MyBeautifulBody.com

Dr. Patronella Summer Restylane Special

noemail@mybeautifulbody.com — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:26:22 GMT

8-Jul-08 5:26 PM

ACPS Shares Customer Service Fundamentals

noemail@mybeautifulbody.com — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:00:00 GMT

The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery takes customer service seriously. We know you have a choice a providers and we go that extra mile to ensure your experience with us is exceptional from at every stage. That's why we are so proud that Plastic Surgery Practice Advisor, a trade publication for plastic surgery practices across the country, is pointing to ACPS as a leader in customer service.

The February issue features the story, "Customer service can make or break your practice; It can be the little things that matter," which draws upon the expertise of ACPS practice administrator Karen Husmann, MBA. Below is an excerpt:

Patients must feel welcome

Karen Husmann, MBA, practice administrator for The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery in Houston, says ensuring good customer service is a primary focus for her and her staff members.

It is imperative that patients feel welcome in the practice, she says. That can mean more than just smiles and a friendly attitude.

When you visit your internist with a terrible case of the flu, you will wait two hours in an uncomfortable chair with a dozen other sick people in a small waiting room reading a three-year-old Field & Stream, and not complain as long as you know you will get some relief, Husmann says. That is not true for someone coming in for a face-lift. The patient is willing to pay up to $20,000 cash, Husmann says, and he or she has every right to expect to be treated like someone handing the practice $20,000.

She says many of the typical scenes in other doctors’ offices must be avoided in a plastic surgery practice.

“The one thing I will never have is one of those horrific opaque sliding speak-easy doors that separate the waiting room from the front office and inevitably have multicolored pieces of paper taped on them effectively telling you to ‘sign in, sit down, shut up, and by the way, we expect payment prior to services being rendered,’ ” she says. “We have large, open welcoming desks, with low lighting and comfortable chairs in our waiting rooms. Everyone is offered a beverage and asked if they need anything else while they are waiting.”

The practice strives to avoid having patients wait an inordinate amount of time, and if they do have to wait, Husmann and her staff members acknowledge that they have been waiting, apologize, and make sure they are okay with the wait.

Good service can differentiate practice

When Husmann was hired by the practice more than 13 years ago, she told it that it was offering a service that dozens of other great plastic surgeons were offering, and that its work was—by itself—nothing special.

“In fact, I could name many other surgeons in Houston with whom I could have a face-lift and have a great result. They had to make their face-lift, liposuction, and breast augmentation better than another surgeon providing the same surgical outcome, and to do that they would have to differentiate their services,” she says. “That means they had to have outstanding staff with the right interpersonal skills, great marketing and public relations, elegantly appointed facilities, and a great respect for the needs and goals of their patients.”

Unlike years ago, when patients had to accept whatever their physician told them, Husmann says, today’s patients have done their research and know what they want.

“From the warm blankets in preop, to our postop goody bag with all they will need after surgery, to a dozen roses after surgery, to the home care visit at their home the day after surgery, to complimentary massages after surgery, each detail is vitally important,” she says. “We want patients to know that we appreciate them, with birthday cards and notes of thanks when they refer their friends.”

Husmann has sent staff members to one-day seminars offered by various local companies about customer service, and occasionally she distributes articles with tips about customer service to staff members.

“We have made use of mystery shopping in the past. Shoppers have posed as patients who call our practice, come in for a consultation, et cetera,” she says. “It keeps us from becoming too complacent by giving us a fresh look at what we are doing. Oftentimes, we don’t realize that there are areas that need improvement.”

Tips to help improve service

Husmann offers these tips for improving customer service:

Hire a good team. Forget motivating people. Hire motivated people and try not to de-motivate them, she says. The administrator cannot do it all. Hire the best nurses, the best receptionist, the best patient coordinator, and pay them well. Set up a bonus program that rewards all employees. (Husmann does not pay commission to skin care staff. Everyone is rewarded for promoting products and services.) The practice’s quarterly bonus program is based on profitability of the practice, base salary, and individual performance score on annual reviews.

Train staff members in “customer recovery.” Empower them to “fix it” when a customer is unhappy. Give them the authority to waive a fee, offer a complimentary massage or facial, or offer free products.

Promote the right atmosphere. “When I interview individuals for employment, I tell them that, yes, we are a serious medical facility, but our mind-set is that of an exclusive, high-end boutique,” Husmann says. “For those who cannot buy in to this, they are not hired.” Also remember that it is the doctor who sets the tone, and the leaders/managers who mirror the behavior. If the leader is negative and pessimistic and views customers as problems, the staff members will follow suit.

Encourage a good interaction among staff members. Offer all-staff lunches when a customer compliments the staff and other fun events such as bowling night or movie night. Remember, Husmann says, customers will notice if you have a bunch of people in the office who like each other.

28-Feb-08 10:00 AM

The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery Featured in Houston Style Magazine

noemail@mybeautifulbody.com — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Houston Style Magazine featured The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery's research initiatives in its February 7, 2008 edition. The story focused on important research findings from the ACPS Center for Clinical Research and Plastic Surgery Education:

13-Feb-08 10:00 AM

Test Email for CKP

noemail@mybeautifulbody.com — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 23:58:34 GMT

6-Feb-08 5:58 PM

Dr Newall-Fraxel Newsletter

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 19:00:00 GMT


RENEW	www.DrNewall.com
An informative e-newsletter compliments of The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery	Volume 2 - Fall 2007

Patient Experience

CALL NOW
Schedule your complimentary
Fraxel® SR1500 Laser consultation
713-799-9999

The Aesthetic Center For Plastic Surgery Introduces the Fraxel® SR1500 Laser

As part of its continuing effort to provide patients with the very latest and most innovative cosmetic enhancements The Aesthetic Center For Plastic Surgery introduces the Fraxel® SR1500 Laser.

Fraxel® Laser Treatment is a safe, non-invasive procedure that restores skin to a youthful and healthy look. The Fraxel® SR1500 Laser restores overall texture and tone to the skin, eliminating age spots and, smoothing wrinkles. The Fraxel® SR1500 Laser is also FDA approved for the treatment of melasma, acne and surgical scars. It is also expected to be FDA approved for stretch marks and the reduction of large pores by the end of the year.

The normal aging process, environmental damage from prolonged exposure to the suns ultraviolet light, and, air pollution contribute to the gradual decline in the look and feel of our skin. Stress, fatigue and a busy lifestyle can also affect the way our skin looks as well. Thanks to the new FDA approved Fraxel® II (Sr1500) Laser from Reliant™Technologies your skin will never look better.

Until the introduction of the advanced Fraxel® II (Sr1500) Laser traditional laser treatments for cosmetic improvement were very abrasive and required a significant amount of time for recovery. Other less abrasive lasers required multiple treatments over many months and produced only modest results. The new Fraxel® Laser is designed to target aging and damaged skin by penetrating beneath the skin's outermost layer to trigger the body’s own natural production of collagen.

Fraxel® SR1500 Laser Treatment targets old epidermal pigmented cells without affecting any of the surrounding tissue. By targeting only those cells that are most in need of treatment healing time is accelerated as healthier tissue replaces damaged cells. While most patients return to their regular activities, some may require more time to heal. The healing process varies from person to person and only a trained Fraxel® SR1500 Laser specialist can decide the appropriate healing time based on your specific skin condition and type of treatment.

Call The Aesthetic Center For Plastic Surgery at 713-799-9999 today to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Greetings to everyone and thank you for taking the time to read this second addition of my newsletter. These email newsletters are designed to keep you informed of what’s going on in the field of plastic surgery and what’s new in my practice. It is my hope that you find these newsletters valuable.

The Surgeon

Patient Coordinator

The Philosophy

Credentials

Consultation

Added Touch

Don't Settle for Less

Before & Afters

Please visit Dr. Germán Newall's website or The Aesthetic Center For Plastic Surgery website for further information.

For additional information on this Newsletter article, please contact:

Jeremy Hartling
(713) 799-9999
jhartling@iapc.net

Source: Louis Provenzano
louis@proagency.com

You are currently signed up as: person@gmail.com
To not receive further mailings, send a blank email to: optout@iapc.net

Newsletter design and layout by Provenzano & Associates, Inc.

7-Sep-07 2:00 PM

Dr Mentz-Fraxel Newlsetter

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 19:00:00 GMT


RENEW	www.DrMentz.com
An informative e-newsletter compliments of The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery	Volume 2 - Fall 2007

Patient Experience

CALL NOW
Schedule your complimentary
Fraxel® SR1500 Laser consultation
713-799-9999

The Aesthetic Center For Plastic Surgery Introduces the Fraxel® SR1500 Laser

As part of its continuing effort to provide patients with the very latest and most innovative cosmetic enhancements The Aesthetic Center For Plastic Surgery introduces the Fraxel® SR1500 Laser.

Fraxel® Laser Treatment is a safe, non-invasive procedure that restores skin to a youthful and healthy look. The Fraxel® Laser restores overall texture and tone to the skin, eliminating age spots and, smoothing wrinkles. The Fraxel® SR1500 Laser is also FDA approved for the treatment of melasma, acne and surgical scars. It is also expected to be FDA approved for stretch marks and the reduction of large pores by the end of the year.

The normal aging process, environmental damage from prolonged exposure to the suns ultraviolet light, and, air pollution contribute to the gradual decline in the look and feel of our skin. Stress, fatigue and a busy lifestyle can also affect the way our skin looks as well. Thanks to the new FDA approved Fraxel® II (Sr1500) Laser from Reliant™Technologies your skin will never look better.

Until the introduction of the advanced Fraxel® II (Sr1500) Laser traditional laser treatments for cosmetic improvement were very abrasive and required a significant amount of time for recovery. Other less abrasive lasers required multiple treatments over many months and produced only modest results. The new Fraxel® Laser is designed to target aging and damaged skin by penetrating beneath the skin's outermost layer to trigger the body’s own natural production of collagen.

Fraxel® Laser Treatment targets old epidermal pigmented cells without affecting any of the surrounding tissue. By targeting only those cells that are most in need of treatment healing time is accelerated as healthier tissue replaces damaged cells. While most patients return to their regular activities, some may require more time to heal. The healing process varies from person to person and only a trained Fraxel® SR1500 Laser specialist can decide the appropriate healing time based on your specific skin condition and type of treatment.

Call The Aesthetic Center For Plastic Surgery at 713-799-9999 today to schedule your complimentary consultation.

The Surgeon

Patient Coordinator

The Philosophy

Credentials

Consultation

Added Touch

Don't Settle for Less

Before & Afters

My MediSpa

Please visit Dr. Henry Mentz's website or The Aesthetic Center For Plastic Surgery website for further information.

For additional information on this Newsletter article, please contact:

Jeremy Hartling
(713) 799-9999
jhartling@iapc.net

Source: Louis Provenzano
louis@proagency.com

You are currently signed up as: person@gmail.com
To not receive further mailings, send a blank email to: optout@iapc.net

Newsletter design and layout by Provenzano & Associates, Inc.

7-Sep-07 2:00 PM

Dr Patronella-Fraxel Newsletter

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 18:00:00 GMT


RENEW	www.Patronellamd.com
An informative e-newsletter compliments of The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery	Volume 1 - Summer 2007

Patient Experience

CALL NOW
Schedule your complimentary
Fraxel® SR1500 Laser consultation
713-799-9999

The Aesthetic Center For Plastic Surgery Introduces the Fraxel® SR1500 Laser

The Surgeon

Patient Coordinator

The Philosophy

Credentials

Consultation

Added Touch

Don't Settle for Less

Before & Afters

Please visit Dr. Christopher Patronella's website or The Aesthetic Center For Plastic Surgery website for further information.

For additional information on this Newsletter article, please contact:

Jeremy Hartling
(713) 799-9999
jhartling@iapc.net

Source: Louis Provenzano
louis@proagency.com

You are currently signed up as: person@gmail.com
To not receive further mailings, send a blank email to: optout@iapc.net

Newsletter design and layout by Provenzano & Associates, Inc.

7-Sep-07 1:00 PM

Choosing a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

noemail@mybeautifulbody.com — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 17:00:00 GMT

Choosing a plastic surgeon is not something that should be taken lightly. A number of factors should be considered including training, education, results, safety, personality and chemistry. But how do you make an informed decision based on a 30 minute consultation? The answer is DO YOUR RESEARCH!

Before making your consultation appointment you should already be abreast of the surgeon’s credentials. Most surgeons will post their credentials on their web sites but deciphering the different information may be difficult. Surgeons will often pad their resumes with numerous things trying to hide the fact they do not posses the two most important qualifiers, board certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).

The first board, ABMS, is the umbrella organization that assists the 24 approved medical specialty boards, including the ABPS, with the development of standard, evaluations and certification of their surgeons. ABMS is recognized as the “gold standard” in physician certification.

In a way the ABPS is a sub-group of the ABMS. The most important credential your plastic surgeon MUST have is the board certification by the ABPS. This alone will answer many of the question stated above; training, education, proven results, and safety. Earning the certification of the ABPS assures the public that a surgeon has successfully completed an approved educational program and passed a very rigorous examination designed to assess the knowledge, experience and skills necessary to provide the highest quality of patient care in the specialty of plastic surgery.

The best way of determining if you surgeon possesses the training, education, experience and safety skills is to see if he/she is listed as a board certified plastic surgeon by the ABPS. To verify a surgeon’s board certification through ABMS and ABPS, following the link http://www.abms.org/login.asp, or call 1-866-ASK-ABMS (275-2267). To search for a physician online you will need to create an account using your email and creating a password.

4-Jun-07 12:00 PM