that ratio is a good sign, though I admit > the earliest registered patients may be more tech-savvy so it may be a > statistical glitch. > > My technology stuff has held up pretty well through my first week of > having all the pieces together... a " loaded " Toshiba Tecra convertible > laptop-tablet with a port at the office for easy connection to > everything there... HP color laser printer (on sale for $299)... > Panasonic scanner (expensive, but it's worked GREAT so far -- dealer is > a local small businessman who is has already referred his son to me and > has been a good link to the local community, so the extra expense of the > machine has already paid off as opposed to buying online) ... EMR= AC... > OneBox.com for voice mails, faxes and some emails (has worked great so > far and VM is fast with my DSL line and computer) ... single tel line > with all > calls/faxes sent to OneBox.com (btw, tel company rep on the phone I've > worked with to set up line and DSL, after regular calls back and forth, > is becoming my patient too!)... Treo 700W (new and I'm just getting > started with it, but it's been good so far)... about to tie in voice > recognition with local highly-recommended " training " company. > > I've tried to think about and come to good decisions along the way for > where to spend money and thusfar I'm satisfied the few times I've put > out larger sums. Each time I can see a reason and have already seen > some benefit with referrals and good advise about other > businesses/resourses. > > I didn't realize it, but this world of small business does run on > handshakes and relationships. A good financial deal at one point may > not benefit you later. But a good relationship with a colleague can keep > growing with time. Financial choices are not just about the current > dollars but are " investments " for the future. At this point however, > I'm mostly all set so there won't be many more outlays of money. > > Anyway, I've not run the numbers but I'd estimate my start up costs are > about $25,000 and I've been able to arrange for some of that to delay > payment (no interest) which will help my early cash flow but require me > to keep track and be sure I have cash available when they come due. > I've got a $50,000 small business loan with a low interest rate and my > minimum payment is 1% a month. I only pay what I take out of it too... > thus far $20,000. My technology overhead (www, online messaging, online > scheduling, cell phone, etc) is about $450/month and I doubt I'll go > over the limits for use with the way I set the contracts. I've got no > staff... one of my mottos is, " it's just me, the patients, our computers > and our phones! " > > Now I've got to go and finish painting trim (have put it off all week), > put up some shelving, paint a few last pieces of funiture, move my last > two pieces of furniture and straighten up the office...! > > I'm sure many of you recall the feeling, but right now the office feels > like a jigsaw puzzle with all the pieces spread on the table. At this > point they are all faced right-side-up but only small bunches are all > attached... I've got the border and some bunches of similar colors, but > really it is still not put together! ;-) > > Overall, this feels good! The mild anxiety is mixed with joy. > > Thanks to you all for helping me get here. > I'll be sending the pictures and will share with the group any thoughts > or observations about office or practice as time goes on. > > 7:40... time to get to the office as I hit the homestretch!!! > Tim > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2006 Report Share Posted March 4, 2006 Congratulations, Tim! What a great feeling that is, the mix of joy and nervous energy! How many times do we feel that in a conventional practice model? For me, it wasn't often. The most memorable moment for me in January when I was putting the finishing touches on my office was when I stuffed my sundry jars with cotton, tongue depressors, etc. I felt like I was in the 1800's; it really made me pause and reflect on how much of an adventure it feels like to realize something like this from the ground up. Good luck and enjoy! Charlie Vargas New Mountain Medicine lin, NC Date: Sat Mar 04 06:52:03 CST 2006 To: Subject: Office opens Monday! Hi Folks -- It's time for me to do as some others have done and pass along some happy news... my new office officially opens in two days, Monday March6! First, a giant " Thank You " to everyone for sharing their experiences and opinions on this list. Over these three years or so I've learned a lot from all of you. And until recently I didn't realize it, but it's true, the list does feel like a bit like family. Second, a warning... you should get another email (likely on Sunday or so) from me with a link to a Kodak site to view some photos. You do not have to register (unless you want to order photos...?) and it's not junk email. The photos will be of my office and will range from the barebones space I started with last month to whatever it looks like tomorrow after putting in lots of hours this weekend. About the office... about 50 patients have already had their medical records copied and sent to me. I have about 25 patients already registered on RelayHealth. I have four patients booked for Monday... for five appts (one is a Workers Comp follow up who is also diabetic so he's got two appts to bill each with different insurance). Interestingly, 3 of the 4 patients are Deaf... but that is one of my clinical interest areas as I know sign language and have served large numbers of Deaf patients for many years. I have 10 appts booked on AppointmentQuest for the next two weeks... five were set up by the patient him/herself and the others by me with patient on the phone. I think that ratio is a good sign, though I admit the earliest registered patients may be more tech-savvy so it may be a statistical glitch. My technology stuff has held up pretty well through my first week of having all the pieces together... a " loaded " Toshiba Tecra convertible laptop-tablet with a port at the office for easy connection to everything there... HP color laser printer (on sale for $299)... Panasonic scanner (expensive, but it's worked GREAT so far -- dealer is a local small businessman who is has already referred his son to me and has been a good link to the local community, so the extra expense of the machine has already paid off as opposed to buying online) ... EMR= AC... OneBox.com for voice mails, faxes and some emails (has worked great so far and VM is fast with my DSL line and computer) ... single tel line with all calls/faxes sent to OneBox.com (btw, tel company rep on the phone I've worked with to set up line and DSL, after regular calls back and forth, is becoming my patient too!)... Treo 700W (new and I'm just getting started with it, but it's been good so far)... about to tie in voice recognition with local highly-recommended " training " company. I've tried to think about and come to good decisions along the way for where to spend money and thusfar I'm satisfied the few times I've put out larger sums. Each time I can see a reason and have already seen some benefit with referrals and good advise about other businesses/resourses. I didn't realize it, but this world of small business does run on handshakes and relationships. A good financial deal at one point may not benefit you later. But a good relationship with a colleague can keep growing with time. Financial choices are not just about the current dollars but are " investments " for the future. At this point however, I'm mostly all set so there won't be many more outlays of money. Anyway, I've not run the numbers but I'd estimate my start up costs are about $25,000 and I've been able to arrange for some of that to delay payment (no interest) which will help my early cash flow but require me to keep track and be sure I have cash available when they come due. I've got a $50,000 small business loan with a low interest rate and my minimum payment is 1% a month. I only pay what I take out of it too... thus far $20,000. My technology overhead (www, online messaging, online scheduling, cell phone, etc) is about $450/month and I doubt I'll go over the limits for use with the way I set the contracts. I've got no staff... one of my mottos is, " it's just me, the patients, our computers and our phones! " Now I've got to go and finish painting trim (have put it off all week), put up some shelving, paint a few last pieces of funiture, move my last two pieces of furniture and straighten up the office...! I'm sure many of you recall the feeling, but right now the office feels like a jigsaw puzzle with all the pieces spread on the table. At this point they are all faced right-side-up but only small bunches are all attached... I've got the border and some bunches of similar colors, but really it is still not put together! ;-) Overall, this feels good! The mild anxiety is mixed with joy. Thanks to you all for helping me get here. I'll be sending the pictures and will share with the group any thoughts or observations about office or practice as time goes on. 7:40... time to get to the office as I hit the homestretch!!! Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2006 Report Share Posted March 4, 2006 Congratulations, Tim! What a great feeling that is, the mix of joy and nervous energy! How many times do we feel that in a conventional practice model? For me, it wasn't often. The most memorable moment for me in January when I was putting the finishing touches on my office was when I stuffed my sundry jars with cotton, tongue depressors, etc. I felt like I was in the 1800's; it really made me pause and reflect on how much of an adventure it feels like to realize something like this from the ground up. Good luck and enjoy! Charlie Vargas New Mountain Medicine lin, NC Date: Sat Mar 04 06:52:03 CST 2006 To: Subject: Office opens Monday! Hi Folks -- It's time for me to do as some others have done and pass along some happy news... my new office officially opens in two days, Monday March6! First, a giant " Thank You " to everyone for sharing their experiences and opinions on this list. Over these three years or so I've learned a lot from all of you. And until recently I didn't realize it, but it's true, the list does feel like a bit like family. Second, a warning... you should get another email (likely on Sunday or so) from me with a link to a Kodak site to view some photos. You do not have to register (unless you want to order photos...?) and it's not junk email. The photos will be of my office and will range from the barebones space I started with last month to whatever it looks like tomorrow after putting in lots of hours this weekend. About the office... about 50 patients have already had their medical records copied and sent to me. I have about 25 patients already registered on RelayHealth. I have four patients booked for Monday... for five appts (one is a Workers Comp follow up who is also diabetic so he's got two appts to bill each with different insurance). Interestingly, 3 of the 4 patients are Deaf... but that is one of my clinical interest areas as I know sign language and have served large numbers of Deaf patients for many years. I have 10 appts booked on AppointmentQuest for the next two weeks... five were set up by the patient him/herself and the others by me with patient on the phone. I think that ratio is a good sign, though I admit the earliest registered patients may be more tech-savvy so it may be a statistical glitch. My technology stuff has held up pretty well through my first week of having all the pieces together... a " loaded " Toshiba Tecra convertible laptop-tablet with a port at the office for easy connection to everything there... HP color laser printer (on sale for $299)... Panasonic scanner (expensive, but it's worked GREAT so far -- dealer is a local small businessman who is has already referred his son to me and has been a good link to the local community, so the extra expense of the machine has already paid off as opposed to buying online) ... EMR= AC... OneBox.com for voice mails, faxes and some emails (has worked great so far and VM is fast with my DSL line and computer) ... single tel line with all calls/faxes sent to OneBox.com (btw, tel company rep on the phone I've worked with to set up line and DSL, after regular calls back and forth, is becoming my patient too!)... Treo 700W (new and I'm just getting started with it, but it's been good so far)... about to tie in voice recognition with local highly-recommended " training " company. I've tried to think about and come to good decisions along the way for where to spend money and thusfar I'm satisfied the few times I've put out larger sums. Each time I can see a reason and have already seen some benefit with referrals and good advise about other businesses/resourses. I didn't realize it, but this world of small business does run on handshakes and relationships. A good financial deal at one point may not benefit you later. But a good relationship with a colleague can keep growing with time. Financial choices are not just about the current dollars but are " investments " for the future. At this point however, I'm mostly all set so there won't be many more outlays of money. Anyway, I've not run the numbers but I'd estimate my start up costs are about $25,000 and I've been able to arrange for some of that to delay payment (no interest) which will help my early cash flow but require me to keep track and be sure I have cash available when they come due. I've got a $50,000 small business loan with a low interest rate and my minimum payment is 1% a month. I only pay what I take out of it too... thus far $20,000. My technology overhead (www, online messaging, online scheduling, cell phone, etc) is about $450/month and I doubt I'll go over the limits for use with the way I set the contracts. I've got no staff... one of my mottos is, " it's just me, the patients, our computers and our phones! " Now I've got to go and finish painting trim (have put it off all week), put up some shelving, paint a few last pieces of funiture, move my last two pieces of furniture and straighten up the office...! I'm sure many of you recall the feeling, but right now the office feels like a jigsaw puzzle with all the pieces spread on the table. At this point they are all faced right-side-up but only small bunches are all attached... I've got the border and some bunches of similar colors, but really it is still not put together! ;-) Overall, this feels good! The mild anxiety is mixed with joy. Thanks to you all for helping me get here. I'll be sending the pictures and will share with the group any thoughts or observations about office or practice as time goes on. 7:40... time to get to the office as I hit the homestretch!!! Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2006 Report Share Posted March 4, 2006 Congratulations, Tim! What a great feeling that is, the mix of joy and nervous energy! How many times do we feel that in a conventional practice model? For me, it wasn't often. The most memorable moment for me in January when I was putting the finishing touches on my office was when I stuffed my sundry jars with cotton, tongue depressors, etc. I felt like I was in the 1800's; it really made me pause and reflect on how much of an adventure it feels like to realize something like this from the ground up. Good luck and enjoy! Charlie Vargas New Mountain Medicine lin, NC Date: Sat Mar 04 06:52:03 CST 2006 To: Subject: Office opens Monday! Hi Folks -- It's time for me to do as some others have done and pass along some happy news... my new office officially opens in two days, Monday March6! First, a giant " Thank You " to everyone for sharing their experiences and opinions on this list. Over these three years or so I've learned a lot from all of you. And until recently I didn't realize it, but it's true, the list does feel like a bit like family. Second, a warning... you should get another email (likely on Sunday or so) from me with a link to a Kodak site to view some photos. You do not have to register (unless you want to order photos...?) and it's not junk email. The photos will be of my office and will range from the barebones space I started with last month to whatever it looks like tomorrow after putting in lots of hours this weekend. About the office... about 50 patients have already had their medical records copied and sent to me. I have about 25 patients already registered on RelayHealth. I have four patients booked for Monday... for five appts (one is a Workers Comp follow up who is also diabetic so he's got two appts to bill each with different insurance). Interestingly, 3 of the 4 patients are Deaf... but that is one of my clinical interest areas as I know sign language and have served large numbers of Deaf patients for many years. I have 10 appts booked on AppointmentQuest for the next two weeks... five were set up by the patient him/herself and the others by me with patient on the phone. I think that ratio is a good sign, though I admit the earliest registered patients may be more tech-savvy so it may be a statistical glitch. My technology stuff has held up pretty well through my first week of having all the pieces together... a " loaded " Toshiba Tecra convertible laptop-tablet with a port at the office for easy connection to everything there... HP color laser printer (on sale for $299)... Panasonic scanner (expensive, but it's worked GREAT so far -- dealer is a local small businessman who is has already referred his son to me and has been a good link to the local community, so the extra expense of the machine has already paid off as opposed to buying online) ... EMR= AC... OneBox.com for voice mails, faxes and some emails (has worked great so far and VM is fast with my DSL line and computer) ... single tel line with all calls/faxes sent to OneBox.com (btw, tel company rep on the phone I've worked with to set up line and DSL, after regular calls back and forth, is becoming my patient too!)... Treo 700W (new and I'm just getting started with it, but it's been good so far)... about to tie in voice recognition with local highly-recommended " training " company. I've tried to think about and come to good decisions along the way for where to spend money and thusfar I'm satisfied the few times I've put out larger sums. Each time I can see a reason and have already seen some benefit with referrals and good advise about other businesses/resourses. I didn't realize it, but this world of small business does run on handshakes and relationships. A good financial deal at one point may not benefit you later. But a good relationship with a colleague can keep growing with time. Financial choices are not just about the current dollars but are " investments " for the future. At this point however, I'm mostly all set so there won't be many more outlays of money. Anyway, I've not run the numbers but I'd estimate my start up costs are about $25,000 and I've been able to arrange for some of that to delay payment (no interest) which will help my early cash flow but require me to keep track and be sure I have cash available when they come due. I've got a $50,000 small business loan with a low interest rate and my minimum payment is 1% a month. I only pay what I take out of it too... thus far $20,000. My technology overhead (www, online messaging, online scheduling, cell phone, etc) is about $450/month and I doubt I'll go over the limits for use with the way I set the contracts. I've got no staff... one of my mottos is, " it's just me, the patients, our computers and our phones! " Now I've got to go and finish painting trim (have put it off all week), put up some shelving, paint a few last pieces of funiture, move my last two pieces of furniture and straighten up the office...! I'm sure many of you recall the feeling, but right now the office feels like a jigsaw puzzle with all the pieces spread on the table. At this point they are all faced right-side-up but only small bunches are all attached... I've got the border and some bunches of similar colors, but really it is still not put together! ;-) Overall, this feels good! The mild anxiety is mixed with joy. Thanks to you all for helping me get here. I'll be sending the pictures and will share with the group any thoughts or observations about office or practice as time goes on. 7:40... time to get to the office as I hit the homestretch!!! Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2006 Report Share Posted March 4, 2006 Yeah, exactly. Really, that's what this is all about ! Thanks for reminding me to not just focus on office/work ... even last night, poker night with friends and relaxing with a couple beers, kept having thoughts about things to do for the office -- needless to say I went home with none of my original $40!! ;-) Tim > GOOD LUCK .. DONT FORGET YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS GEORDIE > >> Hi Folks -- >> >> It's time for me to do as some others have done and pass along some >> happy news... my new office officially opens in two days, Monday >> March6! >> >> First, a giant " Thank You " to everyone for sharing their experiences >> and opinions on this list. Over these three years or so I've learned a >> lot from all of you. And until recently I didn't realize it, but it's >> true, the list does feel like a bit like family. >> >> Second, a warning... you should get another email (likely on Sunday or >> so) from me with a link to a Kodak site to view some photos. You do >> not have to register (unless you want to order photos...?) and it's >> not junk email. >> >> The photos will be of my office and will range from the barebones >> space I started with last month to whatever it looks like tomorrow >> after putting in lots of hours this weekend. >> >> About the office... about 50 patients have already had their medical >> records copied and sent to me. I have about 25 patients already >> registered on RelayHealth. I have four patients booked for Monday... >> for five appts (one is a Workers Comp follow up who is also diabetic >> so he's got two appts to bill each with different insurance). >> Interestingly, 3 of the 4 patients are Deaf... but that is one of my >> clinical interest areas as I know sign language and have served large >> numbers of Deaf patients for many years. >> >> I have 10 appts booked on AppointmentQuest for the next two weeks... >> five were set up by the patient him/herself and the others by me with >> patient on the phone. I think that ratio is a good sign, though I >> admit the earliest registered patients may be more tech-savvy so it >> may be a statistical glitch. >> >> My technology stuff has held up pretty well through my first week of >> having all the pieces together... a " loaded " Toshiba Tecra convertible >> laptop-tablet with a port at the office for easy connection to >> everything there... HP color laser printer (on sale for $299)... >> Panasonic scanner (expensive, but it's worked GREAT so far -- dealer >> is a local small businessman who is has already referred his son to me >> and has been a good link to the local community, so the extra expense >> of the machine has already paid off as opposed to buying online) ... >> EMR= AC... OneBox.com for voice mails, faxes and some emails (has >> worked great so far and VM is fast with my DSL line and computer) ... >> single tel line with all >> calls/faxes sent to OneBox.com (btw, tel company rep on the phone I've >> worked with to set up line and DSL, after regular calls back and >> forth, is becoming my patient too!)... Treo 700W (new and I'm just >> getting started with it, but it's been good so far)... about to tie in >> voice recognition with local highly-recommended " training " company. >> >> I've tried to think about and come to good decisions along the way for >> where to spend money and thusfar I'm satisfied the few times I've put >> out larger sums. Each time I can see a reason and have already seen >> some benefit with referrals and good advise about other >> businesses/resourses. >> >> I didn't realize it, but this world of small business does run on >> handshakes and relationships. A good financial deal at one point may >> not benefit you later. But a good relationship with a colleague can >> keep growing with time. Financial choices are not just about the >> current dollars but are " investments " for the future. At this point >> however, I'm mostly all set so there won't be many more outlays of >> money. >> >> Anyway, I've not run the numbers but I'd estimate my start up costs >> are about $25,000 and I've been able to arrange for some of that to >> delay payment (no interest) which will help my early cash flow but >> require me to keep track and be sure I have cash available when they >> come due. I've got a $50,000 small business loan with a low interest >> rate and my minimum payment is 1% a month. I only pay what I take out >> of it too... thus far $20,000. My technology overhead (www, online >> messaging, online scheduling, cell phone, etc) is about $450/month and >> I doubt I'll go over the limits for use with the way I set the >> contracts. I've got no staff... one of my mottos is, " it's just me, >> the patients, our computers and our phones! " >> >> Now I've got to go and finish painting trim (have put it off all >> week), put up some shelving, paint a few last pieces of funiture, move >> my last two pieces of furniture and straighten up the office...! >> >> I'm sure many of you recall the feeling, but right now the office >> feels like a jigsaw puzzle with all the pieces spread on the table. >> At this point they are all faced right-side-up but only small bunches >> are all attached... I've got the border and some bunches of similar >> colors, but really it is still not put together! ;-) >> >> Overall, this feels good! The mild anxiety is mixed with joy. >> >> Thanks to you all for helping me get here. >> I'll be sending the pictures and will share with the group any >> thoughts or observations about office or practice as time goes on. >> >> 7:40... time to get to the office as I hit the homestretch!!! >> Tim >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2006 Report Share Posted March 4, 2006 Yeah, exactly. Really, that's what this is all about ! Thanks for reminding me to not just focus on office/work ... even last night, poker night with friends and relaxing with a couple beers, kept having thoughts about things to do for the office -- needless to say I went home with none of my original $40!! ;-) Tim > GOOD LUCK .. DONT FORGET YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS GEORDIE > >> Hi Folks -- >> >> It's time for me to do as some others have done and pass along some >> happy news... my new office officially opens in two days, Monday >> March6! >> >> First, a giant " Thank You " to everyone for sharing their experiences >> and opinions on this list. Over these three years or so I've learned a >> lot from all of you. And until recently I didn't realize it, but it's >> true, the list does feel like a bit like family. >> >> Second, a warning... you should get another email (likely on Sunday or >> so) from me with a link to a Kodak site to view some photos. You do >> not have to register (unless you want to order photos...?) and it's >> not junk email. >> >> The photos will be of my office and will range from the barebones >> space I started with last month to whatever it looks like tomorrow >> after putting in lots of hours this weekend. >> >> About the office... about 50 patients have already had their medical >> records copied and sent to me. I have about 25 patients already >> registered on RelayHealth. I have four patients booked for Monday... >> for five appts (one is a Workers Comp follow up who is also diabetic >> so he's got two appts to bill each with different insurance). >> Interestingly, 3 of the 4 patients are Deaf... but that is one of my >> clinical interest areas as I know sign language and have served large >> numbers of Deaf patients for many years. >> >> I have 10 appts booked on AppointmentQuest for the next two weeks... >> five were set up by the patient him/herself and the others by me with >> patient on the phone. I think that ratio is a good sign, though I >> admit the earliest registered patients may be more tech-savvy so it >> may be a statistical glitch. >> >> My technology stuff has held up pretty well through my first week of >> having all the pieces together... a " loaded " Toshiba Tecra convertible >> laptop-tablet with a port at the office for easy connection to >> everything there... HP color laser printer (on sale for $299)... >> Panasonic scanner (expensive, but it's worked GREAT so far -- dealer >> is a local small businessman who is has already referred his son to me >> and has been a good link to the local community, so the extra expense >> of the machine has already paid off as opposed to buying online) ... >> EMR= AC... OneBox.com for voice mails, faxes and some emails (has >> worked great so far and VM is fast with my DSL line and computer) ... >> single tel line with all >> calls/faxes sent to OneBox.com (btw, tel company rep on the phone I've >> worked with to set up line and DSL, after regular calls back and >> forth, is becoming my patient too!)... Treo 700W (new and I'm just >> getting started with it, but it's been good so far)... about to tie in >> voice recognition with local highly-recommended " training " company. >> >> I've tried to think about and come to good decisions along the way for >> where to spend money and thusfar I'm satisfied the few times I've put >> out larger sums. Each time I can see a reason and have already seen >> some benefit with referrals and good advise about other >> businesses/resourses. >> >> I didn't realize it, but this world of small business does run on >> handshakes and relationships. A good financial deal at one point may >> not benefit you later. But a good relationship with a colleague can >> keep growing with time. Financial choices are not just about the >> current dollars but are " investments " for the future. At this point >> however, I'm mostly all set so there won't be many more outlays of >> money. >> >> Anyway, I've not run the numbers but I'd estimate my start up costs >> are about $25,000 and I've been able to arrange for some of that to >> delay payment (no interest) which will help my early cash flow but >> require me to keep track and be sure I have cash available when they >> come due. I've got a $50,000 small business loan with a low interest >> rate and my minimum payment is 1% a month. I only pay what I take out >> of it too... thus far $20,000. My technology overhead (www, online >> messaging, online scheduling, cell phone, etc) is about $450/month and >> I doubt I'll go over the limits for use with the way I set the >> contracts. I've got no staff... one of my mottos is, " it's just me, >> the patients, our computers and our phones! " >> >> Now I've got to go and finish painting trim (have put it off all >> week), put up some shelving, paint a few last pieces of funiture, move >> my last two pieces of furniture and straighten up the office...! >> >> I'm sure many of you recall the feeling, but right now the office >> feels like a jigsaw puzzle with all the pieces spread on the table. >> At this point they are all faced right-side-up but only small bunches >> are all attached... I've got the border and some bunches of similar >> colors, but really it is still not put together! ;-) >> >> Overall, this feels good! The mild anxiety is mixed with joy. >> >> Thanks to you all for helping me get here. >> I'll be sending the pictures and will share with the group any >> thoughts or observations about office or practice as time goes on. >> >> 7:40... time to get to the office as I hit the homestretch!!! >> Tim >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2006 Report Share Posted March 4, 2006 Good work Tim! " Malia, MD" wrote: Hi Folks --It's time for me to do as some others have done and pass along some happynews... my new office officially opens in two days, Monday March6!First, a giant "Thank You" to everyone for sharing their experiences andopinions on this list. Over these three years or so I've learned a lotfrom all of you. And until recently I didn't realize it, but it's true,the list does feel like a bit like family.Second, a warning... you should get another email (likely on Sunday or so)from me with a link to a Kodak site to view some photos. You do not haveto register (unless you want to order photos...?) and it's not junk email.The photos will be of my office and will range from the barebones space Istarted with last month to whatever it looks like tomorrow after puttingin lots of hours this weekend.About the office... about 50 patients have already had their medicalrecords copied and sent to me. I have about 25 patients alreadyregistered on RelayHealth. I have four patients booked for Monday... forfive appts (one is a Workers Comp follow up who is also diabetic so he'sgot two appts to bill each with different insurance). Interestingly, 3 ofthe 4 patients are Deaf... but that is one of my clinical interest areasas I know sign language and have served large numbers of Deaf patients formany years.I have 10 appts booked on AppointmentQuest for the next two weeks... fivewere set up by the patient him/herself and the others by me with patienton the phone. I think that ratio is a good sign, though I admit theearliest registered patients may be more tech-savvy so it may be astatistical glitch.My technology stuff has held up pretty well through my first week ofhaving all the pieces together... a "loaded" Toshiba Tecra convertiblelaptop-tablet with a port at the office for easy connection to everythingthere... HP color laser printer (on sale for $299)... Panasonic scanner(expensive, but it's worked GREAT so far -- dealer is a local smallbusinessman who is has already referred his son to me and has been a goodlink to the local community, so the extra expense of the machine hasalready paid off as opposed to buying online) ... EMR= AC... OneBox.comfor voice mails, faxes and some emails (has worked great so far and VM isfast with my DSL line and computer) ... single tel line with allcalls/faxes sent to OneBox.com (btw, tel company rep on the phone I'veworked with to set up line and DSL, after regular calls back and forth, isbecoming my patient too!)... Treo 700W (new and I'm just getting startedwith it, but it's been good so far)... about to tie in voice recognitionwith local highly-recommended "training" company.I've tried to think about and come to good decisions along the way forwhere to spend money and thusfar I'm satisfied the few times I've put outlarger sums. Each time I can see a reason and have already seen somebenefit with referrals and good advise about other businesses/resourses.I didn't realize it, but this world of small business does run onhandshakes and relationships. A good financial deal at one point may notbenefit you later. But a good relationship with a colleague can keepgrowing with time. Financial choices are not just about the currentdollars but are "investments" for the future. At this point however, I'mmostly all set so there won't be many more outlays of money.Anyway, I've not run the numbers but I'd estimate my start up costs areabout $25,000 and I've been able to arrange for some of that to delaypayment (no interest) which will help my early cash flow but require me tokeep track and be sure I have cash available when they come due. I've gota $50,000 small business loan with a low interest rate and my minimumpayment is 1% a month. I only pay what I take out of it too... thus far$20,000. My technology overhead (www, online messaging, onlinescheduling, cell phone, etc) is about $450/month and I doubt I'll go overthe limits for use with the way I set the contracts. I've got no staff...one of my mottos is, "it's just me, the patients, our computers and ourphones!"Now I've got to go and finish painting trim (have put it off all week),put up some shelving, paint a few last pieces of funiture, move my lasttwo pieces of furniture and straighten up the office...!I'm sure many of you recall the feeling, but right now the office feelslike a jigsaw puzzle with all the pieces spread on the table. At thispoint they are all faced right-side-up but only small bunches are allattached... I've got the border and some bunches of similar colors, butreally it is still not put together! ;-)Overall, this feels good! The mild anxiety is mixed with joy.Thanks to you all for helping me get here.I'll be sending the pictures and will share with the group any thoughts orobservations about office or practice as time goes on.7:40... time to get to the office as I hit the homestretch!!!Tim Yahoo! Mail Bring photos to life! New PhotoMail makes sharing a breeze. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2006 Report Share Posted March 4, 2006 Good work Tim! " Malia, MD" wrote: Hi Folks --It's time for me to do as some others have done and pass along some happynews... my new office officially opens in two days, Monday March6!First, a giant "Thank You" to everyone for sharing their experiences andopinions on this list. Over these three years or so I've learned a lotfrom all of you. And until recently I didn't realize it, but it's true,the list does feel like a bit like family.Second, a warning... you should get another email (likely on Sunday or so)from me with a link to a Kodak site to view some photos. You do not haveto register (unless you want to order photos...?) and it's not junk email.The photos will be of my office and will range from the barebones space Istarted with last month to whatever it looks like tomorrow after puttingin lots of hours this weekend.About the office... about 50 patients have already had their medicalrecords copied and sent to me. I have about 25 patients alreadyregistered on RelayHealth. I have four patients booked for Monday... forfive appts (one is a Workers Comp follow up who is also diabetic so he'sgot two appts to bill each with different insurance). Interestingly, 3 ofthe 4 patients are Deaf... but that is one of my clinical interest areasas I know sign language and have served large numbers of Deaf patients formany years.I have 10 appts booked on AppointmentQuest for the next two weeks... fivewere set up by the patient him/herself and the others by me with patienton the phone. I think that ratio is a good sign, though I admit theearliest registered patients may be more tech-savvy so it may be astatistical glitch.My technology stuff has held up pretty well through my first week ofhaving all the pieces together... a "loaded" Toshiba Tecra convertiblelaptop-tablet with a port at the office for easy connection to everythingthere... HP color laser printer (on sale for $299)... Panasonic scanner(expensive, but it's worked GREAT so far -- dealer is a local smallbusinessman who is has already referred his son to me and has been a goodlink to the local community, so the extra expense of the machine hasalready paid off as opposed to buying online) ... EMR= AC... OneBox.comfor voice mails, faxes and some emails (has worked great so far and VM isfast with my DSL line and computer) ... single tel line with allcalls/faxes sent to OneBox.com (btw, tel company rep on the phone I'veworked with to set up line and DSL, after regular calls back and forth, isbecoming my patient too!)... Treo 700W (new and I'm just getting startedwith it, but it's been good so far)... about to tie in voice recognitionwith local highly-recommended "training" company.I've tried to think about and come to good decisions along the way forwhere to spend money and thusfar I'm satisfied the few times I've put outlarger sums. Each time I can see a reason and have already seen somebenefit with referrals and good advise about other businesses/resourses.I didn't realize it, but this world of small business does run onhandshakes and relationships. A good financial deal at one point may notbenefit you later. But a good relationship with a colleague can keepgrowing with time. Financial choices are not just about the currentdollars but are "investments" for the future. At this point however, I'mmostly all set so there won't be many more outlays of money.Anyway, I've not run the numbers but I'd estimate my start up costs areabout $25,000 and I've been able to arrange for some of that to delaypayment (no interest) which will help my early cash flow but require me tokeep track and be sure I have cash available when they come due. I've gota $50,000 small business loan with a low interest rate and my minimumpayment is 1% a month. I only pay what I take out of it too... thus far$20,000. My technology overhead (www, online messaging, onlinescheduling, cell phone, etc) is about $450/month and I doubt I'll go overthe limits for use with the way I set the contracts. I've got no staff...one of my mottos is, "it's just me, the patients, our computers and ourphones!"Now I've got to go and finish painting trim (have put it off all week),put up some shelving, paint a few last pieces of funiture, move my lasttwo pieces of furniture and straighten up the office...!I'm sure many of you recall the feeling, but right now the office feelslike a jigsaw puzzle with all the pieces spread on the table. At thispoint they are all faced right-side-up but only small bunches are allattached... I've got the border and some bunches of similar colors, butreally it is still not put together! ;-)Overall, this feels good! The mild anxiety is mixed with joy.Thanks to you all for helping me get here.I'll be sending the pictures and will share with the group any thoughts orobservations about office or practice as time goes on.7:40... time to get to the office as I hit the homestretch!!!Tim Yahoo! Mail Bring photos to life! New PhotoMail makes sharing a breeze. 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Guest guest Posted March 4, 2006 Report Share Posted March 4, 2006 Good work Tim! " Malia, MD" wrote: Hi Folks --It's time for me to do as some others have done and pass along some happynews... my new office officially opens in two days, Monday March6!First, a giant "Thank You" to everyone for sharing their experiences andopinions on this list. Over these three years or so I've learned a lotfrom all of you. And until recently I didn't realize it, but it's true,the list does feel like a bit like family.Second, a warning... you should get another email (likely on Sunday or so)from me with a link to a Kodak site to view some photos. You do not haveto register (unless you want to order photos...?) and it's not junk email.The photos will be of my office and will range from the barebones space Istarted with last month to whatever it looks like tomorrow after puttingin lots of hours this weekend.About the office... about 50 patients have already had their medicalrecords copied and sent to me. I have about 25 patients alreadyregistered on RelayHealth. I have four patients booked for Monday... forfive appts (one is a Workers Comp follow up who is also diabetic so he'sgot two appts to bill each with different insurance). Interestingly, 3 ofthe 4 patients are Deaf... but that is one of my clinical interest areasas I know sign language and have served large numbers of Deaf patients formany years.I have 10 appts booked on AppointmentQuest for the next two weeks... fivewere set up by the patient him/herself and the others by me with patienton the phone. I think that ratio is a good sign, though I admit theearliest registered patients may be more tech-savvy so it may be astatistical glitch.My technology stuff has held up pretty well through my first week ofhaving all the pieces together... a "loaded" Toshiba Tecra convertiblelaptop-tablet with a port at the office for easy connection to everythingthere... HP color laser printer (on sale for $299)... Panasonic scanner(expensive, but it's worked GREAT so far -- dealer is a local smallbusinessman who is has already referred his son to me and has been a goodlink to the local community, so the extra expense of the machine hasalready paid off as opposed to buying online) ... EMR= AC... OneBox.comfor voice mails, faxes and some emails (has worked great so far and VM isfast with my DSL line and computer) ... single tel line with allcalls/faxes sent to OneBox.com (btw, tel company rep on the phone I'veworked with to set up line and DSL, after regular calls back and forth, isbecoming my patient too!)... Treo 700W (new and I'm just getting startedwith it, but it's been good so far)... about to tie in voice recognitionwith local highly-recommended "training" company.I've tried to think about and come to good decisions along the way forwhere to spend money and thusfar I'm satisfied the few times I've put outlarger sums. Each time I can see a reason and have already seen somebenefit with referrals and good advise about other businesses/resourses.I didn't realize it, but this world of small business does run onhandshakes and relationships. A good financial deal at one point may notbenefit you later. But a good relationship with a colleague can keepgrowing with time. Financial choices are not just about the currentdollars but are "investments" for the future. At this point however, I'mmostly all set so there won't be many more outlays of money.Anyway, I've not run the numbers but I'd estimate my start up costs areabout $25,000 and I've been able to arrange for some of that to delaypayment (no interest) which will help my early cash flow but require me tokeep track and be sure I have cash available when they come due. I've gota $50,000 small business loan with a low interest rate and my minimumpayment is 1% a month. I only pay what I take out of it too... thus far$20,000. My technology overhead (www, online messaging, onlinescheduling, cell phone, etc) is about $450/month and I doubt I'll go overthe limits for use with the way I set the contracts. I've got no staff...one of my mottos is, "it's just me, the patients, our computers and ourphones!"Now I've got to go and finish painting trim (have put it off all week),put up some shelving, paint a few last pieces of funiture, move my lasttwo pieces of furniture and straighten up the office...!I'm sure many of you recall the feeling, but right now the office feelslike a jigsaw puzzle with all the pieces spread on the table. At thispoint they are all faced right-side-up but only small bunches are allattached... I've got the border and some bunches of similar colors, butreally it is still not put together! ;-)Overall, this feels good! The mild anxiety is mixed with joy.Thanks to you all for helping me get here.I'll be sending the pictures and will share with the group any thoughts orobservations about office or practice as time goes on.7:40... time to get to the office as I hit the homestretch!!!Tim Yahoo! Mail Bring photos to life! New PhotoMail makes sharing a breeze. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 5, 2006 Report Share Posted March 5, 2006 Too Bad but keep trying ! > Yeah, exactly. Really, that's what this is all about ! > > Thanks for reminding me to not just focus on office/work ... even last > night, poker night with friends and relaxing with a couple beers, kept > having thoughts about things to do for the office -- needless to say I > went home with none of my original $40!! ;-) > Tim > >> GOOD LUCK .. DONT FORGET YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS GEORDIE >> >>> Hi Folks -- >>> >>> It's time for me to do as some others have done and pass along some >>> happy news... my new office officially opens in two days, Monday >>> March6! >>> >>> First, a giant " Thank You " to everyone for sharing their experiences >>> and opinions on this list. Over these three years or so I've learned >>> a lot from all of you. And until recently I didn't realize it, but >>> it's true, the list does feel like a bit like family. >>> >>> Second, a warning... you should get another email (likely on Sunday >>> or so) from me with a link to a Kodak site to view some photos. You >>> do not have to register (unless you want to order photos...?) and >>> it's not junk email. >>> >>> The photos will be of my office and will range from the barebones >>> space I started with last month to whatever it looks like tomorrow >>> after putting in lots of hours this weekend. >>> >>> About the office... about 50 patients have already had their medical >>> records copied and sent to me. I have about 25 patients already >>> registered on RelayHealth. I have four patients booked for Monday... >>> for five appts (one is a Workers Comp follow up who is also diabetic >>> so he's got two appts to bill each with different insurance). >>> Interestingly, 3 of the 4 patients are Deaf... but that is one of my >>> clinical interest areas as I know sign language and have served large >>> numbers of Deaf patients for many years. >>> >>> I have 10 appts booked on AppointmentQuest for the next two weeks... >>> five were set up by the patient him/herself and the others by me with >>> patient on the phone. I think that ratio is a good sign, though I >>> admit the earliest registered patients may be more tech-savvy so it >>> may be a statistical glitch. >>> >>> My technology stuff has held up pretty well through my first week of >>> having all the pieces together... a " loaded " Toshiba Tecra >>> convertible laptop-tablet with a port at the office for easy >>> connection to >>> everything there... HP color laser printer (on sale for $299)... >>> Panasonic scanner (expensive, but it's worked GREAT so far -- dealer >>> is a local small businessman who is has already referred his son to >>> me and has been a good link to the local community, so the extra >>> expense of the machine has already paid off as opposed to buying >>> online) ... EMR= AC... OneBox.com for voice mails, faxes and some >>> emails (has worked great so far and VM is fast with my DSL line and >>> computer) ... single tel line with all >>> calls/faxes sent to OneBox.com (btw, tel company rep on the phone >>> I've worked with to set up line and DSL, after regular calls back and >>> forth, is becoming my patient too!)... Treo 700W (new and I'm just >>> getting started with it, but it's been good so far)... about to tie >>> in voice recognition with local highly-recommended " training " >>> company. >>> >>> I've tried to think about and come to good decisions along the way >>> for where to spend money and thusfar I'm satisfied the few times I've >>> put out larger sums. Each time I can see a reason and have already >>> seen some benefit with referrals and good advise about other >>> businesses/resourses. >>> >>> I didn't realize it, but this world of small business does run on >>> handshakes and relationships. A good financial deal at one point may >>> not benefit you later. But a good relationship with a colleague can >>> keep growing with time. Financial choices are not just about the >>> current dollars but are " investments " for the future. At this point >>> however, I'm mostly all set so there won't be many more outlays of >>> money. >>> >>> Anyway, I've not run the numbers but I'd estimate my start up costs >>> are about $25,000 and I've been able to arrange for some of that to >>> delay payment (no interest) which will help my early cash flow but >>> require me to keep track and be sure I have cash available when they >>> come due. I've got a $50,000 small business loan with a low interest >>> rate and my minimum payment is 1% a month. I only pay what I take >>> out of it too... thus far $20,000. My technology overhead (www, >>> online messaging, online scheduling, cell phone, etc) is about >>> $450/month and I doubt I'll go over the limits for use with the way I >>> set the >>> contracts. I've got no staff... one of my mottos is, " it's just me, >>> the patients, our computers and our phones! " >>> >>> Now I've got to go and finish painting trim (have put it off all >>> week), put up some shelving, paint a few last pieces of funiture, >>> move my last two pieces of furniture and straighten up the office...! >>> >>> I'm sure many of you recall the feeling, but right now the office >>> feels like a jigsaw puzzle with all the pieces spread on the table. >>> At this point they are all faced right-side-up but only small bunches >>> are all attached... I've got the border and some bunches of similar >>> colors, but really it is still not put together! ;-) >>> >>> Overall, this feels good! The mild anxiety is mixed with joy. >>> >>> Thanks to you all for helping me get here. >>> I'll be sending the pictures and will share with the group any >>> thoughts or observations about office or practice as time goes on. >>> >>> 7:40... time to get to the office as I hit the homestretch!!! >>> Tim >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 5, 2006 Report Share Posted March 5, 2006 Congratulations, Tim! Wishing you much success in your endeavor! Seto Hi Folks -- It's time for me to do as some others have done and pass along some happy news... my new office officially opens in two days, Monday March6! First, a giant "Thank You" to everyone for sharing their experiences and opinions on this list. Over these three years or so I've learned a lot from all of you. And until recently I didn't realize it, but it's true, the list does feel like a bit like family. Second, a warning... you should get another email (likely on Sunday or so) from me with a link to a Kodak site to view some photos. You do not have to register (unless you want to order photos...?) and it's not junk email. The photos will be of my office and will range from the barebones space I started with last month to whatever it looks like tomorrow after putting in lots of hours this weekend. About the office... about 50 patients have already had their medical records copied and sent to me. I have about 25 patients already registered on RelayHealth. I have four patients booked for Monday... for five appts (one is a Workers Comp follow up who is also diabetic so he's got two appts to bill each with different insurance). Interestingly, 3 of the 4 patients are Deaf... but that is one of my clinical interest areas as I know sign language and have served large numbers of Deaf patients for many years. I have 10 appts booked on AppointmentQuest for the next two weeks... five were set up by the patient him/herself and the others by me with patient on the phone. I think that ratio is a good sign, though I admit the earliest registered patients may be more tech-savvy so it may be a statistical glitch. My technology stuff has held up pretty well through my first week of having all the pieces together... a "loaded" Toshiba Tecra convertible laptop-tablet with a port at the office for easy connection to everything there... HP color laser printer (on sale for $299)... Panasonic scanner (expensive, but it's worked GREAT so far -- dealer is a local small businessman who is has already referred his son to me and has been a good link to the local community, so the extra expense of the machine has already paid off as opposed to buying online) ... EMR= AC... OneBox.com for voice mails, faxes and some emails (has worked great so far and VM is fast with my DSL line and computer) ... single tel line with all calls/faxes sent to OneBox.com (btw, tel company rep on the phone I've worked with to set up line and DSL, after regular calls back and forth, is becoming my patient too!)... Treo 700W (new and I'm just getting started with it, but it's been good so far)... about to tie in voice recognition with local highly-recommended "training" company. I've tried to think about and come to good decisions along the way for where to spend money and thusfar I'm satisfied the few times I've put out larger sums. Each time I can see a reason and have already seen some benefit with referrals and good advise about other businesses/resourses. I didn't realize it, but this world of small business does run on handshakes and relationships. A good financial deal at one point may not benefit you later. But a good relationship with a colleague can keep growing with time. Financial choices are not just about the current dollars but are "investments" for the future. At this point however, I'm mostly all set so there won't be many more outlays of money. Anyway, I've not run the numbers but I'd estimate my start up costs are about $25,000 and I've been able to arrange for some of that to delay payment (no interest) which will help my early cash flow but require me to keep track and be sure I have cash available when they come due. I've got a $50,000 small business loan with a low interest rate and my minimum payment is 1% a month. I only pay what I take out of it too... thus far $20,000. My technology overhead (www, online messaging, online scheduling, cell phone, etc) is about $450/month and I doubt I'll go over the limits for use with the way I set the contracts. I've got no staff... one of my mottos is, "it's just me, the patients, our computers and our phones!" Now I've got to go and finish painting trim (have put it off all week), put up some shelving, paint a few last pieces of funiture, move my last two pieces of furniture and straighten up the office...! I'm sure many of you recall the feeling, but right now the office feels like a jigsaw puzzle with all the pieces spread on the table. At this point they are all faced right-side-up but only small bunches are all attached... I've got the border and some bunches of similar colors, but really it is still not put together! ;-) Overall, this feels good! The mild anxiety is mixed with joy. Thanks to you all for helping me get here. I'll be sending the pictures and will share with the group any thoughts or observations about office or practice as time goes on. 7:40... time to get to the office as I hit the homestretch!!! Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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