Center sponsors hockey game to build awareness on colon cancer prevention.

Peoria, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/12/2012 -- In support of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the Central Illinois Endoscopy Center (CIEC) and American Hockey League's Peoria Rivermen are teaming up to urge Peorians to get their rear in the clear by having a screening colonoscopy. As a commitment to raise awareness, CIEC has announced they are sponsoring the Sunday, March 25th game against the Hamilton Bulldogs. Discounted tickets are available for those who would like to support colon cancer awareness with a portion of the proceeds donated to colon cancer charities.

"Our goal is to fill the seats with people who have a personal connection with colorectal cancer as well as those who want to support our cause," stated Karen Smith, Administrator at CIEC. "Increasing the awareness about colorectal cancer and the importance of getting screened is how we can make a difference within our community," added Smith.

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States for both men and women and is the third most common form of cancer in Illinois. The American Cancer Society estimates 143,460 new cases of colorectal cancer and 51,690 deaths in 2012 yet it is one of the only cancers that can be prevented with screenings.

"We are very pleased that the Peoria Rivermen are helping to raise awareness about colorectal cancer by encouraging more people to get screened," stated Eli Kuga, M.D.at CIEC and Illinois Gastroenterology Institute (IGI). "It is vital that people understand that there is a 90% survival rate when colon cancer is found early and treated. The ability to broaden the reach of our message and deepen the understanding of Peorians on the significance of colon cancer screening is very important to us," added Kuga.

"Preventing colon cancer and encouraging people to get screened is an excellent cause and the Peoria Rivermen are happy to be a part of it," stated Katie Kerr, Director of Client Services at Peoria Rivermen.

Colonoscopies continue to be the best way to screen for this disease, which is recommended for men and women beginning at age 50. CIEC's goal is to help educate the community on the importance of colon cancer screening and to screen 5000 people for colon cancer by the end of 2012.

"We want the community to understand that having a colonoscopy is not as bad as many believe and that by putting a colonoscopy off, you put your life at risk," stated Maureen Lillich, M.D. at CIEC and IGI.

Team members from CIEC as well as a colon cancer survivor will be on hand to answer questions during the game.

Discounted tickets to this event are available when purchased in advance only. To purchase tickets, contact Katie Kerr at (309) 680-3791 or by email at kkerr@rivermen.net.

About Central Illinois Endoscopy Center
Central Illinois Endoscopy Center is downstate Illinois largest freestanding, dedicated endoscopy center. CIEC is the Peoria areas first outpatient center dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. The team at CIEC is committed to providing each patient with the highest quality care utilizing advanced technology in a comfortable environment. For more information, please visit www.ciendoscopy.com

Members of the media are encouraged to contact Melanie Herron, (e)Merge, melanie@emergewithus.com or 877.362.6584 to discuss the business aspect of this release

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Center to hold event to build awareness on colon cancer prevention.

Peoria, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/12/2012 -- In recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Central Illinois Endoscopy Center (CIEC) is holding its 1st Annual Colorectal Cancer Awareness Event on Saturday, March 17th from 12pm-2pm at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie located at 5201 West War Memorial Drive, Peoria, IL 61615.

Open to the public, this free event will provide community members important information about early detection and why colonoscopy screenings are crucial in the fight against colon cancer. Nurses and physicians from CIEC, as well as a local colon cancer survivor, will be on hand to answer questions. A drawing for a pair of tickets to the March 25th Peoria Rivermen game will be given away to those that attend.

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States for both men and women, and is the third most common form of cancer in Illinois. The American Cancer Society estimates 143,460 new cases of colorectal cancer and 51,690 deaths in 2012, yet it is one of the only cancers that can be prevented with screenings.

"We are on a mission to raise awareness about colorectal cancer by encouraging more people to get screened," stated Eli Kuga, M.D.at CIEC and Illinois Gastroenterology Institute (IGI). "It is vital that people understand there is a 90% survival rate when colon cancer is found early and treated. The ability to broaden the reach of our message and deepen the understanding of Peorians on the significance of colon cancer screening is very important to us," added Kuga.

Colonoscopies continue to be the best way to screen for this disease, which is recommended for men and women beginning at age 50. CIEC's goal is to help educate the community on the importance of colon cancer screening and to screen 5000 people for colon cancer by the end of 2012.

About Central Illinois Endoscopy Center
Central Illinois Endoscopy Center is downstate Illinois largest freestanding, dedicated endoscopy center. CIEC is the Peoria areas first outpatient center dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. The team at CIEC is committed to providing each patient with the highest quality care utilizing advanced technology in a comfortable environment. For more information, please visit http://www.ciendoscopy.com

Members of the media are encouraged to contact Melanie Herron, (e)Merge, melanie@emergewithus.com or 877.362.6584 to discuss the business aspect of this release.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The presentation, “Diagnosing Critical Management Derailers Within Your Organization” will take place on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012 from 1:45-3:00 p.m.

Kansas City, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/09/2012 -- The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) have named Jamie Verkamp, Managing Partner at (e)Merge, as a presenter at the MGMA 2012 Annual Conference.

The MGMA Annual Conference is attended by healthcare management professionals from around the country. This event welcomes thousands of upper level management attendees from all fifty states to San Antonio, Texas for four days of networking and learning about the latest in the healthcare field.

The presentation, "Diagnosing Critical Management Derailers Within Your Organization" will take place on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012 from 1:45-3:00 p.m. The topic focuses on the need for strong management throughout an organization and the proper training which must occur for managers to excel at leading their employees.

"I am really looking forward to not only presenting, but interacting with all the attendees. It is a great feeling to be around others that share a passion for healthcare and to participate in the expansion and betterment of the field," said Verkamp, "Attending the conference alone is a wonderful experience, so I am honored to have the opportunity to share this valuable material with others."

Jamie's background includes a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Advertising from Missouri State University and a career long focus working in the healthcare industry. Her firm, (e)Merge, located in Kansas City, MO, focuses on partnering with physicians and other healthcare leaders to enhance patient experiences and increase patient referral volumes. For more information, please visit http://www.emergewithus.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Center is committed to making colonoscopy screenings a positive experience.

Peoria, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/09/2012 -- The Central Illinois Endoscopy Center (CIEC) has once again received high marks for patient satisfaction. CIEC has announced a 95% overall patient satisfaction rating for the month of January from Press Ganey Associates, Inc., a national, independent patient satisfaction survey company.

As downstate Illinois largest freestanding dedicated endoscopy center, CIEC is committed to providing each patient the highest quality care with the most advanced technology. In fact, the team at CIEC has enjoyed an average 94% patient satisfaction rating over the past 12 months.

"I could not be more pleased with the results," stated Eli Kuga, M.D. at CIEC and Illinois Gastroenterology Institute (IGI). "Through the dedication and commitment of our employees and physicians, CIEC continues to set itself apart as a leading medical center for care and patient satisfaction," added Kuga.

The surveys ask patients to rate their overall experience and interactions with staff while they are in the center. The results are then shared with the entire team to make improvements to the center.

CIEC is not just committed to patient satisfaction, they are committed to preventing colon cancer. Their desire to transform the negative stigma associated with colon cancer screening to a positive one has been a cornerstone of their mission.

"We want the community to understand that having a colonoscopy is not as bad as many believe," stated Maureen Lillich, M.D. at CIEC and IGI. "We understand that if patients have a positive experience when they come in, they are more inclined to come back for future screenings. This is how we can help prevent colon cancer," added Lillich.

Colonoscopies continue to be the best way to screen for this disease, which is recommended for men and women beginning at age 50. CIEC's goal is to help educate the community on the importance of colon cancer screening and to screen 5000 people for colon cancer by the end of 2012.

About Central Illinois Endoscopy Center
Central Illinois Endoscopy Center is downstate Illinois largest freestanding, dedicated endoscopy center. CIEC is the Peoria areas first outpatient center dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. The team at CIEC is committed to providing each patient with the highest quality care utilizing advanced technology in a comfortable environment. For more information, please visit http://www.ciendoscopy.com

Members of the media are encouraged to contact Melanie Herron, (e)Merge, melanie@emergewithus.com or 877.362.6584 to discuss the business aspect of this release.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The Award represents exceptional achievements in medical practice leadership.

Kansas City, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/31/2011 -- The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) and the American College of Medical Practice Executives – MGMA's certification and standard-setting body - have named Jamie Verkamp, Managing Partner at (e)Merge, as the recipients of the 2011 Edward B. Stevens Article of the Year Award.

The Edward B. Stevens Article of the Year Award recognizes a medical practice professional who has made a substantial contribution to the body of published literature to foster more effective and efficient healthcare delivery in the field of medical practice management.

The article, "Titled Social Media as a Way to Connect with Patients" was published in the MGMA Connexion July 2010. Verkamp focuses on explaining the basics of social media in healthcare and how organizations and providers alike can use new media tools as ways to engage patients online, develop stronger relationships with patients and grow recommendation volumes through online conversations.

"I am so proud of Jamie for winning the award this year. I have known Jamie for over three years and never have I found a more energetic and authentic professional in our field. Jamie exemplifies a true passion for working with physicians and medical practices and I am very honored to have the privilege to have her as a friend and colleague." says Stephen Gebhart, Director Advanced ICU Care Medical Group in St. Louis, MO and Treasurer of the MGMA Missouri Chapter.

Verkamp says of receiving this year's distinction; "I'm honored to have this article on a topic that I feel very passionate about and believe is very important to healthcare, recognized by such a distinguished organization like MGMA."

Jamie's background includes a bachelor of science in marketing and advertising from Missouri State University and a career long focus working in the healthcare industry. Her firm, (e)Merge, located in Kansas City, MO, focuses on partnering with physicians and other healthcare leaders to enhance patient experiences and increase patient referral volumes. For more information, please visit www.emergewithus.com

Members of the media are encouraged to contact Hilary Holden, Director of Marketing at (e)Merge, hilary@emergewithus.com or 877.362.6584 to discuss the business aspect of health care and Verkamp's recognition by MGMA.

About MGMA Medical Group Management Association
(MGMA) is the premier membership association for professional administrators and leaders of medical group practices. Since 1926, MGMA has delivered networking, professional education and resources, and political advocacy for medical practice management. Today, MGMA's 22,500 members lead 13,600 organizations nationwide in which some 280,000 physicians provide more than 40 percent of the healthcare services delivered in the United States.

MGMA's mission is to continually improve the performance of medical group practice professionals and the organizations they represent. MGMA promotes the group practice model as the optimal framework for healthcare delivery, assisting group practices in providing efficient, safe, patient-focused and affordable care. The American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE) is the standard-setting and certification body of the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), and promotes the professional growth of leaders. By developing the Body of Knowledge for Medical Practice Management, ACMPE provides a central framework for MGMA resources. MGMA is headquartered in Englewood, Colo., and maintains a government affairs office in Washington, D.C.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The surprising survival of the practice of house calls reminds us to do more for our patients.

Kansas City, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/27/2011 -- I recently ran across a blog by a doctor entitled, "Why I Still Make House Calls." This MD had taken a cue from the past to create a personal touch for his practice, making just a little bit of time on two of his work days to visit immobile patients in their homes.

After a little bit of research, I realized this blogging doctor wasn't the only one still making house calls. According to the American Academy of Home Care Physicians, Medicare reimbursed physicians for 2.3 million house calls in 2009, a half million more than in 2002. This obviously doesn't signify a hot trend, but it does prove that house calls are far from extinct.

We found chat forums filled with questions about finding doctors who make house calls, articles giving publicity to MDs that still do, even an entire practices that specialize in house calls. North Carolina-based "Doctors Making House Calls"says they see patients five years and older. The offer is tempting: same day or next day appointments, no waiting rooms, and avoiding exposure to other sick people. Where do I sign up?

Here at (e)Merge Medical Marketing, we specialize in creating personal touches to enhance the patient experience, and always encourage doctors to keep patients at the center of care as technology, reform and pressure to meet quotas squeeze and distract them. Our Partner, Jamie Verkamp, says you don't necessarily have to do something as involved to make an impact.

"Any way that you can personalize the healthcare experience and let the patient know how much you value them is great. It can be a smile, a handshake, an apology for their longer-than-expected wait, refreshments in the waiting room or just remembering details about their lives to ask on their next visit."

Excel Orthopedics in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin has found lots of different ways to stay personal with their patients and community.

"From featuring their own patients in their advertising, to participating in community events, to sponsoring their area's baseball teams, Excel has really showed they care. If more practices and hospitals could come up with ways to put personal touches into their work, we would see a level of unprecedented competition in healthcare."

About (e)Merge
(e)Merge is a medical practice growth consulting firm specializing in providing innovative, patient-centric marketing initiatives and medical mystery shopping services that enhance patient experiences to increase referrals. For more information, call 816-326-8464 or visit http://www.emergewithus.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Kansas City, MO -- (SBWIRE) --06/09/2011 -- How are your managers performing? What do their peers and direct reports think of them? Do you know their weaknesses or strengths?

It can be hard to help a supervisor reach maximum potential if you don't know the answers to these questions. Here at (e)Merge, we've started using the Checkpoint 360 to help practices and hospitals get the most out of their managerial staff.

This assessment gives a 360-degree view of the manager, as we gather information and opinions from the manager herself, 2 supervisors, five direct reports and five peers. An in-depth review then tells you how they're doing with relationships, leadership, adaptability, task management, communication, production, personal development and development of others.

After reviewing the report with the manager, we help them take control by making a plan for personal change. The self-directed planner includes guides for interpreting data, setting goals and identifying strategies to bring about change. Like other components, the development planner is uncomplicated and results-oriented.

Here's what our HR Specialist, Kellie Eisenhauer has to say about the Checkpoint 360: "You really get an honest critique of a person's skill sets and effectiveness. I think you get a lot of honesty through anonymity, because people feel more comfortable evaluating someone when they know it will not come back to haunt them. I also think it's a nice wakeup call for your staff: they may see themselves in a much different light than their peers and direct reports see them in. Once they know that's the case, they can make improvements that will benefit themselves and the efficiency and effectiveness of your company."

About (e)Merge
(e)Merge is a medical practice growth consulting firm specializing in providing innovative, patient-centric marketing initiatives and medical mystery shopping services that enhance patient experiences to increase referrals. For more information, call 816.326.8464 or visit http://www.emergewithus.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Is the effort to meet patients online improving perceptions of your practice?

Kansas City, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/22/2011 -- The movement is sweeping hospitals and medical practices by the thousands. Patients are now able to find their healthcare providers on sites like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. But are those social media presences improving patients' perceptions? We talked to two different patients with much different answers to the question.

Nicole is a new mom who has connected with her pediatrician on Facebook. "When Tyler fell and hit his head for the first time, I called the doctor in a panic. His nurse listened to what happened, then told me what symptoms indicated serious trauma. She also told me I could get more information from this great article the practice had posted on Facebook the week before on this exact topic. I was really impressed with the information and have been enjoying their posts ever since."

Nicole likes the fact that their page linked to external health libraries and videos. She also enjoys the monthly cute photo contests they run. Many practices like Nicole's are finding new, amazing ways to capitalize on the connections they are able to make with their patients outside of the office; others are making their brands look bad by creating lackluster social media presences. Take Jill's primary care doctor, for example.

Jill is a 48-year old who was intrigued to see a sign in her doctor's office urging patients to them on Facebook and YouTube. She did… and that's when her perception of the practice started to sour. "Their YouTube channel only had two videos on it, and they were both over a year old. One was an introduction to the practice (which I found useless) and the other had such low sound, I couldn't tell what they were saying," complains Jill. "Their Facebook page was just as bad. Their posts were blatant advertisements, so I un-liked them."

The difference between the successful social media presence and the unsuccessful are consistent contribution (not letting content get stale), social contribution (having two-way conversations) and linking valuable information that patients can actually use.

"Make sure you can make these commitments before launching a social media presence," urges healthcare consultant Jamie Verkamp, Partner at (e)Merge. "You need to be prepared to deliver what patients are looking for. If they find your page disappointing, they'll never visit it again or recommend it to friends. Potential patients will be turned off from trying your practice. So treat it like another branch of your business, because it has the potential to reach a wide audience and make a big impact."

(e)Merge is a medical practice growth consulting firm specializing in providing innovative, patient-centric marketing initiatives and medical mystery shopping services that enhance patient experiences to increase referrals. For more information, call 816-326-8464 or visit www.emergewithus.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Plenty in our industry are in denial about the new age of healthcare- but it’s that mindset that will ultimately hold them back.

Kansas City, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/13/2011 -- As healthcare consultants, we travel… a lot. This week, we've been speaking at conferences in Kansas, Texas and New Jersey. Though all over the map, many of the healthcare conference attendees seemed to have one thing in common: resistance and dread for change.

Our Partner, Jamie Verkamp, asked one audience how many of them wished that social media was a fad and wanted to put their heads in the sand until it passed; over half of the room raised their hands.

That resistance is supported by the fact that only 906 hospitals out of more than 5,000 in the U.S. have social media accounts. In other breakout sessions, there were voices of anxiety and confusion over healthcare reform. Which initiatives would be implemented? When? And how were they supposed to keep their heads above water with this tidal wave of regulatory change?

To survive and hopefully flourish during industry transformation, we look at a process similar to the Kubler-Ross Model, or the stages of grieving. There are the stages of denial (insert head in sand) and anger (I don't have time to jump through all of these hoops!), but ultimately, we must realize and accept what is out of our control. The sooner we accept that healthcare is entering a new age, the sooner we can use it to our advantage and compete with those who have already gotten here.

We must realize that EMR transitions have to be done, that patients now expect to find their physicians online, and that the dominance of Facebook is changing every industry, even healthcare. UbiCare's 2011 White Paper says it best: "Given that Facebook eclipsed Google in 2010 as the most visited website by Americans, garnering over 8% of all website visits in the US, we all need to actively 'get with the program' and make sure we know how it applies to our institution."

The difference between industry pioneers and all of the others is the tenacity to tackle any challenge, even capitalize on it. Social media is here to stay and patients now expect healthcare providers to meet them online; how do I engage and educate my patients? Patient satisfaction is now tied to reimbursement; what changes can I make to the patient experience to take my clients beyond satisfaction?

No one is saying change is easy. But it is easier to swallow with a good attitude and preparedness. The old adage is true: the only constant is change. Those who master the art of graceful change will ultimately top the industry, win more business and be better equipped for future turbulence; because this era of change will hardly be the last.

(e)Merge is a medical practice growth consulting firm specializing in providing innovative, patient-centric marketing initiatives and medical mystery shopping services that enhance patient experiences to increase referrals. For more information, call 816-326-8464 or visit http://www.emergewithus.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Healthcare social media is a definite trend, but one blogger sees it as a responsibility.

Kansas City, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/07/2011 -- This week we stumbled upon a blog post that's title caught our eye: "Social media can improve healthcare, but are doctors holding us back?" After asserting that social media is an extension of the exam room, Software Advice's marketing director, Houston Neal goes on to say that it is also a physician's obligation.

"Doctors have an opportunity – and an obligation – to join us in sharing information online," Neal declares. "To reduce the amount of flawed information online, doctors need to share reliable resources, address misleading claims, and most of all, help patients understand the issues accurately."

Here at (e)Merge, we are healthcare social media advocates, and we encourage doctors and institutions to become online resources for their patients and communities- but the word "obligation" seems a bit, well… dreadful. No one wants to read something that someone was obligated to write or share. Conversely, no doctor or practice manager wants to tweet obligatory messages.

We see social media not as an obligation, but as a great opportunity (connect with patients, boost referrals, become an informational resource). As a physician, you have the opportunity to "share reliable sources, address misleading claims and help patients understand issues more accurately" online. Your only obligation is to make sure your patients understand that which pertains to their specific health, and give the best advice you can pertaining to their personal health during your interactions with those patients, whether in office or online. Though the internet is a huge resource to patients as they become their own advocates, the best information comes from a relationship with a physician who can evaluate you in the exam room.

(e)Merge is a medical practice growth consulting firm specializing in providing innovative, patient-centric marketing initiatives and medical mystery shopping services that enhance patient experiences to increase referrals. For more information, call 816-326-8464 or visit http://www.emergewithus.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

A recent Beryl Institute research brief asks this question- and what a great question it is!

Kansas City, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/18/2011 -- Recently Beryl researchers asked, "Where does the ultimate accountability for the patient experience rest? Although everyone in a healthcare facility has accountability for impacting the patient experience, there is a necessity for leadership and an assigned accountability to effectively drive this effort. If we are to influence and drive positive outcomes in our patient experience efforts, we need to focus not only on the what, but the who in terms of accountability for results."

Out of the 200 member organizations they observed, a little of half had comprehensive plans pertaining to improving patient experience. Beryl found that organizations varied greatly with who was in charge of these efforts if any one person was appointed at all.

Health Leaders Media's researchers asked healthcare executives, "Who is primarily responsible for the patient experience?" The results are quite interesting: 24.5% of respondents said their CEO is primarily responsible, but the second runner-up was "no one" (20.5%), and of the 18% who chose "other," many wrote in "everyone".

Who is responsible at your practice or hospital? Is it clear cut like Cleveland Clinic, where there is not only an Office of Patient Experience but an appointed Chief Experience Officer? Is it managed by an already existing part of your administration? Or is it a vague idea your team knows is gaining steam but no one is ultimately responsible for?

Jamie Verkamp is Director of Growth & Development at (e)Merge, a medical practice consulting firm. "We find it most effective when a person, department, or newly developed team within administration is held responsible for changing the organization's culture and relaying accountability to every other employee within that organization. Whether it be in operations, marketing, strategic planning or a special division centered solely on patient experience, this higher answerability is essential for creating comprehensive solutions and patient experience improvement. Because ultimately, everyone is responsible for making sure the patient has the best possible experience, but the buck has to stop somewhere, or initiatives will be a passing phase and a cost to the practice instead of an investment."

(e)Merge is a medical practice growth consulting firm specializing in providing innovative, patient-centric marketing initiatives and medical mystery shopping services that enhance patient experiences to increase referrals. For more information, call 816-326-8464 or visit http://www.emergewithus.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Hot topics like ACOs are included in this list available to healthcare organizations and systems looking for a keynote, breakout session or luncheon speaker.

Kansas City, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/16/2011 -- Jamie Verkamp, Managing Partner at (e)Merge MD, speaks on improving the patient experience to increase referral volumes, how to communicate your current practice resources to attract the new generation of patients and how healthcare leaders should utilize social media to boost their bottom line. Last month, she added four new topics to her repertoire:

• Patient Engagement: What it Means to You in Becoming an ACO
• Why Smart Employees underperform and Seven Hiring Hazards to Avoid
• Becoming an Employer of Choice: Attracting & Retaining the Very Best People
• Are Your Managers on Track to Deliver? Diagnosing Critical Management Derailers

"We've gotten very good feedback so far. Patient experience has really become a differentiating factor for healthcare and has become a focus for many of the organizations we speak to," says Verkamp.

Janet McLaughlin participated in a 2010 session. "It gave me something positive and concrete to take back to my clients. They are being hammered on the reimbursement end and there are limits to what we can do to improve in that area these days. Her approach is something they can do to maintain and expand their market share."

Verkamp currently speaks at over 30 events each year and has seen demand increase for 2011/2012. For more information, contact Linsey at Linsey@emergewithus.com call 816-326-8464 or visit http://emergewithus.com/book-a-speaker/.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Don’t waste your time training patient-facing employees who don’t buy into your company’s ideals.

Kansas City, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/10/2011 -- Healthcare employment is on the rise, with the industry adding an average of 22,000 jobs for each of the last 12 months. In January, new healthcare jobs accounted for about 30% of all new U.S. jobs. This isn't just an opportunity for those looking for industry jobs, but those hiring new workers.

"Hiring is the perfect time to evaluate how well an employee's beliefs align with your corporate values," says Kellie Eisenhauer, a human resources expert at (e)Merge who helps healthcare organizations evaluate applicants. "It's essential that your new hires respect and share your corporate values for many reasons, but especially for effective customer service training. Patient-facing employees will not adhere to your standards of service unless they truly believe in your standards and values."

But wait… customer service training in healthcare? Most of us associate customer service with hotels, restaurants and retail. "The concept is permeating the healthcare sector. It's important to have customer service training because many if not all of your employees are interacting with patients and shaping the experience those patients have within your walls."

"The cost of a bad hire that is customer-facing is very high considering the hiring and ramp up costs, poor productivity, lost revenue and potential damage to the organization's reputation," adds Jamie Verkamp, Director of Growth and Development at (e)Merge. "That's why it's so important to see if they share your company's values from the start…so you can make a decision that will positively affect your patient base and work environment."

(e)Merge is a medical practice growth consulting firm specializing in providing innovative, patient-centric marketing initiatives and medical mystery shopping services that enhance patient experiences to increase referrals. Call 1.877.362.6584 or visit http://www.emergewithus.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Sharp Healthcare and University of Iowa Children’s Hospital are among hundreds of facilities partnering with patient-centered websites to improve patient experience.

Kansas City, KS -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/21/2011 -- A growing number of hospitals are improving the patient experience by partnering with CarePages.com, a site that allows their patients to establish a web page about their health journey to share with friends and family. Though the site is far from new, it's recently made gains, with more than 625 facilities in the U.S. and Canada now offer their patients free access.

"It's the ability to connect users going through the same experiences that makes Care Pages different from popular sites like Caring Bridge," says Jamie Verkamp, partner at (e)Merge, a medical growth consulting firm specializing in providing innovative, patient-centric marketing initiatives. "Chat forums and search tools make it simple to find people who are dealing with the same health issues if they choose to be public."

Tami Pollari, director of patient and family-centered services at University of Iowa Children's Hospital, helped implement Care Pages for their patients back in 2004. "When children are sick, there's a lot of community support. We knew with the electronic age moving forward, we wanted to provide a tool for our families to connect with their supporters. We chose Care Pages because they are a trusted brand. The site also allows families to provide feedback on our staff and services through the compliment feature. Unlike other healthcare support networking, they were the first to provide to hospitals data about the experience people had and what types of patients were using the site. It tells us a lot about the support needs of our patient population."

At University of Iowa Children's Hospital, a floor host helps promote the service by introducing it to new inpatients, who also have access to free hospital-wide wifi and a laptop checkout system through the family resource center. "We weren't sure if the social media explosion would take away from Care Pages, but most parents still use it, connecting their child's care page to their Facebook," says Pollari.

Kelly Faley, director of web strategies at Sharp Healthcare, says their patients have been enthusiastic and excited about the site too. "As part of The Sharp Experience, we continually strive to improve the patient experience and patient-centered care at all of our hospitals and facilities. CarePages is just another service to enable us to broaden The Sharp Experience and our Sharp culture of caring."

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Employees who don’t feel connected to their work, engaged by their management or loyal to their organization are 53% less productive than their engaged counterparts.

Kansas City, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/10/2011 -- Employee engagement is hugely important in the healthcare industry. With loads of paperwork, EMR transitions, industry overhauls, an endless stream of patients, new emphasis on customer service and a daily influence on matters of life or death, it is vital that healthcare workers be passionately plugged into their work.

Kellie Eisenhauer is a human resources expert at (e)Merge. "Employees who are highly engaged are excited, enthusiastic, focused on their work, emotionally and mentally involved with their company, highly productive, not easily distracted. That energy and momentum is critical for optimum business success."

Research published in a 1999 Harvard Business Review demonstrated that people excel at jobs that interest them deeply, more than at jobs that their education, skills or experience might suggest are perfect fits for them.

"This is why we sift through a practice's employees, making sure they are in the right job role," says Eisenhauer. "If an employee is not engaged, it may not be that they are a bad employee, they're just not a fit for that particular occupation. If they are put in a position where they can be passionate about their work, it will benefit them and their employer."

Jamie Verkamp is Director of Growth and Development at (e)Merge. "Many of our clients see it as a daunting task to tackle issues like these that are more human resources-related. They are often surprised and impressed by how quickly we can evaluate their staff and implement necessary, positive change."

About (e)Merge
(e)Merge is a medical growth consulting firm specializing in providing innovative, patient-centric marketing initiatives and medical mystery shopping services that enhance patient experiences to increase referrals. Programs are designed to strategically achieve sustained patient volume growth for medical practices and health organizations. Call 877-362-6584 or visit emergewithus.com for more information.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The first step to becoming competitive is stepping away from your bias and seeing your brand as others see it.

Kansas City, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/08/2011 -- Many healthcare leaders don't take the time to research how their practice or network is perceived by their patients or community.

They have a certain, often idyllic view of their business and they rather not hear differently. Yet it's hugely important to not only be curious about your brand status, but to research it, as that information arms you for positive change.

"When we do a medical mystery shop of our clients' practices, we find that their patients and community perceive them a lot differently than they originally surmised," says Jamie Verkamp, partner at (e)Merge. "Clients are often surprised by comments and insights that highlight shortcomings or strengths they had never noticed. After an objective assessment, their organization is more confident in its working practices and ready to improve areas of weakness."

Verkamp says you can start seeing your practice as those around you see it today. Google your practice, doctors and competition. Don't be afraid to read google reviews or healthgrades comments. Ask patients for feedback. Enlist professional mystery shoppers. "Remember, even if you take a quick bruise to the ego, it's worth a chance for improvement, and who knows, maybe more business."

(e)Merge is a medical growth consulting firm specializing in providing innovative, patient-centric marketing initiatives and medical mystery shopping services that enhance patient experiences to increase referrals. Programs are designed to strategically achieve sustained patient volume growth for medical practices and health organizations. Call 877-362-6584 or visit emergewithus.com for more information.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Medicine is increasingly consumerist, even more so when it comes to elective procedures. Here are some steps you can take to get your share of the pie.

Kansas City, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/31/2011 -- Prove results- Patients want to see your success for themselves, whether it be patient testimonials, before and after photos, professional endorsements, or track records. Give them some real information to go on so choosing your practice doesn't seem like such a gamble.

Competitively price – Elective procedures are just that: elective. They're also out of pocket expenses for the consumer. If you're service is not worth the price, possible patients may spend their money on other luxuries, or worse, get that same service from one of your competitors.

Publish prices- When it comes to out of pocket expenses, we want to know what how much we're talking. Putting it out there not only prepares your patients but makes sure only serious inquirers come in for consultations.

Give top-notch customer service- We expect great customer service at any healthcare establishment; but paying out of pocket raises our expectations too. That means not only achieving quality procedure results, but having an amazing experience while in your care.

(e)Merge is a medical practice growth consulting firm specializing in providing innovative, patient-centric marketing initiatives and medical mystery shopping services that enhance patient experiences to increase referrals. Call (816)326-8464 or visit http://www.emergewithus.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Kansas City, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/20/2011 -- Many specialties thrive off of other doctor's referrals; from pediatrics to urology, many practices' revenue would shrivel if other physicians quit passing on their patients. Are you doing all you can to maximize your referral relationships?

There are a number of ways to cultivate referral relationships. First, scout out your potential partners and make sure they are in a position to refer to you (acceptance of similar insurance, no conflicting allegiances, etc.). Best impressions are made during face to face introductions. This means you can network at events, offer to take them to lunch, or make an appointment to drop by with some of your practice materials.

It's also important to remember not to limit yourself to physicians and practices in your area. Consider surrounding suburbs and rural setups that refer patients to larger metro areas for specialty care. You should also make it a point to make it easy for patients to enter your practice through referral. Doctors will not hassle with your business if you aren't easy to deal with. Patients should be able to get in to see you in a timely manner.

It should go without saying, but be good to your patients. If word ever got back to the referring physician that a patient she/he sent had a bad experience in your office, you would not only lose that customer and her circle of influences, but any future business from the referring doctor. If you know anything about our philosophy, you need to go beyond "being good to your patients"; they should be amazed, wowed, taken aback by the experience.

If you have existing referral relationships, go out of your way to thank them. If the relationship this far has been only to your benefit, see what you can do to give a little back. A gift card around the holidays or an unexpected edible assortment for staff goes a long way. Don't want to spend money? A heartfelt thank you call will do. If you're in the position to refer patients back to them, do so. Remember that a good working relationship means give and take- and if your referral source isn't getting any thanks or benefit in return, it makes it all the easier to refer his or her patients somewhere else.

(e)Merge is a medical growth consulting firm specializing in providing innovative, patient-centric marketing initiatives and medical mystery shopping services that enhance patient experiences to increase referrals. Programs are designed to strategically achieve sustained patient volume growth for medical practices and health organizations. Visit http://www.emergewithus.com or call 816-326-8464.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Think your practice is only on sites like Google and Health Grades? Think again.

Kansas City, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/13/2011 -- Your medical practice probably has a page on Yelp, whether you like it or not. For those of you who have no idea what Yelp is, it's a site where anyone can review and rate local businesses. As of last month, 41 million users were visiting this site in a 30 day period, making it a very fast growing, high traffic site. Those users peruse Yelp before trying a new business, like a restaurant, mechanic or salon. Because the site has traditionally been used for those types of establishments, many doctors and practice managers we talked with were surprised to learn Yelp had pages dedicated to their businesses. They were also surprised (and relieved) to find out they could take control of those pages.

We recommend taking control of your page for many reasons. First, a very small percentage of healthcare businesses have done so. Second, once you've unlocked your page, you can upload photos, message your customers, give special offers and list special events. Third, it gives you a presence in the conversation about your business, showing people that you are not just a business to be talked about, but one that cares about the people who come to rate and review you.

Controlling your page is simple. Once on yelp.com, search for your business. Once you've found it, click where it says "Work here? Unlock this business page". There is also a red button that says "Claim your business". Either works. Yelp will guide you from there.

The most important act might not be getting control of your Yelp page, but just knowing it is there so you can monitor reviews. The great thing is many practices have only 1-5 reviews, as "yelping" about practices is a fairly new activity. This means you can influence your star rating and comments fairly easily by urging loyal patients to log on and share their experiences.

The larger lesson is that consumer review sites are popping up everywhere and now include medical practices and health systems. You need to be actively searching for your business on all of these sites to monitor your reputation. I know, it's another thing on your long to-do list…but monitoring your reputation well will result in new business (something most practices could use a little yelp with this New Year).

About (e)Merge
(e)Merge is a medical growth consulting firm specializing in providing innovative, patient-centric marketing initiatives and medical mystery shopping services that enhance patient experiences to increase referrals. Programs are designed to strategically achieve sustained patient volume growth for medical practices and health organizations. Call 877-362-6584 or visit emergewithus.com for more information.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Health systems and medical practices have fresh resources to draw upon when considering new hires.

Kansas City, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/05/2011 -- Bad hires cost more than just money- they disrupt customer service, the office environment and productivity. But how do you avoid bad hires when interviewees tell you what you want to hear?

"46% of new hires fail within 18 months," says Jamie Verkamp, Partner at (e)Merge, a medical growth consulting firm that helps practice managers assess their employees' strengths and weaknesses to make better hiring, promotional and organizational decisions.

"That's why it's so important to properly assess each candidate before hire."

Verkamp and her team help practices use an objective assessment that can be emailed to a candidate for completion. The test results give insight that an interview, resume or references can't. The results reveal behavioral patterns, how the applicant reasons, his/her interests and how well he/she matches your job requirements.

"Practice managers need to see how well the applicant fits into the role," adds Kellie Eisenhauer, HR Consultant at (e)Merge. "Maybe they're not a bad egg, but would perform more optimally in another capacity. It's invaluable to have this information before taking them on or giving them a certain set of responsibilities."

For more information on (e)Merge's profile assessments and practice growth programs, visit http://www.emergewithus.com or call 816-326-8464.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Learn what one pediatric office did to differentiate themselves from the competition…

Kansas City, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/28/2010 -- When Johnson County Pediatrics entrusted their social media and customer service endeavors to (e)Merge, they were already a hit with their patients. What the services enabled them to do was take their patients' experience to another level, one that their competition couldn't provide. It also helped them to attract more new patients.

Today, Johnson County Pediatrics has a number of impactful customer service measures in place, including a
flourishing social media presence. Their Facebook page hosts photos of their staff and events, fun questions to engage patients, kid photo contests and links to resourceful information, like how to perform the Heimlich on an infant. They also have discussion forums and a YouTube video library with patient testimonials, doctor introductions and informational clips.

Their patients are eager to use the new forums for positive feedback. "What a great practice," writes one mother. "Dr. Decker is the best!" says another. "He always makes my son feel like he's the only patient he has."

But setting up a successful social media presence isn't as simple as learning to log in. Those in the healthcare sector must learn to appropriately engage their patients, remain HIPAA compliant and become the sort of resource patients are looking for. That's why (e)Merge's Growth and Development Director, Jamie Verkamp, is joining forces with healthcare attorney and social media expert David Harlow for a new webinar, "Social Media for Healthcare Leaders Workshop".

Beginning January 26th, participants will meet once a week for an hour and a half via webinar and video chat. Verkamp says they have limited space so they can give attention to all of the attendees. "You'll truly understand social media, not just know how to work the tools, but how to create your own successful social media campaign."

Webinar spaces are offered on a first come first serve basis and are filling quickly. Visit www.emergewithus.com or call 816-326-8464 to reserve your spot.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Kansas City, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/17/2010 -- Learn how to implement a successful, professional social media campaign for your practice or hospital.

"It's a great way to essentially go to social media university without having to leave the office," Jamie Verkamp says of her upcoming webinar series, Social Media for Healthcare Leaders. The seasoned consultant is once again teaming up with healthcare attorney David Harlow to teach healthcare leaders how to more effectively engage patients and strengthen the delivery process of healthcare through social media. The pair decided to host this series after receiving an enormous, positive response to their December workshop.

"I loved learning from experts who not only do their own social media for their brands, but work in the trenches everyday with their healthcare clients to help them engage with their patients," said one participant. "Both believe in the pureness of social media, that it's less about the tools of delivery but more about the concept of delivering better healthcare and putting the patients at the center of their healthcare experience."

Beginning January 26th, a new group of participants will meet once a week for an hour and a half via webinar and video chat. Verkamp says they have limited space so they can give attention to all of the attendees. "You'll truly understand social media, not just know how to work the tools, but how to create your own successful social media campaign."

Webinar spaces are offered on a first come first serve basis and are filling quickly. Visit www.emergewithus.com or call 816-326-8464 to reserve your spot. Verkamp's medical practice consulting firm, (e)Merge, specializes in providing innovative, patient-centric marketing initiatives and medical mystery shopping services that enhance patient experiences to increase referrals. Programs are designed to strategically achieve sustained patient volume growth for medical practices and health organizations.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

If you hope to increase patient referrals and boost your bottom line this New Year, free advice from these experts is just what the doctor ordered…

Kansas City, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/06/2010 -- Emerge MD: Consultant Jamie Verkamp and her team are leading the industry with medical mystery shopping, patient experience workshops and medical marketing seminars. The group just launched new software that helps consolidate an office's social media efforts and reduce time spent on social media sites while still engaging patients. Their blog features tips and tricks for improving patient experience and thus, your bottom line. http://www.emergewithus.com/blog/

Social Media Today: Speaking of social media… With the explosion of social media came the reform of marketing. Nearly every industry, including the healthcare industry, has adapted social media as part of their promotional strategy. Social Media Today is comprised of former journalists, advertising executives and online managers who share their insight with daily blog posts. Though the site is not healthcare-specific, it is a must-read for those who wish to fully engage online. http://www.socialmediatoday.com

Health Blawg: It never hurts to have a lawyer on your side, especially one like David Harlow. The healthcare and law expert has a unique perspective and vital information to keep you legal and HIPAA compliant while navigating healthcare marketing and social media. http://www.healthblawg.typepad.com

Found in Cache: Web administrator Ed Bennett shares his wealth of knowledge on creating, managing and promoting web sites for the health care industry. Find lists of social media-savvy hospitals, learn what pitfalls to avoid, enjoy interviews with industry professionals and much more. http://www.ebennett.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Patients now expect to connect with their healthcare providers online. One company is helping cut the time and energy it takes.

Kansas City, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/05/2010 -- A voluminous shift in marketing has driven the healthcare industry to social media. In fact, more than 600 U.S. hospitals and countless offices are now connecting with patients online to improve the patient experience. Still, many offices with seriously ill patients, new EMR systems and loads of administrative duties find their social media efforts on the back burner. Jamie Verkamp, Partner at (e)Merge Medical Marketing, heard time and time again that it was taking too much time for her clients to keep their social media fresh. It was that predicament that spurred a new solution: Socialverse.

"Social media is a win-win for the practice and the patients. It really becomes a resource and a lifeline for patients and obviously a great way to drive referral volumes for an organization," says Verkamp. "That's why we just launched new software called Socialverse that monitors, manages and maintains your social media for you."

Consolidating all of your social media accounts into one, simple dashboard, Socialverse lets you monitor what's being said about your business and staff. It's that quick-glance feature that allows you to respond to both praise and criticism in a timely manner. Socialverse also allows you to schedule future posts for any or all of your accounts, saving time and log-ins.

"The aspect I'm most excited about is its ability to import contacts so you can search for them in all of your social media accounts. It will make it so much easier to connect and foster relationships with new and potential patients or clients," says Hilary Holden, Director of Marketing and Social Media at (e)Merge.

On average, the software is reducing time offices spend dealing with social media by 25%. The firm sees other clients enjoying even more time savings, cutting their time updating, monitoring and posting feedback almost in half.

"There's nothing else like this specialized for healthcare," boasts Holden. "People seem really excited about it."

To find out more about Sociaverse, call 1.877.362.6584 or visit http://www.emergewithus.com. (e)Merge is a medical practice growth consulting firm specializing in providing innovative, patient-centric marketing initiatives and medical mystery shopping services that enhance patient experiences to increase referrals.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The Cleveland Clinic’s foray into fashion highlights valuable lessons for the healthcare industry.

Kansas City, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/28/2010 -- Recently, iconic fashion designer, Diane Von Furstenberg took a break from designing evening wear to design hospital haute couture. She teamed up with the Cleveland Clinic to design a new hospital gown, one that wouldn't fly open in the back and felt a little less like crepe paper. Hospital project managers say they were looking for a way to improve their patients' experience, and many patients had been vocal about the old hospital gown being a huge drawback.

"This project represents the vast opportunities there are within the healthcare experience to make it about the patient," says Jamie Verkamp, Partner at (e)Merge Medical Marketing. "It takes into account that people perceive things differently, like comfort and modesty. This hospital is acknowledging that they see a wide variety of patients every day; some are fine with paper gowns that don't close in the back and others, it may truly bother them. It's that level of sensitivity that patients are really impressed with and why they'll choose one hospital over another for their healthcare needs."

A recent Facebook survey conducted by (e)Merge also showed that the hospital gown was a huge source of discontentment and anxiety for patients. When asked what they dreaded most about the doctor, many respondents cited the widely-used Johnny gown over other inconveniences.

"Yes, the Johnny gown is a problem. But the message here is not that every hospital or doctor's office needs to get new gowns. The lesson is that being sensitive to every angle of the patient experience can elevate your business. It can be little things like offering refreshments, making small talk or escorting patients throughout their visit. Or you can look at some of the bigger things like the process the patient goes through to make an appointment, down to what they wear to when they're in your care. It's taking into effect that patients are people; we all have feelings and emotions and we're looking to satisfy those emotions through all experiences, even healthcare."

(e)Merge is a medical practice growth consulting firm specializing in providing innovative, patient-centric marketing initiatives and medical mystery shopping services that enhance patient experiences to increase referrals. They can be found at http://www.emergewithus.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm