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5 Ways To Selecting The Right Electrician For You

It's important to use a professional electrician. There are many homes that have been lost, and businesses burnt to the ground due to an electrical fire. By hiring a professional electrician, you are taking one more step to keeping your home and family safe. So then, how do you go about finding an electrician that's going to help you and not just take your money and run? Here is a short list of things to look out for that should help you:

1. Is the electrician licensed and insured? Every professional electrician should be licensed. If you're talking to an electrician who isn't licensed, you may want to go with someone else. It's also important that they're insured. If they're not insured, and you encounter any major electrical damages due to their work, you could be out of luck!

2. Do they offer 24 hour emergency service? The last thing you want is to have electrical work done during the day, then have problems that night and not be able to get a hold of your electrician. Of course, if you follow step 1 and hire a licensed electrician, the odds are in your favor that you won't have any problems later when they leave. However, we're all human and make mistakes so don't risk it! Stay on the safe side and use an electric company that offers 24 hour emergency service.

3. Do they offer any type of guarantee? What's great about a guarantee is that it removes all risk from you. It is worth noting, that just because an electrician doesn't offer a guarantee, it doesn't necessarily mean they're bad. If they do offer a guarantee though, it's probably because they're good at what they do! Besides, you don't want to pay an electrician a second time to fix the work he messed up the first time do you?

4. How long have they been in business? Again, just because someone is new doesn't necessarily mean they're bad at what they do. However, if someone has managed to stay in business for many years, it's a safe bet they're going to be dependable. It's hard to keep a business running if you're not doing a good job.

5. Do they have testimonials? If someone is good at their job, they will more than likely have previous customers who will vouch for them. You will find that a few electricians actually have their testimonials posted on their website. If an electrician you're considering hiring doesn't have any posted on their website, another way to check is to do a quick search on the internet.

If you can track down an electrician that posses all of the qualities, rest assured that you've probably found a winner! If you can't seem to find an electrician in your area that has all the traits mentioned above, don't worry about it too much. Keep in mind that this is only a guide to help you select the right electrician for you.

Features That Constitute Medical Coding and Billing Software

Medical coding and billing software provides solutions to all billing related problems in a hospital. The software can be used to handle all medical insurance billing services which includes all the billing needs of the doctor or the physician and can also be used for claims submission, patient billing, follow-up with rejected claims and tracking accounts. The features that are present in the software must be made HIPAA compliant as it is essential for all health institutions in the US to send the medical bills electronically and also to store all medical records.

Medical coding and billing software must have security features that can give access to all staff members at different levels. The security feature must also keep track of the access details or even information on details edited, and the details of data transfers on the internet. Restricted access to users is one of the features that can be availed of from the software. These features help to maintain the confidentiality of the data that is stored in the software.

The medical coding and billing software fulfills a variety of needs for billing purposes. Some of the other features that can help along with managing the billing activities include data entry, printing and report generation, appointment and task generator and a mailing feature that enables to send direct emails through the software.

Some other full features present in the medical coding and billing software include customized patient/insurance aging, insurance type designations, anesthesia minute billing, sales tax support, automatic super bill numbering, billing reconciliation, transaction coding, ERA posting, inventory sales, resource-based scheduling, color-coded scheduler and guarantor filing. The management of smaller institutions make use of the medical coding and billing software to manage and process their patient data on a day-to-day basis, and also makes use of features that help to manage appointments and the insurance information.

The different fields of specialization in the medical profession have specific needs and functions that a medical coding and billing software must facilitate and cater to. The software programs allows for personalized programs that can be customized as per personal requirements. There are specific programs that help medical professionals to track payments made and generate invoice statements. There are other programs which are designed to show revenue collected and how much of the money is posted. The software also provides a practice management system for small offices and home medical billing users.

Where To Go During Medical Emergencies in St Petersburg, Russia

Saint Petersburg was the capital of the Russian empire up to 1918 and continues to be politically influential due to the number of consulates located within the city. Saint Petersburg is also a major economic destination due to its strategic placement as a port on the Baltic Sea and the number of businesses and banks that operate within the city. Saint Petersburg has many excellent hospitals which offer service of English speaking staff and have association with major health insurance companies. The following is a description of two of the most famous hospitals in Saint Petersburg.

American Medical Clinic and Hospital situated at 78 Moika Embankment St. Petersburg 190000 is a leading hospital in St. Petersburg. Originally established as a private medical facility by US citizens, it has been taken over by "Adamant" Holding, one of the largest business groups in Russia. This world-class hospital is very popular among foreign businessmen, especially those associated with companies such as General Motors, Toyota and Ernst and Young. The hospital has over 150 eminent physicians, who offer excellent medical care in over 39 clinical specialties. There are separate dental and cosmetology units in the hospital. The cosmetology unit includes an aesthetic surgery wing: "American Beauty Center".

AMC has a modern surgery center with two operating rooms and provides out-patient surgeries in general surgery, otolaryngology, gynecology, urology and trauma. Various surgeries are also conducted in orthopedics, surgeries of benign hyperplasia of prostate gland, and all types of elective and emergency general surgeries including hernia repair. The ICU of AMC features four isolated wards and is equipped with modern facilities. Its round the clock emergency care department, known as 'Medcare 24', is equipped with special emergency vehicles prepared to transport patients or to offer medical care at the patient's home. The diagnostic center has all the latest facilities for conducting various types of procedures in fluoroscopy, dopplerography, echocardiography, BP Holter monitoring, lungs function test and diagnostic laparoscopy. AMC also has a modern laboratory, pharmacy and 24-hour trauma center. Luxurious accommodations are provided as well. Tel: + 7 812 740 2090

The address for MEDEM International Clinic and Hospital is Marata str. 6, Saint Petersburg. This is another excellent hospital that offers high quality health care service at part with international standards. This multidisciplinary hospital has been offering quality medical service for more than 10 years.The hospital has 33 departments and is licensed for medical service in over 100 specialties. MEDEM International Clinic and Hospital is especially well known for its cutting-edge technology and thus attracts a large number of expatriates and tourists. MEDEM hospital has a surgical centre that offers service in anesthesiology and intensive care, general surgery for children and adults, gynecological surgery, ENT surgery and urological surgery. The diagnostics center at this hospital has units in radiology, diagnostic endoscopy and MRI. The hospital also has a pharmacy, laboratory and 24-hour emergency department equipped with all latest amenities. Comfortable accommodation is provided in a pleasant and relaxed environment and the hospital has special language assistance for its international patients. Various additional services are also available. Phone: +7 (812) 336-3333

Who Is Actually Producing the Emu Oil You Buy?

Emu oil has proven to be an effective, all natural remedy for so many ailments that sales are increasing very fast and it is being brought to market in many different ways, and, as fast as possible. When sales of anything increase as fast as emu oil (EMUO) has (starting in 2007), production is going to be streamlined and sped up. This of course will have a negative effect on quality every time.

When You Purchase Emu Oil ALWAYS ASK Where They Get It.........

When you purchase emu oil ALWAYS ASK where they get it! Websites can be deceiving. Just because a website looks "elegant" and really professional does not mean they actually produce the product they sell, and that the quality is there. In truth, most companies that sell EMUO don't actually produce it themselves. They buy product (emu fat) from someone else and have it refined. They may buy EMUO that is already refined and have it re-refined (if it is old or discolored, etc).

Unless a company actually produces the emu oil they are selling, it is impossible to be sure of the quality. The oil can be "lab tested" for everything known to man, but there are still things about the eighteen month production process that can be questionable. Yes, it takes eighteen months to get an emu raised for processing and there are many variables about that process.

Does The Company You Purchase From Actually Have Emus?

Does the company you purchase your emu oil from actually have emus? How many do they have? This will indicate how much they sell. A company that produces 250 emus or more per year is large enough to be serious. Quite a few companies don't do it for the business, its just a hobby. In comparison, cattle ranching can be a hobby that produces a small income and the product will still be high quality because the industry has been in place long enough to allow for that.

In contrast, the emu business is fairly new and one product can vary quite a bit from another. Because there are lots of small producers in the emu business, it is a common practice to mix emu oil.

It Is A Common Practice To Mix Emu Oil............

One of the reasons EMUO is mixed from different sources is because three or four producers may need emu oil refined or re-refined, but they don't have enough for the minimum required to do a refining run. Different refineries are set up requiring different amounts and in order to run the equipment, it becomes necessary to mix the product from several different sources.

Either way, a lot of EMUO gets mixed since it's from different sources and this compromises the quality. EMUO that meets EMUO standards can be miles apart in quality because the standards aren't very stringent. The standards DO insure safe EMUO, they're just not very stringent.

When EMUO from multiple sources is mixed, it is not possible to insure proper feed was used, it is not possible to insure medications weren't used, it isn't possible to insure pastures weren't sprayed with insecticide, etc. There are too many variables that develop when EMUO from different sources is mixed and it isn't possible to have total confidence in the end product.

Always buy your emu oil from a company that owns emu birds and produces the EMUO themselves. Then you can ask the questions about feed, pastures, medications, hormones,insecticides, etc. Then you can be sure your EMUO is of high quality.

Use of Efficient Alarm Systems to Safeguard Your Residences

Alarm systems installed in dwellings do not provide an assurance that your homes will now be safe from robberies or felonies. Nevertheless, the alarm will augment the odds that the robber or trespasser will not pursue with his plan as he is cognizant that your residence has an alarm system installed.

In essence, security systems are classified into two categories. The first classification is called the perimeter protection that signal the proprietor if there is force of entry in the outer surface of the dwelling. The other classification which is called the spatial protection discloses activities done in the interior of the house.

Ahead of making a choice from an assortment of home alarm systems embedded on a signal that is perceptible, keep in mind that numerous individuals regularly take for granted signals that set out all-around them. The key purpose of an alarm that produces an earsplitting sound is to startle burglars yet if the clamor cannot extract awareness from the neighborhood as well as from the members of the law enforcement unit, the trespasser may possibly hang around and ensure if there are upheavals that can be hazardous to him.

Alarm systems that are quiet might not be able to frighten housebreakers nonetheless; these will notify the law enforcement or designated protection services to correspond with your home as soon as the warning is established. However, an alarm of this kind will prove to be unfavorable if the neighborhood is incognizant of an impending intrusion of the home then most likely they will take no notice of every type of illegitimate events. Utilization of soundless alarms cannot deter criminality also.

Setting up an alarm system is an amazing venture since you will have the chance to conserve your finances. A home alarm might not all the time toil with robbers, but you are very certain that you can preserve hard cash through your residential insurance. It would be a good idea to seek for another insurance corporation if your current insurance company will not trim down your monthly payments because of the accessibility of a warning system at home. Numerous insurance ventures hold out cut-rate fee when they are cognizant of an alarm system set up in your dwelling.

Home alarms installed in residences with supplementary controllers for the lights can boost the likelihood of upsetting thieves. The controls will involuntarily set on the illuminations which are attached to the controls as soon as the alarms are stimulated. Housebreakers have the tendency to be startled with the lighting sooner than an alarm that most frequently generate warnings that are false on several occasions.

It is crucial to ascertain that the home alarm systems will only generate warnings at the right circumstances. Setting the alarm system off by mistake will cause the neighborhood to be habituated with bogus warnings and consequently, sooner or later they will not heed when a genuine warning circumstance is taking place.

The use of alarm systems for the homes which consist of a sensor placed in floor mats that can only be triggered when anybody is in close contact with the mat is a good scheme. Stimulating the alarm system with a sensor during nighttime can definitely frighten housebreakers. The sensor can be positioned below the windowpane as this is a perfect site where robbers enter your dwellings.

Women Are Flexing Their Business Muscles - The Power of the Female Entrepreneur

"Look at women in business today, and you see a distinct, new generation of entrepreneurs. They're experienced, educated and have an appetite for growth." Center for Women's Business Research

The 1990's saw the start of phenomenal growth in the area of businesses started and owned by women. We're not talking about little, hope-to-make-a-go-of-it, knick-knack boutiques, but big-buck entrepreneurial ventures, many with full-blown payrolls. In fact, a whole generation of women entrepreneurs is achieving solid business success. Most of all, it's not that women are arriving on the business scene. It's that they've arrived and have become firmly established. They are here to stay and the future has never been brighter for the female entrepreneur.

"There are now more than 6.2 million women-owned businesses," according to reports at the Washington-based Center for Women's Business Research. "They employ 9.2 million workers and have revenues of $1.2 trillion and their growth has exceeded the national average for employment and revenue. These businesses making major contributions; they are impacting the economic strength of our country."

Here are the facts about women-owned businesses

• Women own 28% of the privately-held businesses in the U.S.
• Between 1997 and 2002, the number of women-owned firms in the U.S. increased at twice the rate of all firms (14% vs. 7%) and employment grew at 1.5 times the national average (30% vs. 18%).
• Nearly one in four of companies founded by women in the 1990s generate $500,000 or more in annual revenues.
• As of 2002, there are more than 110,000 women-owned companies with revenues of $1 million or more.
• More than 40% of women business owners have plans for growth over the next five years.
• One quarter of women-owned firms started less than 10 years ago have at least 20 employees.
• As of 2002, nearly 8,500 women-owned companies have more than 100 employees.
- Center for Women's Business Research.

What marks this new wave of entrepreneurs?

There are several distinct characteristics not often shared by women who started businesses in the 1980s:

Education. They invest in themselves!! They're getting college degrees, especially in law and business, in record numbers.
Experience. They're not novices to the business world. Many of these women left senior management positions to start their own companies.
Capital. These women appreciate the importance of adequate funding. Most of all, they have learned how to attract capital and borrow to finance growth. According to Entrepreneur Magazine (February 2002), "41% of women-owned businesses started in the last decade are actively seeking capital, compared to 25% of those who started earlier."(Entrepreneur Magazine, February 2002, http://www.entrepreneurmag.com )
Drive. They are not content to just start a business and then sit back to see what happens. They have a greater appetite for growth and self-fulfillment as entrepreneurs and are willing to go beyond the call of duty to learn their craft. They are considered ALPHAS!!!

Cause for Concern?

Women are closing the male-female gap in business and other important areas. However, many continue to lag behind when it comes to protecting their economic value to their families and to their businesses. For many women, there is still a huge gap in regards to knowledge of personal finance and business insurance. As a result, life insurance ownership for women in general, for example, is about half that of men ($92,800 vs. $175,300) according to a 1999 statistics reported by the Life Insurance Marketing and Research Association.

Recommendations

Whether you are a business tycoon, owner of a one-woman shop, or just thinking about taking the entrepreneurial plunge:

Keep on learning. That's how you grow as a business and as a person. Education is the key to success.
Secure your sources of capital. At the minimum, establish a line of credit. Then increase it periodically.
Protect your economic value to your business, to your family, and to yourself with adequate life and disability income insurance. That way, should anything happen to you; your income can be replaced.
Get good advice. Develop a relationship with your bank or credit union business relations officer. Talk to your accountant about tax-saving and asset-building strategies.

The new wave of female entrepreneurs is here. Whether it is a traditional business or a network marketing business, female entrepreneurs have really raised the ante on success in business and it is without a shadow of a doubt that trend will continue for years to come. Cheers to the female entrepreneur!! You are very much appreciated and we salute your accomplishments.

Onward and Upward,

Roger

Medicare Fee Cuts May Have Devastating Impact on Availability of Care

Many senior citizens across the country are facing a terrifying outlook on the availability of quality healthcare. Already the lowest reimbursing health insurance carrier, Medicare is cutting physician fee schedules by more than 20% across the board. The end result may be catastrophic for those that have no other option.

In an effort to rein in costs, congress has approved this measure without giving much consideration to the end result. Physicians in all specialties are faced with the task of absorbing these cuts in order to continue to treat patients desperately in need of quality care. Meanwhile, seniors are facing the reality that their doctors may no longer offer treatment to Medicare patients.

Many people believe that doctors sit on the golf course while earning millions of dollars per year. Although this may have once been a reality, I can assure you that this is no longer the case. Physicians and healthcare professionals in most specialties have been facing the reality of shrinking profit margins year after year. The constantly evolving insurance reimbursement process has made it more and more difficult for physicians to receive payments for services they've already performed. With the growing cost of malpractice insurance, overhead, and billing expenses one can see how difficult it has become to run a profitable medical practice.

With costs rising and reimbursements declining, how can we expect healthcare providers to handle a 20% reduction in reimbursement? Many specialties rely entirely on Medicare patients to keep their practice afloat. These certainly are not the highest grossing doctors in the nation. If physicians can no longer afford to treat Medicare patients, where will seniors go for the treatments they need? How will they manage to stay healthy without regular visits to the doctor? These issues must be addressed in a timely fashion or seniors and healthcare providers will be hung out to dry! Although there certainly is a need to control the spiraling cost of healthcare, squeezing physicians and seniors can't be the only option. How could we let this happen while insurance companies are profiting billions per year?

The president of the American Medical Association, Dr. Cecil Wilson has recently spoken out against these cuts. He's calling for a thirteen month reprieve to allow for the opportunity to come up with different alternatives. Hospitals, physicians, and pharmaceutical companies all oppose cuts to the fee schedule. We will have to wait and see if the powers that be will allow this atrocity to take place.

Features Of A Good Parcel Delivery Service

Life is busy but sending a loved one a special gift is not difficult anymore. With the availability of courier facilities, sending parcels to any part of the world has become quite easy. Parcel delivery services hold an important place in business scenarios as they form an important link between the suppliers and the customers. With the absence of a good service, a business is bound to lose client, if packages and parcels are not delivered on time and in good condition. Therefore, it is essential to pick that courier service, which offers the following features:

1. Professional company: a good company having good reputation among customers is the foremost feature, which one can look for. A reputable company is credible and is responsible to carry out its job efficiently. Since they need to maintain their reputation, reputable companies provide the best facilities, prompt services, handle complaints and provide cost-effective courier solutions.

2. Delivery services: different parcels require different service. For e.g. there can be urgent deliveries, oversized packages, overseas delivery etc. Therefore, a good parcel company is one, which is capable of handling all such parcels and can deliver them within the timeframe.

3. Reasonable costs: a very important constraint in choosing a parcel delivery service is the cost. A good service would always provide cost-effective solutions. They have varied price structure for the type of parcel, which needs to be delivered. Some courier companies offer lower prices as compared to the others because they get bulk discounts, which they pass on to their clients, in the meanwhile earning reputation. A good way to find the most cost effective delivery is by searching on the internet. Here one can compare the costs and the services offered between various service providers.

4. Insurance coverage: since parcels are susceptible to damages or being lost during transit, taking insurance coverage for the same is a good way to manage the risk. A good parcel company is one, which offers this insurance. One has to find whether the policy of the courier service covers the partial or entire value of the parcel. The agreement is usually made in writing and in case of such damages; the company refunds the insured amount.

5. Parcel tracking services: all good parcel delivery companies provide parcel-tracking services. This service enables one to see the progress of the parcel's delivery. It is also helpful in tracking down the parcel if it is stuck or lost somewhere. On selecting the tracking service option, the client gets a tracking number, which provides him real-time information on the progress of his parcel.

With the increased penetration and dependence on the internet these days, it is no surprise that almost all parcel delivery companies have an online presence. Booking and sending parcels through the internet has made the job that bit easier for both the customer and the company. Therefore, if you want to send parcels across the nation or even overseas, just log on to the internet and find the most suitable parcel delivery service.

What To Look For In Assisted Living Facilities

The time comes when parents need more care than their kids can provide. While the decision to put their loved ones into assisted living is very hard, it can be made easier, if the right facility is found. This short guide can give the seeker peace of mind about what to look for in institutes for the elderly.

Before you make any decisions, talk to the doctor of your loved one. Make sure that the time is right. Sometimes, it is not. If the doctor gives their blessing, talk to them about some of the better facilities. They should have a list on hand for you to look through. Start with the centers that are closest to you.

Your next move is to do some research on each company. Find out what others are saying about it. Use the Internet for this search. Type in the name of the company. Visit their website, and read the information provided. Make sure the services they provide are appropriate for the needs your loved one will have.

Read the testimonials on the website too. These are generally written by individuals who have gone to the company for support, and found them to be beneficial. They will talk about the positive effect the facilities have had on their loved one, and them. These personal accounts can provide comfort and reassurance to you as you prepare to leave your loved ones in the care of someone else.

Now it's time to set up a walk through of each. This part of the search will add even more peace to the individual searching. They can see where their parent will be staying. They have the chance to meet some of the staff members, and get questions answered in person. This step is very important in the search.

You will want to walk through several different facilities before a decision is made. Some of them may appear the same, but have different features. You are choosing the best one to fit your parents' needs. Visiting different facilities will help you weed out the possibilities that will not work at all.

Something else to consider is the cost. Most insurance will pay for assisted care living expenses. However, not all facilities take the same insurance. You need to be sure that you know what insurances the facility is taking. If you really like the facility, it might be worth it to consider payment options, even for those who do not take your parents' insurance. Talk to the admissions manager if this is something you want to look into.

On the move in day, make sure you have packed essentials. Take in things to the facility that your parents will be familiar with. This will ease their transition into their new home. You will feel much better about this by the time things have been signed. You did all the research necessary, and have made the best decision for your parents or loved one as you could. Whether the facility is in California, or local, you know that they will be happy there.

Contractor Compliance - What It Is and Why It's Necessary

Contractor compliance is a series of requirements for proper and safe engagement of contractors in the workplace. This includes compliance with safety practices, industrial law, legal certification, and fundamental insurance issues which can impact severely on risk management if breached. Best practice is to engage a contractor management service to ensure these important areas of compliance are being enforced.

Contractor compliance- The issues

By law, employers and controllers of workplaces are responsible for the safe work practices of their employees and contractors. This very important obligation also exists under common law duty of care.

Employers are obliged by state and Federal law to ensure that any contractors that do work for them are correctly licensed, insured, OH&S compliant and inducted. This covers all contractors in any role or occupation. This is an administrative ordeal for many companies, and it's an expensive process in terms of diversion of resources from actual business functions and cost.

Failure to conduct these checks is in breach of the OH&S Acts and Regulations and if any issues arise with a contractor, the consequences can be grim:

· The employer may face action by WorkCover / Workplace H&S resulting in personal fines (not coverable by insurance) and/or possible prison sentences for breach of the OH&S Act.

· The contractor can make a claim against the company's public liability cover, and the company may be found to be contributory negligent and have to contribute to the claim.

These are potentially deadly situations, and they're always very costly. It's now considered best practice to hire contractor management specialists to ensure these critical tasks are done properly.

Contract management services- What they do and how

Top of the range professional contractor management companies offer 3 distinct services:

1. Verification services on contractors insurances and licenses. This is absolutely essential by law. The verification service takes the load off employer administration in terms of tracking what can be a large range of required licenses and certifications.

2. OH&S accreditation of contractors. Another important legal obligation, and this is a true compliance issue regarding regulations. This service involves examination of the range of required accreditations in a particular contractor service. It can be a messy process, and even minor details like outdated accreditation or lack of accreditation can involve a lot of interaction with contractors. This is best left to experts, and employers are shielded from direct involvement in what is basically a legal issue.

3. Online safety inductions. Safety inductions are extremely useful in many different ways. Inductions can be tailored for employers to cover job-specific practices. There's a further useful function for the employer in that the induction creates clear standards. The best safety inductions also provide Safety Induction Cards, commonly accepted by major industry firms.

The big advantage of contractor management services is that experts are always watching this extremely important area of the workplace. These firms have current information regarding regulatory compliance and best practice in all areas of contracting, and can prevent problems before they start. That alone can save businesses millions of dollars in legal costs, possible damages and fines.

Proving Liability Quickly Will Help You In Your Road Accident Claim Case

The pace of life is so hectic in these times is that accidents are becoming very common at home, at the work place and the most common place of all - the roads. Increasing traffic and scant respect for rules combine dangerously and lead to many mishaps. If you are one of the victims and know it is not your fault, then you have the right to go for road accident claim compensation.

It is very likely that in a car to car accident, your own vehicle would suffer some damage that you can claim from your insurance company. However, if you get affected as a pedestrian or as a bike rider, then you have to take recourse to making a compensation claim to ensure that medical expenses for any injury suffered as well as leave of absence earnings are suitably reimbursed to you. Fortunately, there are separate procedures clearly laid out for claiming compensation in each of the above cases.

Generally, whiplash injuries constitute the bulk of road accident claims as there is greater probability of heavy bruising and damage to bones, not to mention the severe psychological impact that such accidents leave in their wake. When established that it was the opposite party responsible for the mishap, the insurance company providing cover to that party will determine the extent of compensation to you.

One important step in the whole process is how quickly and effectively you can prove liability. In the event, the other person speeds off without bothering to even stop, it straightaway becomes a criminal offence and that is a separate ballgame altogether. However, when the person stops and you are able to exchange information on insurance as well as establish that it was an error on his or her part or it was a case of driving under the influence of alcohol, you would have paved the way for a quick and smooth settlement of the claim. You would be able to establish a strong position for yourself if you can call the police and prove the opposite driver's culpability at the site. Do not forget to ask for medical attention immediately and ensure that the doctor gives his report on the injuries you have suffered. That is evidence as well.

It is your duty to however collect as much evidence as you can at the site of the accident so that you can make your case watertight. Take contact details of the driver, the license number as well as the registration details, contact numbers of any witnesses, note down the exact time, place as well as the weather conditions prevailing at that time. If you can take photographs of your wounds, damages to the car or bike and the scene of the incident, it would be very useful and your solicitor would be able to represent your case more forcefully.

You can get your road accident claim settled smoothly if you have gathered the right evidence and fulfilled claim procedures laid down by the insurance company.

Artificial Leg - Below The Knee - Prosthetics to Help People Walk Again - Local Specialists

Have you lost your leg, below your knee?

Have you had to have an amputation and now you are looking for answers to help you get walking again, the way deserve to?

Yes, this is a tough subject to address. The topic of amputation for individuals is an emotional one. Our heart goes out to you. If you have had an amputation then we are here to help. This free article will discuss, amputations and the reason why they occur. This article will also inform you of the best people to work with when it comes to getting a new prosthetic leg.

1.) Trauma & Diabetes

Two main reasons why individuals lose their limbs are trauma and diabetes. Accidents may force a surgeon to perform an amputation to save an individuals life. For example, an accident can impair blood flow in your lower extremities. Diabetes can also impair the circulation in your lower extremities as well. This lack of blood can cause severe pain and may also allow serious infection to develop in your legs as well.

If left untreated, the leg can become necrotic and this can threaten an individual's life. In this case, it means an amputation just below your knee may need to be preformed in order to save your life.

2.) Below Knee Prostheses

Different systems are available to patient's today to help get them walking again. This article is not meant to tell you which prosthetic leg is better than the next. It is the job of your local, licensed prosthetist to evaluate and treat you. Your prosthetist and your physician will work together to help treat you in the best way. When it comes to getting a prosthesis, it is paramount that you see one of these licensed individuals.

3.) Does My Insurance Pay For A BK Prosthesis?

This is very possible and depends on the coverage that your health insurance plan dictates. Every plan is different when it comes to insurance. This is another reason why it is important to work with a local, licensed prosthetic company in your area. They can help you facilitate a claim to your insurance company.
These companies do this all the time and this can make a difference for you when it comes time to get a prosthetic limb.

Note: This is health information. For medical advice that pertains to prosthetic devices, visit your local licensed prosthetist today.

Advantages of Electronic Medical Billing Over Traditional Billing System

The traditional billing system involves lots of paper work and manual documentation. Since the documentation is done manually it has a high rate of errors and subsequently higher percentage of rejections by the insurance companies. In addition, reimbursement for performed services can take months if using this billing system. Electronic medical billing, on the other hand, has eliminated many disadvantages of the traditional billing system and enabled the healthcare providers to save both their time and money which is why most private practices as well as hospitals and clinics have switched to electronic billing system.

Electronic medical billing system has revolutionized the process of reimbursement and has several advantages over the traditional billing system. Firstly, the electronic billing software eliminates the paper work and subsequently potential human errors which are the number one cause of relatively high rate of rejections by the insurance companies in the traditional billing system. In case an error in the claim does occur, it is reported in a matter of minutes enabling prompt corrections. Secondly, this software significantly reduces the paper costs because the claim is filed via electronic means but what is even more important is the fact that fast, accurate and easy to use electronic billing system reduces the need for administration personnel enabling healthcare practitioners and facilities to increase their profit and subsequently improve the quality of their services to patients.

The electronic medical billing has other advantages besides facilitating and speeding up the billing process. The electronic billing software is also designed to keep medical records of the patients enabling both the physicians and patients an easy and fast access to personal information, while the software can be also used for other important tasks including report writing, accounting, scheduling appointments, tracking insurance payments, etc. saving a lot of time as well as money. There are also software systems that can be accessed via portable devices enabling the billing work outside the workplace.

As you see, electronic medical billing offers numerous advantages over the traditional billing system and helps improve both productivity and cash flow of healthcare practices and facilities. Most electronic billing software systems are highly flexible which means that they can be easily adjusted to specific needs of medical practices. There are two main types of this software known as client server and application service provider. Both offer all the advantages of electronic medical billing but there are several differences between both software systems that should be taken into account before making the final decision. You are also highly recommended to make sure that the chosen electronic billing software complies with the provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Auto Injury: Can You Calculate The Suffering And The Pain?

If you suffer an auto injury and want to file for compensation, the insurance company asks for a written document. You should enclose all the claims against the person who caused the injuries and damages while filing for the compensation. Under such circumstances, the insurance adjuster is required to make up for your losses. But, can you calculate the pain and suffering that usually follows an auto injury?

This is exactly where you need the assistance of a good lawyer who is experienced in handling auto injury cases, so that you can get compensated sufficiently.

Generally, you are entitled to enjoy financial coverage for particular damages like wage loss, medical bills, and medicines. The other damages that can be covered are pain and suffering, loss of consortium, physiological injuries, and so on. This can be done by adding them all up and submitting your receipts. On the other hand, calculating the general damages, that includes pain and suffering, can be really very difficult.

Personal injury attorneys utilize the medical bills to calculate a proper compensation amount which can be claimed. Some lawyers multiply the medical bills by two, others by three or even four times. The insurance adjuster will battle you and try to convince you that it is not an apt method to calculate the suffering and pain. Since, there are no fixed laws to elucidate the method of formulation of the value of the injury - only an experienced legal counsel can do the right calculation on your behalf.

You will not arrive at an accurate number just by multiplying the medical bills. Maybe, you had an injury which reflects in your medical bills, but the pain and suffering would be worth much more than three or even four times that value. The expenses for physical treatments may not be too much, but, the psychological damage of growing up with such an injury could be worth much more.

Facing the legal complications of a personal injury claim is an overwhelming task. Your legal aid works closely to give you a proper representation that may be required. They work diligently on your behalf, and do not settle down for the first offer made by the insurance company. They aggressively pursue the maximum available benefit, while guiding you in every stage of the case.

If you want to contact an attorney following an auto injury - Denver and Aurora residents as well as citizens of neighboring areas can visit the website- http://www.larsonandlarimer.com. You may avail assistance from the lawyers of Larson & Larimer, a legal firm devoted to document your case and help you get the dues aptly cleared.

Concordia Dental Plan

United Concordia dental plan products offer employers and individuals a wide variety of flexible benefit options to meet their unique needs at affordable rates. Concordia plan holders also have access to the provider's Advantage Plus network of over 111,000 dentists practicing all over the US.

For employers, Concordia dental plan options include:

  • Concordia Flex is an employer-funded passive PPO plan that is available for businesses with as little as two employees. Employers can avail of over 9,000 program options with further customization available for organizations with more than 200 enrolled employees.
  • Concordia Preferred is an employer-funded active PPO plan that offers covered individuals the freedom to see any dental care provider, but will reward them with significant cost savings when they use an in-network dentist.
  • Concordia Plus is a dental HMO plan that requires covered individuals to nominate a primary dental care provider who will coordinate all their care. The plan covers all eligible preventive and diagnostic services with little or no copayment and no annual maximums and no deductibles.
  • Concordia Choice is a PPO plan that offers a wide variety of affordable and flexible program options as well as low minimum participation requirements. Discounts on eye care services are also offered through Davis Vision.
  • For individuals, Concordia dental plan options include:
  • IND 100 offers 100% coverage for preventive and diagnostic dental services but does not cover basic and major services. It has no annual deductible and no annual maximum per insured person.
  • IND 200 has similar benefits as IND 100 but charges an annual deductible of $50 per insured person and an annual maximum of $2,000.
  • IND 300 covers diagnostic and preventive services, as well as basic services, for up to 50% but does not cover major services. There is an annual deductible of $50 per insured individual and annual maximum of $1,500.
  • IND 400 offers 100% coverage for diagnostic services, 80% for basic services and 50% for selected basic services and major services. A $50 annual deductible is charged per insured individual and $2,000 annual maximum.
  • IND 500 charges the same deductible and has the same annual maximum as IND 400 but offers 60% coverage on selected basic services and 60% on major services (after a six-month waiting period). Diagnostic and preventive services, however, are not covered.

The Many Faces of Nursing Careers

There are different nurse careers out there and the health care giving field isn't merely confined in hospitals or nursing homes.

To know more about the different kinds of nursing careers, read through this article.

The traveling nurse. This type of nurse is free to choose her own work and place of assignment. On occasions when a hospital's caseload is higher than normal or when there are just a lot more patients, they often contract with traveling nurses. The pay of a traveling nurse is more than what a registered nurse may receive however as she is not employed by a provider or institution, she may not have the same benefits an RN enjoys i.e. vacation or sick time.

The home health nurse. This nurse career encompasses caring for home bound patients as the term home health connotes. Checking with patients thrice a week, supervising and administering medication and patient progress as well as consulting and reporting to a physician are part of a home health nurse's duties.

The hospice nurse. People who choose this nursing career combine dedication and the skill to ease their patients' suffering with professional objectivity. Giving patients life-time care is not unusual for a hospice nurse. Patients in hospices are almost always those who are not expected to live much longer as they are the ones often suffering terminal illnesses. Aside from caring for her patients thrice a week, a hospice nurse also takes on the responsibility of giving as much comfort and emotional support as she can to the patients' family members.

Nursing careers that aim to uphold the high standards of the profession can also be found in various associations and accreditation agencies. There are nurses who play important roles in jurisdictional boards who review nurse licensure applications. They help draft the regulations for credential maintenance that certified nurses need to meet. Whenever needed, they participate in the arbitration of other nurses who have grievances filed against them.

A nurse may also find her nursing career has led her to work in an insurance company. Here, her job is to review claims filed by patients, tests done by doctors or physician prescribed treatments. The main job of this nurse is to verify that the doctor's prescribed treatment is included in the policy's terms for it to be covered in part or in full by the insurance company. An insurance agency nurse makes sure that doctors follow all procedures as stated by the policy for any related costs to be covered by insurance.

Money Management Essentials For the Home Based Business Owner

While the freedom to travel, or spend time with the family or just play video games all day, is often cited as the reason most entrepreneurs start their own business, money is always a pretty big reason as well. According to the book The Millionaire Next Door the typical millionaire owns their own business, rather than work for someone else, thus giving them more control over their money. However, with control comes responsibility and many new business owners have ruined their finances because they did know how to manage it.

There are countless books on every aspect of money management; however, like most things in life there are a few simple rules that make all the difference. Of course to be a serious business owner a more thorough understanding of money management will ultimately be necessary, there are a few basic things that determine the success or failure of a new business right from the start.

Start-Up Capital
Ideally the business owner has enough money at start up to pay for all the equipment, software, licenses, fees, insurance, and other expenses necessary plus enough additional money to cover expenses for the first few months or years. Since this is rarely the case it is vital to have a working plan to compensate. One of the most popular options is to bring in outside investors, if the business owner has good credit and especially if repayment can be delayed until the business is profitable this can be a great option. Many new business owners are forced to boot strap, or pay as they go, for the business owner taking this route it is even more important to have future expenses clearly planned out and even then it is still worth looking into getting a line of credit or some there fail safe just in case the business does not generate the money soon enough.

Tracking Money
Boot-strappers are not the only ones who need be concerned with cash flow, however. In the old days expense tracking was tedious and often confusing; many business owners dreamed of the day they could hire a professional to manage it for them. Now thanks to software advances in the last few decades almost anyone can easily afford quality, accurate financial management software. Not only does this software make the job of tracking income and expenses almost effortless, but most CPA's and other financial advisers use the same software themselves, so they will already be familiar with the information presented.

Pricing
Setting the right price is a careful balancing act that must done right for the business to make it past the first few months, to say nothing of long term success. The general wisdom is to offer something custom or unique, and then charge customers a premium for it. While there is logic in this approach, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution, make sure customers would be willing pay extra for the unique feature or level of quality provided. Often the customers themselves are the real key to this equation, they will usually indicate, in one way or another, whether prices are too high or a virtual giveaway.

Health Insurance and Retirement
Imagine how long the average business would survive with 100 percent of its employees sick in the hospital. This is the nightmare scenario often faced by new business owners who neglect to get good health insurance after leaving their jobs. In a company of one employee it is absolutely important that the one employee be able to work and generate income for the business. It is also well worth looking into supplemental insurance or some other type that will pay for the business owners expenses in the event of some accident. There is no reason to let a few weeks illness or a broken arm mean the death of the business.

Taxes
One of the greatest benefits of owning a business is the difference between personal taxes and business taxes and the ability to take advantage of many legal tax incentives. Because a successful business has a positive effect on the economy, the government gives businesses and business owners many tax breaks and extra incentives not available to the average employee. However, business taxes are also much more complicated then taxes for an employee. The best solution is to find a well trained, experienced CPA, preferably one who already has several small businesses as clients.

Workers' Compensation Claims

The first thing to consider in North Carolina with work related injuries is that if a business has three or more employees, the employees are then considered for workers compensation in case of an injury. For an employee to make their case, many things have to be proven in order for them to receive workers compensation benefits. Without proving every element of the injury to be work related, the person may not be eligible for works comp. To have the best chance to receive compensation, the employee is advised to file a report within thirty days, and absolutely no longer than two years after the incident.

The basis of works compensation is not to prove negligence on the part of the employee or employer, but to prove the injury happened while at work. This is beneficial to the employee because most work place injuries are purely an accident, and not the result of someone being negligent. The two main compensations an employee can receive after being injured at work is medical bills and pay while away from work because of the injury. Usually the insurance company will pay all medical related bills from the injury during this process, leaving the employer to just have to pay salary for time away. If the person is considered disabled, the insurance company will also cover two-thirds of the wages that would be earned to the employee. In order for this to go into effect in North Carolina, the employee must be out of work for seven or more days.

If the employee's injury permanently disables them, the insurance company will pay these disability claims for as long as the lifetime of the employee. Medical bills might also be covered for the rest of the employee's life as well. Workers compensation does not involve an extra settlement for pain and suffering. No matter how bad the injury is, pain and suffering is not included in the workers compensation case, but can be filed to another case of suit. It is important for the employee to document any expenses related to the injury, including gas mileage to and from the doctors, and everything in-between. This is because the insurance company will pay all of this out. A not from the doctor proving how many days you missed work is also something that should be fully documented.

The two different main settlements in North Carolina that a employee might get at the end of the case is dependent on how long the injury will get the person out of work. One settlement is temporary in case the injury affects you later in life, and the other settlement is rewarded to help you right now and give the money that you are owed.

3 Reasons To Own Gold In Your Portfolio

Over the last 10 years gold has regained it's popularity as an investment. Gold is one of the only investments that has maintained it's value over the very long term, 100 plus years. There are several reasons for this and there are several reasons to own gold as a long term investment in your portfolio in the future. The following are 5 reasons to consider owning gold in your portfolio.

1. Gold Is Insurance

If you live in Florida and take out a homeowner's insurance policy to protect you against a hurricane, you hope that you never have to use it. Gold ownership acts in a similar way by protecting you against financial collapse. Just like the premiums on homeowner's insurance rises as after a catastrophic hurricane, the premium on gold ownership rises after financial crisis. Gold protects or insures you against the acts of central banks, political and economic uncertainty and civil unrest. Most importantly gold is one of the only assets that can preserve your wealth during a global currency crisis where all paper (fiat) currencies lose value.

2. Gold Can Not Be Printed At Will

The "shelf life" of fiat currencies is historically somewhere between 50-100 years. Simply put, fiat currency regimes come into existence and go out of business over time. The main reason is due to the fact that the central banks of a sovereign government can print the currency until it ultimately looses it value. This is known as inflation and is the main reason that movie ticket that now costs $10, used to cost.50 cents. Physical Gold on the other hand, cannot be printed by Central Banks "out of thin air." On the contrary, physical gold has to be mined out of the ground, a process that can take more than 10 years. Because gold cannot be inflated or printed like paper currency, gold's value is maintained during times of rapid fiat currency depreciation, as is the case in 2010-11.

3. Gold Protects You From Counter Party Risk When you hold a gold coin or bar in your hand, you don't have to worry if the financial entity that is gold is going to pay you. On the contrary, when you purchase paper assets like stocks or bonds, you are automatically exposed to counter-part risk. What happens if the company you own bonds in goes into bankruptcy, experiences accounting fraud or is simply managed poorly? These are all examples of counter-party risk and another reason to own gold in your investment portfolio. It should be noted that gold is a very volatile market and that gold ownership should come only after personal due diligence and a written out plan, like dollar cost averaging to avoid buying at cyclical tops.

Foreclosure Stoppage and the Possible Side Effects

In case you've somehow missed it, many of the largest U.S. mortgage servicing companies have halted foreclosures. Ally Financial's GMAC Mortgage, Bank of America, JP Morgan and PNC have stopped foreclosures in many states - BOA has, in fact, put a moratorium on foreclosures in all 50 states.

Pressing the pause button on foreclosures came as the result of several states' attorneys general inquiring into the validity of foreclosure judgments for which mortgage servicers did not properly handle documents.

The "rubber-stamping" of documents - signing off on documents without really reading them - has come under fire after one manager admitted to signing off on about 8,000 foreclosure documents a month without reading them to verify facts. The mortgage companies have halted foreclosures while they investigate practices in their foreclosure processes.

Of course, it being an election year and all, members of congress are calling for a federal probe of lender misconduct. In the short-term anyway, the halt in foreclosures might give some struggling homeowners a little extra time to get on their feet. It might finally lead to overworked employees at busy banks getting the help they need to properly handle foreclosures, and it should make banks a little more willing to work with homeowners to modify distressed loans. With fewer foreclosures hitting the market, home values in some areas might creep up.

There are some long-term effects, though, that cannot be ignored. Some of them are potentially troubling.

First, the halting of foreclosures for any period of time by banks that hold as many mortgages as these firms do is going to stop up the pipeline. Tons of foreclosed homes hit the market over the past two or three years, but there are more coming. Stalling that flow of homes now is going to drag out the process for a longer period of time. That means, for one, likely longer pressure on home values. Most experts will agree: The inventory of unsold homes on the market, many of them foreclosures, has to get smaller before home values will stabilize completely.

The effect on the volume of homes sales could be staggering if the moratorium lasts longer than a couple of months, and/or if more servicing companies join the party. Across the U.S., foreclosures make up about 30 percent of all home sales. In California, Florida, Nevada - the states that have been hit hard by foreclosure - they make up a considerably larger percentage of all sales.

It's also safe to assume that title insurance companies are going to be reluctant to insure titles on homes that have been foreclosed. That could be a huge problem because no lender is going to make a loan on home without an insured title. What happens if the bank has already re-sold homes that were invalid foreclosures? Are the title insurance companies going to have to pay the new buyers?

On top of everything else, the whole mess is going to make potential real estate buyers even more nervous about the market, which is already dealing with a huge drop in demand since the federal government's tax credits for home buyers expired. Perhaps the delay in the flood of foreclosed homes to the market will give time for demand to return. However, a more likely situation is yet another "doom and gloom" real estate scenario that will scare buyers and investors off.

Hopefully, the big lenders agreement to halt foreclosures was a gesture of good faith made to the attorneys general, a sign that the firms are taking seriously the matter of following proper procedure in foreclosures. Hopefully, investigations will determine that for the most part, the banks are doing things the right way and will be able to move on.

While the short-term effects of the halt might seem attractive, a long-term foreclosure problem would not be good for anybody involved in real estate.

Rent of Auto-CPAP Machines and CPAP Masks - Is It Advisable?

The rent of auto-CPAP machines and CPAP masks is not unheard of. In fact it is a very common practice. Even the American Sleep Apnea Association recommends rental for a period of time before you buy the machine and mask.

The rent of auto-CPAP machines and CPAP masks (or any other type of CPAP machine for that matter) would help you a lot in deciding which type of mask and machine you ultimately want. This is because wearing the mask is a very individual matter. Some masks may prove to be very uncomfortable; some may be decently comfortable, while others would give you a proper sleep. It depends on a lot of things such as your structure, your preferences while sleeping etc. If you directly go for purchase you might end up with an unsuitable mask and machine combo. This would actually put you off from using the machine (62% of failure in CPAP treatment is because of non compliance). The discomfort may even result in sleep problems if you continue using the machine. Such being the case it really is better to try out the different masks and find out the one which suits you best before you buy.

The rent of auto-CPAP machines and CPAP masks would not cause you problems with insurance coverage. At least not in all cases since the terms vary from insurance to insurance. Some policies allow for renting before purchase. Some even insist on renting for a few months before you purchase the machine and mask. Some such as Medicare allows for capped rental where the machine will become your own after a few months. Just check out the insurance coverage and find out the terms regarding renting. Even if it does not, it is better to rent since that way you won't end up with a mask which you would hate. After all, the ultimate purpose of the system is your sleep apnea treatment and that would not be successful if you are not comfortable with the mask or the machine.

Planning Finances at an Early Age

People should learn to plan their finances at an early age. Unfortunately, many people are ignorant of the various aspects of personal finance, which can make them dependent on other people, like portfolio managers and financial advisers, to plan and manage their finances. What they fail to realize is that they lose more money, in the form of commission, when they could easily handle the investments themselves without cost.

Instead of having people take your money for nothing, you should consider fixed deposit investments. These are very safe and give a fixed amount of return at the end of a given period of time. Some of the fixed deposit can be in the form of company funds, where the money is used by the company to expand or engage in other business activities. Fixed interest deposits can be very rewarding, especially if the investment is made early in life.

Investing in equity is another wise long-term investment, and is recommended for making money grow. Equity investment has been proven to have very attractive returns, the only problem arising when the value of money suddenly falls. In this case, the value of your investment will also fall.

For long-term investments, people should also consider investment in insurance. Buying insurance policies can be a great way to invest, and there are many different types of insurance available. Insurance helps protect individuals and families from unforeseen circumstances such as illnesses and accidental injuries.

Alternatively, you may choose to diversify and have a variety of different investments, which is sometimes wiser. This is because when a crisis occurs in one area of finance, the other diversified investments can help limit losses. For example, if you invest in both fixed deposit and equity, the fixed deposit can help when the value of your equities has fallen, due to a decline in the value of money.

Emergency Gas Services

A popular television show had a memorable episode in which the main characters tried to find out just how far they could go without refilling their vehicle with gas. This is not a suggested activity. Gas gauges can not always be the most reliable devices. Those who buy a new vehicle may not always have a correct sense of just how low that needle can go before they are completely out of fuel. Older cars may have a gas gauge that gets slowly off over time, deceiving the driver with regards to exactly how long they can go before they are out of fuel.

When this mistake is made, a person may find him or herself stuck on the side of the road, forcing him or her to call for help. Those who have purchased roadside assistance may receive immediate help. Most roadside assistance plans include the benefit of an employee bringing gas to a stranded driver. Although this kind of help costs a few extra dollars a month, when considering the alternative of towing the car, it may not seem like such a bad investment. Roadside assistance can also help someone with blown out tires, mechanical problems, and jump-starting a vehicle.

The safest way to avoid this problem is to get gas as soon as the light goes on. It is true that once the sign does light up, there is most likely about 2 to 5 gallons left. However, who knows when you will unexpectedly be in a hurry or is driving in the middle of nowhere without a gas station in sight. But with roadside assistance as part of an insurance plan, there is help available.

The Indianapolis car insurance experts of Insure on the Spot can help you find competitive rates on affordable car insurance for free.

The Importance Of Ensuring Your Children Have Proper Health Coverage

If you are a parent or living with children then you should know that you may be able to receive assistance for your children's health care coverage. Although the requirements to receive these benefits are income reliant you can easily access all of the income and family requirements by going directly to the government website for Medicaid. There is even a calculator to let you know if you may be eligible for these benefits.

For those families living below the poverty level Medicaid is an option that can cover all your children under 18 years and this coverage is not limited to medical care, it also includes dental and vision benefits as well. This coverage can be extremely useful for those who want to keep their children healthy, but do not really have the means to do so. This is a coverage that is offered based on financial criteria and other eligibility requirements.

SCHIP is in a way considered an extension of Medicaid but for families that make a little more money and in some cases middle class families as well. This extension was created to help ensure that every child under the age of 18 has health care coverage. Many people are able to receive free medical coverage for their children through this program and even if you don't make the cut financially there are some other factors that figure into their eligibility. Plus they also offer a program where parents who make a little over the requirements to get free health care coverage for their children can pay minimal monthly premiums and still be eligible for this level of coverage.

Understanding these options you will need to contact your Medicaid office for further information regarding both of these programs. In most states the secondary program goes under a variety of different names but it is available throughout the United States and usually requires a Medicaid rejection prior to being eligible. Once declined for Medicaid they will usually refer your application on for further review by the SCHIP department and will make you aware of this.

Whatever your family size or level of financial need if you are struggling to put food on the table, a roof over their heads, and pay health insurance premiums for your children, then you should consider looking into this option. It can really be helpful to those families trying to cope and perhaps it may be the answer to help you balance your budget.

Where in the World Is Your Finance Penetration?

Way back in 1971, C.P. Snow wrote about technology in the New York Times. He said, "Technology... is a queer thing. It brings you great gifts with one hand, and it stabs you in the back with the other."

Many dealers are voicing that sentiment these days. Far too few have done anything about it. Some have learned to use computer software with skill. They use the apps on iPhones, iPads, and Blackberries. They have created an effective Web site. They use Facebook and Twitter and LinkedIn for social networking. For others, these are merely words and technologies that test their ability to conduct both business and their private lives. Dealers, already feeling the brunt of the two-plus year recession and massive changes in the car industry, are becoming increasingly concerned about their ability to not only keep up, but to even remain in the playing field.

Why should dealers bother with such things? Isn't the old way good enough? Nope!

Customers who always shopped on the lot are now shopping on the Internet before they take a step toward a dealership. They've researched every model in their price range and with the features they want. They've read a dozen articles about how to get the best deal. They've become more savvy than many sales people hired by dealerships; they know their credit score; they know where they can find the best price on insurance, window tinting, undercoating, you name it. Everything once sold to them by a finance officer from the menu is for sale on the Internet.

Are you one of the dealerships where handwringing has become a daily pastime? Have you taken a close look at your bottom line? Have you noticed what would happen to your finance portfolio if you removed your sub-vent rated and nonprime customers? Have the numbers of your prime-financing customers dwindled to an all-time low? Perhaps you haven't seen the drop in your captive financing yet, but beware, it's coming just as surely as the first snowstorm.

Snow was right, back in 1971! The Internet can either become a beacon for drawing in more satisfied customers to your dealership and vastly increase your bottom line, or it can stab you in the back. It can be your best friend or your worst enemy. How?

Statistics show that 80% of car customers go online before they make the decision to buy and before they come to your dealership. What are they researching? Brands, models, features and, most of all, prices. Most of all, prices. The majority of Americans in today's economy are deeply concerned about their budget. They have a fixed amount to spend on a car payment and all the other expenses involved in owning it. The vehicle they choose must fit within that fixed figure. They cannot afford to buy on whim or to make a careless mistake. They won't take the chance of being bamboozled into buying things they don't want, don't need, and can't afford by a fast-talking sales or finance manger

Where do these savvy customers get their information? One of their first sources is Edmunds, the friendly consumer-shopping guide. Edmunds has never been and still isn't the dealer's friend. Edmunds does whatever is necessary to achieve the sale on vehicles and products from the Internet shopper... and then refers these buyer to specific retailers to obtain a fee! Banks. Finance companies. Insurance companies. You name it.

Don't let them get a strangle hold on your customers! If you haven't already checked this article on Edmunds.com, perhaps you should do so right now!

Confessions of an Auto Finance Manager In the Back Rooms of America's Car Dealerships By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor and Nick James

Introduction

"Congratulations, you're getting a great deal!" the car salesman says, pumping your hand. "Let's sign the paperwork and you'll be on your way in your new car!"

At first you're relieved - the negotiating is over. But then the salesman walks you down a back hallway to a stark, cramped office with "Finance and Insurance" on the door. Inside, a man in a suit sits behind the desk. He greets you with a faint smile on his face. An hour later you walk out in a daze: The whole deal was reworked, your monthly payment soared and you bought products you didn't really want.

What happened to your great deal?

You just got hit by the "F&I Man," also called the finance officer. He waits in the back of every dealership for unsuspecting customers so he can increase the profit for the dealership and boost his commission.

In this four-part series, written by veteran auto finance manager Nick James, you will learn the F&I man's tricks and how to avoid them. When you're done, you'll be ready to safely navigate this crucial part of the car buying process, and the F&I man will never work his "magic" on you again.

- The Editors at Edmunds.com

Are you still ushering your customers into the office of your "F&I Man"? No? You have a Web site? You update it once a month? You have a tech-savvy employee who checks your e-mail messages every morning? BUT... how would you answer these questions?

When your potential customers come to your Web site, what resources do you have available to steer them away from online financing? Do you have a quick reference guide for their buying the vehicle that fits their budget and your financing terms? Is the information presented in a complete, forthright and friendly manner? Does it enlist confidence and trust? Will readers feel they'd get a no-nonsense financing deal from you?

If these online customers make a call to ask a few questions, does your finance manager answer them, or resort to the former game of "I can only reveal those options when you come in for an interview"? Does he or she become discouraged by the process of reviewing transactions over the phone? Does your Internet manager have direct access to your finance manager at all times; avoid posting rates and product pricing on your Web site; work well with your sales and finance departments? Have you utilized the I-chat technology now readily available to instantly answer your customers' finance questions? How many phone calls to your finance department go unanswered on a daily basis? How are online customer calls being handled in your F&I office?

Reducing your finance penetration will not only effect the overall performance of your dealership, but will negatively effective your reinsurance investment. If your customers are financing with someone else, they could also be buying their other products. Take a long and serious look at the insurance products you sell, the agent who works with you, and the changes that must be made to keep you competitive with the technology available to all your customers. You must remain competitive in products offered, their quality, and their prices. Should you be considering a new partner?

What new and creative processes are you providing your current and potential customers within your Web site? Have you considered presenting your menu as a virtual finance manager? Do you have WebEx with a preloaded menu available for review with your customers whether they are onsite in your finance office or sitting in the comfort of their home? Why not?

An upfront sales approach is the best way to reestablish a thriving business in today's technological world. Teenagers and college students are facile in the use of every conceivable tool involving the information highway. They are your future customers. They will find Edmunds and every comparable site and use the information to their advantage. Provide them with a dozen reasons to buy their vehicle and products from your dealership. Ensure them that financing their dream car with you is the only sensible choice.

Although computer use and Internet technology has been around for several decades, it has taken a giant leap in recent years as more and more consumers realize they can save themselves time and money by letting their fingers do the walking. Another great American journalist, Sydney J. Harris, who wrote for the Chicago Daily News and later the Chicago Sun-Times, died in the late 80s; but, he was savvy about where technology would take us. He said, "The real danger is not that computers will begin to think like men, but that men will begin to think like computers."

We've reached that point. Where in the world is your finance penetration? It's time to find out! Do it... today.

Free Diabetic Test Strips - Non Cost Diabetic Supplies

In standard kits used for diabetic testing supplies, the kit also provides diabetic test strips. Glucose testing is an indispensable part of routine diabetes care. Some brands of diabetic testing supplies, such as a glucose meter, the retail price of the strips used for testing blood sugar can run on average up to $50.00 for a case of 50 strips.

Despite the fact, this adds up to a considerable amount of money quickly. The problem is that some people must perform numerous blood glucose checks daily. This article offers some information to help people acquire supplies, including low cost to free test strips.

Local Medical Supply Distributors

First, the best place to start is local medical supply distributors. Several medical supply companies specialize in supplies for diabetes management supplies including blood sugar and ketone testing strips. Most of these companies work with health insurance companies including Medicare and private medical insurance. Many companies have a working relationship with most health insurance companies. Customer service will contact the health insurance related to the patient in order to determine eligibility.

Medical supply companies will usually ask individuals to complete a patient information sheet and then submit the application via the Internet, fax, or mail. If approved for blood sugar testing strips, the patient may receive a waiver or reduction of the cost of diabetic testing supplies. The best advantage of all is that several medical supply companies will bring the diabetic test strips to the patient's front door.

Diabetic Testing Supplies Online Drug Stores

A second option is online drug stores, and this initiative is cost-effective. Online drugstores do not confront the same overhead expenses that local drugstores encounter on a regular basis. Therefore, they are often able to offer the supplies needed to monitor diabetes at discounted rates or under certain conditions free of charge.

For example, instead of paying $50.00 for glucose testing strips, a patient may only pay $20 for a set of 50 test strips. If a patient requires 2 or more boxes, this adds savings close to $500.00 annually. Overtime, this adds tremendous value in relation to the services provided by online drug stores.

Diabetes Forums and Networks

Additionally, there are forums that cater to people with diabetes, and these networks are excellent resources for education and support. After a basic registration process, a person can ask questions about, for example, the aforementioned strips and affordable strategies to sustain wellness.

Reverse Home Mortgage For 3 Senior Borrowers

This is very nice and flexible for the seniors, because now they can form a group for the reverse home mortgage, which adds the security feeling and is nice also otherwise. A natural group is a spouse and they have of course the same requirement, they have to fulfill the reverse home mortgage requirements.

1. The Qualifications.

We remember, that the target of the reverse home mortgage is to arrange more disposable cash for the seniors. This happens by loaning money against the equity of the home. So these seniors must be home owners and they have to live permanently at this home.

Additionally they must be age 62 or over and all 3 must be marked at the title, i.e. they must be owners of the home. Now they can use this ownership as a guarantee, when they loan money against the property, which they own. These seniors do not need to be relatives to each other. They can form a group of the same sexes, for instance.

2. How Do They Get The Payments?

The lender follows the payment plan, which the borrowers have planned. This plan depends naturally on the needs of these seniors. The alternatives are the lump sum, the monthly payments, the credit line or the combination of some or all of these.

3. The Duties Of The Owners.

The borrowers remain as the owners, which mean that they have to take care of the taxes, insurances and to keep the property in a good shape. If this does not happen, the lender can force the borrowers to pay the loan back earlier.

4. How Do The 3 Borrowers Handle The Back Payment?

The payment happens, when all borrowers or the last borrower will sell the home, move away or die. Then the home will be sold and a part of the selling price will be used to pay away the loan capital, interests and all the costs. The remaining part goes to the borrowers or to their heirs.

If the selling price does not cover the whole debt amount the obligatory mortgage insurance will handle the difference.

As you see, the terms are the same as to the single person. The key point is, that the 3 persons own the home, where they live permanently. They have to fulfill the qualifications, to take the mortgage insurance and to pay the taxes, the insurances and to keep the property in a good shape.

A good thing is, that these 3 seniors have the opportunity to join the financial forces to get a bigger home and to form a family. This can have a very important influence on all of them. I decided to write this article, because it is not widely known, that more than one senior can get the reverse loan.

Medicare Set Aside Allocation Capped at $150,000

The Georgia Subsequent Injury Trust Fund (SITF ) recently instituted a new policy pertaining to the settlement of workers' compensation claims in cases requiring Medicare Set-Aside (MSA) trusts.

The SITF has now placed a cap on MSA allocation funds as part of a workers' compensation structured settlement. If the annuity quote, including seed money, exceeds $150,000.00, the SITF will not reimburse any amount over $150,000.00 for the MSA allocation.

In fact, the SITF settlement manager suggests that in some cases the employer/insurer consider contributing the balance above the $150,000.00 threshold if the case is one that, based upon risk analysis, should be settled. Otherwise, the SITF recommends considering bifurcating settlements, and settling the indemnity portion of the claim while reassessing the medical component of the claim at a later time.

Employer/Insurer Funding Overage Contrary to SITF Risk Mitigation Objective

Clearly, the suggestions of the settlement manager that the employer/insurer consider funding any overage runs contrary to the entire concept of the SITF itself which is designed to mitigate risk and exposure based upon a pre-existing injury that was not completely the responsibility of the subsequent employer/carrier. In crafting settlement policy in the face of the increasing uncertainty surrounding Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and MSA approval, the settlement manger appears to defeat the purpose of the fund itself.

Based upon the SITF policy and the increasing instances of counter higher demands by CMS across the industry, it is not surprising to see MSA policy being shaped that discourages settlement of medical benefits and workers' compensation cases in general. Whether an intended consequence of Medicare policy or not, insurers now clearly recognize that the current MSA review and approval process is a significant obstacle to both the delivery of benefits to injured workers and the ability to properly identify risk and exposure in any case.

I believe that similar policies will be offered in the coming months. However, there are alternatives to the CMS / Workers' Compensation Review Contractor (WCRC) review and approval process that can be utilized in order to ensure both Medicare Compliance and receipt of needed settlement funds to injured workers.

Know Commercial Lease Terms and Understand Your Rights!

While it is true that commercial agreements can be very complicated, this should not be a reason for any business owner to avoid learning about these commercial contract terms and understanding their rights as a tenant. Before committing your business to an agreement for any commercial lease, it would be wise to consider some very specific factors such as how rent and other fees are calculated.

Gaining familiarity with these terms and as a result, knowing as much as possible about your rights as a tenant would certainly be a great help in the negotiation process and enable you to complete an equitable contract for your business with greater confidence.

General Terms and Definitions

In describing the manner in which services and expenses are paid by the tenant to the landlord, different commercial leasing terminologies are used. Though there is no limitation to the commonly used terms in a contract, there are some common terms that are found in the majority of commercial real estate contracts. These include:

Net lease - As the term indicates, this is a rent payment that applies exclusively to real estate. This means that other potential operating expenses such as estate taxes, insurance, utilities, etc. are not incorporated in the rental amount as opposed to triple net lease which does pass on these other real estate-related expenses to the tenant. Generally speaking, this type of contract is most commonly asked by landlords who have newly constructed buildings and facilities. It is also beneficial to tenants at the early stages of the contract term who will feel any increase of the rent amount in the long term.

Gross lease- This usually means that some of the operating expenses are included in the tenant's payment, such as the real estate taxes. Optionally, building insurance and/or common area maintenance (CAM) could be included as well. Tenants should ask what this amount includes especially any of the escalation clauses included in the agreement.

Modified net lease- This is a term that is a compromise of the triple net lease and the gross lease terms. Usually, this is the term used when both parties enter into an agreement to split maintenance expenses, while the insurance and tax expenses would be shouldered by the tenant. This type of contract term is a common one for either side to easily consider because of its ability to be flexible and creative.

Full service lease- This term implies that the tenant's payment incorporates all of the occupancy cost. This typically includes base rent, insurance, C.A.M., real estate taxes and even garbage disposal. In some instances, a full service lease may also include an additional charge for electricity.

Agreement Clauses

During any contract negotiations process, as the tenant it is wise to understand the lease agreement clauses before signing your business into a binding agreement. This will protect you as well as your business from any liability that could occur in the future. It is equally important to discuss and evaluate the monthly rent cost as well as the projected percentage of rent increase in the future, as all of these lease terms are open to negotiation.

Use Clause - This clause is added to the agreement in order to protect the landlord's property. This clause states how a tenant should and shouldn't use the office space. Make sure that you understand how this clause could infringe on your business' operation both now and in the future before completing your negotiations.

Your knowledge ahead of time about commercial lease terms and a clear understanding about your rights as a tenant may help you to better negotiate conditions for the office space you have selected. It is always a good idea to review any contract with an experienced attorney to avoid surprises and feel confident that your business needs are being met and your company can proceed to operate comfortably within the terms of the contract. If you know and understand lease agreement terms and clauses, you will be doing a great service both to yourself and to your company!

Some Interesting Possibilities For Jobs

People of all ages need jobs to pay their bills, and provide the creature comforts they and their families have come to enjoy. For those who are young, old, male or female, there are plenty of possibilities from which to choose, and the highest paying jobs are offered to people who are certified in some area of expertise. Let's take a look at some employment opportunities which might be of interest.

Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, and are responsible for verifying patient information and counting out tablets. They must have good math abilities, and communicate effectively with others. A pharmacy tech often calls doctors offices to verify information, and deals with filing insurance forms, and talks to patients about their medications. These technicians can also be responsible for keeping inventory and stocking display shelves.

Physical therapists get to help people return to full mobility after surgery, or an injury, has resulted in a need for rehabilitation. These professionals must have a keen sense of the importance in following instructions that are given by a doctor. Dealing with people, especially those who are in pain, can be trying for anyone, but a therapist must have good people skills and help them with their workout, even if the patient doesn't feel like complying.

Health care services cost money, and even if the patient has insurance that will cover the entire expense, there is still a need to bill the insurance companies to receive payment. Medical Coders have been trained to know the codes assigned to each product and service, so that the insurance companies pay for the correct procedures. Medical transcribers convert voice recordings into text files which can be printed out for the signatures of involved parties.

Paralegals get another education after they finish school, and learn how people act under stressful situations. Criminal law is not the only reason people needs lawyers, and a legal assistant might be helping do the research for a child custody case. They also take statements from witnesses, and injured parties, and must have a good command of the English language and grammar.

Event technicians enjoy setting up stages, tents and other equipment needed for trade shows, concerts and corporate functions. These jobs can involve setting up lighting, or sound, and the use of tow trucks to raise support beams. They can also be required to manage crowd control. Many jobs are available, in addition to the ones mentioned, and can require being certified.

Home Emergency Cover - Keeping The Home Fires Burning!

In the last two years in the UK, we have witnessed what appears to be a return to normalwinters. By that I mean cold temperatures and snow. We have even seen these features occurring as early as November. Those of us old enough to remember some of those harsh winters in the 1960s will also recall the chaos that such conditions can wreak for our normal day-to-day activities, like going to work, school and shopping. Because we were used to such conditions in those times, we were more adaptable and tended to be able to fix up alternative ways of getting to work, school or the shops. There was also a community spirit that meant that we actually did help our neighbours and vice verse.

Old timers like me tend to go on about how wonderful were the good old days, but the harsh truth would tell a different story. It would tell one of people dying through cold weather and lack of attention to the vulnerable. We should be careful how we portray our history and be thankful for some of the advances we have made to look after ourselves and other people. One of the most significant of those advances is the advent of specialised insurance cover. One of those advances being home emergency cover. How many people would have survived those winters of old if only there had been this type of cover available then?

One of the abiding memories I have of that era was the harsh winters we endured. Memories of ice on the inside of our bedroom windows; having to rush downstairs where there was the only fire in the house in the kitchen; having a bath on a Sunday night before we went to work or school the next day, often having to wait until my brothers had been first!

In those days there were very few houses with central heating. It was available, but it was very new and expensive. The usual way to heat the water was to have what was known as a back boiler behind the main fire in either the kitchen or more often the main living room. This was because that was where the main coal fire would be alight most of the time. The other way was with an immersion heater, but that could prove to be very expensive, racking up large electricity bills! Should anything go wrong with either, and they did, there would likely be very severe hardship whilst it was repaired.

So, let us not be too critical of our modern lifestyles. Yes, we may have gone a little soft, but that is merely the result of making advances in looking after ourselves by looking at what was wrong historically. That is how we advance as a species.

To leave ourselves and our families, but more importantly, our most vulnerable people, without proper and adequate protection, is considered a crime these days. We have the technology to deal with nearly everything that the weather can throw at us and we also have the infrastructure to deal with it when it goes wrong.

Whilst we respect our environment, we also realise the need to protect ourselves from it which is why we take out things like home emergency cover for when our technology breaks down and we are suddenly left vulnerable, just like our forefathers.

Important Tips for Flat Bed Truck Loads

Flat Bed Truck Loads business is a task that cannot be taken lightly. New drivers should be encouraged to get in the formation of an experienced leader. After a truck loaded flat misrepresent, a hazard for drivers and other road user's travelers.

It is for drivers to take extra precautions to ensure that the load complies with all important regulations and safety standards. The driver must ensure that the loads carried loaded correctly in the middle of the bed and are well networked and connected. Extra precautions should be taken in the exercise of siding because to change it and solve tends to cost.

When working with a charger, the drivers will be able to seek help to ensure that the truck is properly loaded, when it comes to placement, tape or canvass. More importantly, the driver needs to know to be honest with the charger.

Many times the load can be shifted or settling. When a load is moved or installed the tape could come loose and a possible danger. Loosely related fees can leave the truck during acceleration or hard braking and cornering.

In assessing the benefits of a support plate, it is advisable to check their credentials, including:

Hearing no valid Federal Republic Airline? Check the licenses of truck drivers and confirm that all licenses are in good standing. Do carrier of freight and adequate liability insurance for-ground transportation? All companies have an area of at least $ 100,000 in liability insurance. Get an insurance certificate and confirm insurance coverage statistics broker.

Check Flat Bed Truck Loads company truck driver flatbed truck safety by contacting the federal Department of Transportation. A high number of accidents should be considered the magazine to find reviews elsewhere. How company credits card? Company to do a better job managing their finances is likely to do a better job in the transport of freight.

On the other side, Flat Bed Truck Loads Companies often also air two hours loading and unloading of cargo cult. Tarps often used inland transport. The company provides this service level surface for you is household? Is this date for a partial or full truck load? Partial charges are cheaper, but usually longer than full loads.

There are several options and considerations that the court must evaluate the choice of a dish by many airlines. Consider flat surface Agents manage the control of many medium properties. Good brokers can shippers reliable trucks save, time, effort and money.

The development of Flat Bed Truck Loads companies made a qualitative leap in the development of semi-trailer. Calling semi because instead of a front axle weight of the tractor is supporting the load. This allowed the trailer can be lowered onto the supports, if you Target met.

Supporters will allow, secure to the pallet that could be on the way to another destination in the shortest possible time, this development, the nature of the long-distance truck drivers may have changed this lot round, the more good less time to be transported.