Also, proposed changes in healthcare reform worry physicians.  Alternative patient care delivery models,  like Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), “a type of payment and delivery model that ties provider reimbursement to quality metrics and reduction in the total cost of care for an assigned patient population,” have fifty-two percent of physicians believing that incomes will be further negatively affected under these initiatives.

So, to boost their bottom lines, many physicians, especially family medicine physicians in private practice, are adding cash-based services to their healthcare businesses.  From botox to hCG, physicians can add $100,000+ a year in non-insurance based revenue to an existing practice.

Physicians who bundle services can increase profits exponentially.  For example, while botox might get a patient in the door, the cost to provide a chemical peel treatment is $25 ($20 labour, $5 products) and the retail is typically around $125, so the profit is $100, and the patient needs to come back once a month, so with a chemical peel patient , they make $1,200/yr versus $300-450 for a botox patient.  However, combine these services (botox, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, etc.) and a practice can make $1,650/yr per patient.   Then combine these non-surgical procedures with physician directed skin care, and physicians can add another $300-500 on skin care and mineral makeup sales.

Finally, add hCG for weight loss to the menu of cash based services offered to your patients, and after achieving a successful weight loss, motivated patients are eager to pursue everything from botox to laser lipolysis.

The Physician Compensation Survey Report may paint a picture of declining incomes, but physicians who enhance their practices by adding minimally invasive procedures, can insulate themselves from any looming changes in healthcare compensation.

Physicians rave about the physician-lead hCG training ( http://www.hcgtraining.com ) provided at the IAPAM’s comprehensive and respected Physician hCG Training in Scottsdale, AZ.  The IAPAM’s hCG Training shows physicians how to safely and profitably add $100,000+ a year in non-insurance based revenue to an existing practice, and this is the only hCG training program in North America approved for a special medical malpractice rate for those who have attended and have been certified by the IAPAM.

The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine’s ( http://www.iapam.com ) hCG Training program is different than any other hCG  educational program offered in North America.  No other program in the U.S. offers this combination of expert-led training and a forum where the world’s physicians, of all medical specialties, come together to learn and share their experiences with hCG for weight loss. The IAPAM also offers long term support to physicians who are adding hCG and other aesthetic medicine treatments to a practice.

Unlike programs offered by private companies, attendees of the IAPAM’s hCG Training for Physicians, receive certification by the IAPAM, a voluntary professional association of physicians and supporters, which sets standards for the aesthetic medical profession. Reviews from physicians affirm the IAPAM’s hCG faculty and content are the best.  Since 2010, over 500 physicians have taken the IAPAM’s Physician hCG Medical Weight Management Training, and here are the latest reviews:

•“Jeff Russell is a fantastic speaker!  He gives a lot of very useful information in a very entertaining way.  He is very open and easily approachable.  Coming to this program was money well invested.” ~  V. Perez-McArthur, DO (April ’12)

•“Everything about the hCG weight loss program was excellent. I have no regrets that I attended. Everything was great!” ~ A. Gay, MD (April ’12)

•“Great tips. I learn more every time I [refresh my knowledge at] the [IAPAM's hCG] course.” ~ A. Vasquez, MD (April ’12)

•“Everything was new to me and the setting up of a practice content was most important.  Definitely worth it.” ~ D. Gerard, MD (April ’12)

•“Excellent content and presentations. Very useful data and tips for setting up the [hCG] program in my clinic.” ~ S. Chowdhury, MD (April ’12)

•“Learned a lot.  Look forward to implementing this [hCG program] into my practice.” ~ H. Carter, MD (April ’12)

•“hCG is a great diet.  Keep up the good work of sharing information on this program with us.  I also appreciated the additional information on B vitamins and the MIC injections and the enhanced “business of hCG” presentation.  Thanks Jeff, great job!!!” ~ M. Gorelick, MD (April ’12)

•“[I learned] everything I wanted to know and more about hCG for weight loss!!  Jeff is fantastic and makes it sound easy!!” ~ M. Tedtaotao, MD (April ’12)

•“Mr. Russell was very thorough in his presentation.  He had very practical points, and [his presentation] was simple and easy [to follow].  I think he is an asset to the program.”

•“Great insight on weight loss options.  Great program! Information presented in an interesting manner.” ~ S. Willham, CFNP (April ’12)

•“Value-added series that can be incorporated into an hCG program.  Excellent hCG protocols.  Worth it!” ~ C. Avendano (March ’12) •“The concept of ‘group consultation’ and the business aspects of hCG [were of most importance to me]. Very worth it!!!” ~ D. Hevi, MD (March ’12)

Read all the physician testimonials regarding the IAPAM’s hCG Training and its Aesthetic Medicine Symposiums at http://iapam.com/category/what-our-clients-are-saying

All of the IAPAM’s 2010, 2011 and 2012 hCG Training seminars have sold out, and there are only a few spaces left in the last session before the summer, being held on June 1st, 2012 in Scottsdale, AZ, so to register  please go to http://www.hcgtraining.com or contact the IAPAM at 1-800-219-5108 ext 708.

About the IAPAM:  The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)

The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine is a voluntary global association of physicians and supporters, which sets standards for the aesthetic medical profession worldwide. The goal of the association is to offer education, ethical standards, credentialing, and member benefits to members around the globe.  IAPAM membership is open to all licensed medical doctors (MDs), doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs),  physicians assistants (PAs), nurse practitioners (NPs) and dentists (DDSs/DMDs).  The IAPAM offers aesthetic medicine and hCG medical weight management programs, including: botox training, medical aesthetic training, laser training, physician hCG training, and aesthetic practice business training. Additional information about the association can be accessed through the IAPAM’s website (http://www.iapam.com) or by contacting:

Jeff Russell, Executive-Director
International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)
1-800-219-5108 ext. 708

“Everything about the hCG weight loss program was excellent. I have no regrets that I attended. Everything was great!” ~ A. Gay, MD (April ’12)

“Great tips. I learn more everytime I [refresh my knowledge at] the [hCG] course.” ~ A. Vasquez, MD (April ’12)

“Everything was new to me and the setting up of a practice content was most important.  Definitely worth it.” ~ D. Gerard, MD (April ’12)

“Excellent content and presentations. Very useful data and tips for setting up the [hCG] program in my clinic.” ~ S. Chowdhury, MD (April ’12)

“Learned a lot.  Look forward to implementing this [hCG program] into my practice.” ~ H. Carter, MD (April ’12)

“hCG is a great diet.  Keep up the good job of sharing information on this program with us.  I also appreciated the additional information on B vitamins and the MIC injection and the enhanced “business of hCG” presentation.  Thanks Jeff, great job!!!” ~ M. Gorelick, MD (April ’12)

“[I learned] Everything I wanted to know and more about hCG for weight loss!!  Jeff is fantastic and makes it sound easy!!” ~ M. Tedtaotao, MD (April ’12)

“Mr. Russell was very thorough in his presentation.  He had very practical points, and [his presentation] was simple and easy [to follow].  I think he is an asset to the program.  I hope I can do a great percentage of what he described!”

“Great insight on weight loss options.  Great program! Information presented in an interesting manner.” ~ S. Willham, CFNP (April ’12)

“Value added series that can be incorporated into an hCG program.  Excellent hCG protocols.  Worth it!” ~ C. Avendano (March ’12)

“The concept of ‘group consultation and the business aspects of hCG [were of most importance to me]. Very worth it!!!” ~ D. Hevi, MD (March ’12)

[Regarding the Symposium, the topic of most interest to me was the] “laser/IPL – it was something I knew so little about prior to this conference and had little understanding of.  Now it makes sense, and would be a no-brainer to incorporate into my practice at some point in the future.” ~ J. Cawley, MD (April ’12)

IAPAM’s Aesthetic Medicine Symposium with Botox Training, in Scottsdale, AZ

IAPAM’s hCG Training in Scottsdale, AZ

The IAPAM ( http://www.iapam.com ) has trained over 500 physicians on how to effectively offer hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotropin) for weight loss to their patients.  To date, well over 22,000 patients have successfully lost weight on hCG using the IAPAM’s Exclusive hCG Diet ( http://www.hcgtraining.com ), based on Dr. Simeons manuscript, Pounds and Inches  (http://www.iapam.com/dr-simeons-pounds-and-inches-manuscript.html ).

Join the IAPAM for its next hCG Training session of 2012, on June 1, 2012, and prepare to offer hCG for Weight Loss to your patients as they try to get into “bathing suit” shape.

The IAPAM’s hCG Training includes everything a physician needs to add this program to a practice, such as:  

• Detailed IAPAM hCG Program Protocols
• Patient selection criteria
• Common medical hCG contraindications -  Consent forms, medical history forms
• Patient hCG Program Guidebook to offer patients (hCG friendly recipes, food journal, tips)
• Patient PowerPoint presentations for the waiting room -  Phone scripts & call logs for your staff
• Legal/Insurance considerations, and current FDA status
• hCG ordering information and special pharmaceutical hCG pricing
• Special hCG Facebook discussion forum -  VLCD/LCD diet programs
• Meal replacement diet programs
• Ketogenic based diet programs
• Utilizing B6/B12 injections in weight loss
• Using prescription appetite suppressants in weight loss
• Metabolism testing as a profit center
• Laser assisted lipolysis
• Listing of your hCG Clinic in the IAPAM’s NEW hCG Diet Clinic Directory ( http://www.iapam.com/aesthetic-resources/hcg-diet-clinics )

Moreover, the IAPAM’s respected program is taught by true hCG experts who operate hCG weight loss clinics, and who have completed the hCG Protocol themselves. This allows physicians and their staff to learn from the IAPAM faculty’s vast experience.

Finally, the IAPAM’s hCG Training is the only Physician hCG Training program in North America approved for a special medical malpractice rate for those who have attended and have been certified by the IAPAM.  This medical malpractice coverage is not offered to any other hCG training program.

For additional information or to register for the June 1, 2012 hCG Training, please contact the IAPAM, at 1-800-219-5108 ext. 708 or visit http://www.hcgtraining.com

About the IAPAM:  The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine  

The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine is a voluntary global association of physicians and supporters, which sets standards for the aesthetic medical profession worldwide. The goal of the association is to offer education, ethical standards, credentialing, and member benefits to members around the globe.  IAPAM membership is open to all licensed medical doctors (MDs), doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs), dentists (DDSs/DMDs) physicians assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs).  The IAPAM offers aesthetic medicine and hCG medical weight management programs, including: botox ® training, medical aesthetic training, laser training, physician hCG training, and aesthetic practice business training. Additional information about the association can be accessed through the IAPAM’s website ( http://www.iapam.com ) or by contacting:

Jeff Russell, Executive-Director
International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)
1-800-219-5108 ext 708

I was recently chatting with some physicians who had attended another aesthetic medicine training program, and they shared that the instructors at their seminar were not in fact dermatologists or plastic surgeons, or even physicians, but rather, the trainers were nurses, and in one case a PhD, not even a medical doctor!

So what can a physician do who is looking for a comprehensive “physician-lead” Botox training program?

First, I recommend you confirm who will be doing your Botox training, by looking at the training company’s faculty.  If the training company’s website does not list the actual faculty, skip the program! You will find that most physician associations will list their faculty, so they are always the best choices. You can even vet the faculty on the internet to find out a bit about their background and experience.  Most reputable physicians will have their own websites which will provide you with an overview of their practice, education, and testimonials from their patients, or you can review their qualifications using sites like www.healthgrades.com.

Also, if you have any questions about who will specifically be providing you with your Botox training (hands on and/or didactic) then send the training company an email, and ask!  Well established physician associations are happy to share with you the names and credentials of who their physician trainers are, and they will often provide you with a link to their trainer’s websites.

Training in an investment in your time and resources, and before making any investment, it is important you do a bit of homework to ensure you’re being trained by the very best.

Cheers,   Jeff

Executive-Director, IAPAM

The answer is yes!

The IAPAM’s Symposium is the perfect training program for any international physician, who is currently licensed in the country in which they practice.  Since 2006, almost 100 licensed physicians from around the world have attended our Symposiums and hCG Training programs, and have taken what they have learned in Scottsdale back to their home countries to launch lucrative and successful medical spas or safely and profitably add aesthetic medical modalities to their existing practices.

The IAPAM has certified physicians from as far away as Kuwait, Hong Kong, the UK, Italy and Israel, as well as several physicians from Central America (Barbados, Honduras, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Mexico). In fact, many of our physician and patient resources are available in both English and Spanish.

Dr. S. Oyama, one of the many physicians the IAPAM has trained from Canada, raved about the IAPAM’s training, “Great Symposium.  I feel I am ready to open my Med Spa!”

We welcome any physician, who is licensed to practice medicine in their home country, to join us at our Symposiums.  The IAPAM is focused on being an international physician association, so participation at an IAPAM training event is tailored to meet the diverse needs of international physicians.

At the IAPAM’s June 2-3 Symposium, physicians receive everything they need, to start safely and successfully offering Botox ® and other in-demand aesthetic medicine procedures right away.   As reported by the IAPAM (  http://www.iapam.com  ) in its Top Aesthetic Medicine Trends for 2012, “the market for anti-aging treatments will continue to expand in 2012.  With new technologies, as well as new ways to bundle and market existing procedures, the trend toward more minimally invasive procedures does not appear to be going away any time soon.”

The IAPAM’s Jeff Russell shares that, “as we have seen with our past annual trends predictions, the key is creating an anti-aging program for each patient’s needs. Patients do on just come in for Botox ®, they want a combination of anti-aging treatments which often includes: neurotoxins, dermal fillers and skin rejuvenation with chemical peels, microdermabrasion and physician-directed skin care.”

Therefore, the IAPAM’s Aesthetic Medicine Symposium  http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com  is specifically designed by physicians, for physicians, to educate and train on the top cosmetic procedures like: Botox ®, dermal filler injections, lasers for skin rejuvenation & laser hair removal, medical microdermabrasion, and medical grade chemical peels. The IAPAM’s June Symposium has integrated the most important clinical, aesthetic medicine business, and Botox ® training ALL into one weekend, including:

-  dedicated instruction from board-certified dermatologists, who are true experts of the skin and cosmetic injectables;
-  hands-on practice in the best injection techniques;
-  Botox ® training at a multi-million dollar medical practice, not in a hotel room; and
-  an environment that does not allow exhibitors, giving physicians more time for education.

Attendees also have the opportunity to:

1.  Attend the IAPAM’s Aesthetic Practice Start-Up Workshop ( http://www.iapam.com/bootcamp.html  )  on Monday, June 4, 2012, a program highlighting the latest information on medspa business development and social media marketing.
2.  Attend the IAPAM’s hCG Training (  http://www.hcgtraining.com  ) on Friday, June 1, 2012, which covers hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) for weight loss, prescription appetite suppressants, ketogenic diet based programs, meal replacements and B6/12 injections.

To date, over 1000 physicians (MDs, DOs, NPs, PAs, DDSs etc.) and their staff (RNs, MAs, practice managers, etc.), have attended the IAPAM’s Aesthetic Medicine Symposiums and hCG Training seminars  http://www.hcgtraining.com .  The dates for the next Aesthetic Medicine Symposium is June 2-3, 2012 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Consider adding aesthetic medicine modalities to your medical practice before the summer!

Physicians who have attended the Aesthetic Medicine Symposium with Botox ® Training, and been certified by the IAPAM,  testify (  http://www.iapam.com/category/testimonials  ) to the comprehensiveness of the IAPAM’s Symposium.  Also, the year of practice support and the wealth of resources provided by the IAPAM definitely makes this program different than the others.

For additional information or to register for the June 2-3, 2012 Aesthetic Medicine Symposiums, please contact the IAPAM at 1-800-219-5108 ext. 704, or visit http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com

Botox is a trademark of Allergan, Inc.   

About the IAPAM:  The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine  

The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine is a voluntary association of physicians and supporters, which sets standards for the aesthetic medical profession. The goal of the association is to offer education, ethical standards, credentialing, and member benefits. IAPAM membership is open to all licensed medical doctors (MDs), dentists (DDSs/DMDs) doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs),  physicians assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs).  The IAPAM offers aesthetic medicine and hCG medical weight management programs, including: Botox ® training, medical aesthetic training, laser training, physician hCG training, and aesthetic practice business training. Additional information about the association can be accessed through the IAPAM’s website (http://www.iapam.com) or by contacting:

Jeff Russell, Executive-Director
International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)
1-800-219-5108 x704

Presented by the IAPAM ( http://www.iapam.com ), this NEW Advanced Aesthetics Symposium ( http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com/advanced-aesthetic-medicine-and-botox-training-symposium ) is designed to give experienced aesthetic physicians an opportunity to learn the latest cosmetic trends and techniques. As with all IAPAM training, physicians will have the opportunity to both see the procedures, as well as perform them, in this comprehensive, hands-on workshop. This advanced aesthetic medical program will include: advanced botox ® training, advanced dermal filler training, using lasers for scar revision & treating stretch marks, using dermal micro-channeling systems for skin rejuvenation, and much more.

Program Highlights:

• Advanced hands-on Botox ® and Filler Training
• Treating Stretch Marks and Scars
• Treating Acne
• Fat Transfer for Facial Rejuvenation
• Delivering Topical Serums using Dermafrac ®
• Advanced Chemical Peel Techniques
• Latest Aesthetic Industry Trends

The Advanced Aesthetic Medicine Symposium offers physicians two days of the most intensive hands-on advanced botox ® injection training as well as advanced techniques for the other non-surgical modalities. The medical faculty instructing at the IAPAM’s Advanced Aesthetic Medicine Symposium is experienced in the industry’s best practices, particularly regarding the teaching of Botox ® and other neurotoxin injection techniques and protocols. Physicians who complete the IAPAM’s Advanced Symposium will be certified by the IAPAM, a voluntary professional association of physicians and supporters, which sets standards for the aesthetic medical profession.

For more information on the November 10-11, 2012 Advanced Aesthetic Medicine Symposium, please go to http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com/advanced-aesthetic-medicine-and-botox-training-symposium or contact the IAPAM at 1-800-219-5108 ext. 704.

Botox is a trademark of Allergan, Inc.

About the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)

The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine is a voluntary association of physicians and supporters, which sets standards for the aesthetic medical profession. The goal of the association is to offer education, ethical standards, credentialing, and member benefits. IAPAM membership is open to all licensed medical doctors (MDs), dentists (DDSs/DMDs) doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs), physicians assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs). The IAPAM offers aesthetic medicine and hCG medical weight management programs, including: Botox ® training, medical aesthetic training, laser training, physician hCG training, and aesthetic practice business training. Additional information about the association can be accessed through the IAPAM’s website (http://www.iapam.com) or by contacting:

Jeff Russell, Executive-Director
International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)
1-800-219-5108 x704

Botox is just one of the tools in the physician’s anti-aging arsenal, and patients’ concepts of anti-aging have grown significantly, so it’s critical that physicians entering this field have comprehensive hands-on botox training.  It follows that new physicians in the field of aesthetic medicine should engage in industry-leading training in facial skin and musculature to ensure the most successful patient outcomes.  These physicians should seek out comprehensive, multi-day programs that are taught by board-certified dermatologists acutely familiar with the skin, and the cosmetic use of botox.

In speaking with members of the IAPAM faculty, I was advised that, when looking for a botox training program, one should look for a comprehensive curriculum that covers the entire procedure: from initial consultation through to satisfied patient, and all training should include didactic as well as hands-on teaching methods, as is done at the IAPAM’s Symposium ( http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com )

Also, botox injection training course like the IAPAM’s Symposium ensure that physicians understand the medication and how it specifically works.  The best botox training should teach doctors how to appropriately dilute the product and how to safely and effectively administer it.  Seminars should provide an in-depth discussion of facial anatomy and how to evaluate muscle movements to decide on product placement. A physician must understand the details of how botox interacts with the muscles, as well as how to achieve beautiful aesthetic results by decreasing muscle contraction in a designed and organized fashion.  Effective programs should also offer instruction in how to handle any adverse events both from a medical standpoint as well as helping the patient to understand the situation.

For more information on the IAPAM’s Aesthetic Medicine Symposium or the IAPAM’s complete suite of Botox Training Programs, please go to www.iapam.com/botoxtraining or call 1-800-219-5108 ext. 704.

Botox is a trademark of Allergan, Inc.

The new look of the IAPAM’s website www.iapam.com allows for intuitive navigation to information and training for botox, dermal fillers, lasers etc. as well as best practices regarding: current injectables, lasers/IPL, microdermabrasion and chemical peels.  The new look of the website also includes easy access to dynamic content for both consumers and physicians in the aesthetic medicine field.

The IAPAM’s NEW look for its website echoes the comprehensiveness of the IAPAM’s suite of training programs.

1.  The Aesthetic Medicine Symposium with Botox ® Training  ( http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com ) provides physicians:

- dedicated instruction from board-certified dermatologists, who are true experts of the skin and cosmetic injectables.
- hands-on practice in the best injection techniques. – delivery of the botox ® training at a medical practice, not in a hotel room.
- an environment that does not allow exhibitors, giving doctors more time for education.
- the opportunity to attend the Symposium’s Aesthetic Practice Startup Workshop, which is the only medical spa program highlighting the latest information on medspa business development and social media marketing.
- a set of DVDs from the IAPAM’s Aesthetic Medicine Procedure Training series, covering:

a.  Botulinum Toxin for Cosmetic Patients – lecture.
b.  Botulinum Toxin and Dermal Fillers for Cosmetic Patients – live demonstration.
c.  Chemical Peel and Microdermabrasion – live demonstration of techniques.

2.  The unique opportunity to attend the full-day session on hCG and Medical Weight Management ( http://www.hcgtraining.com ). This session will cover hCG for weight loss, prescription appetite suppressants, ketogenic diet based programs, meal replacement and B6/12 injections.

Physicians who have attended the Aesthetic Medicine Symposium with Botox ® Training and the IAPAM’s hCG Training testify to its comprehensiveness, which includes:

1. The latest trends in aesthetic medicine and how to use them to one’s advantage.
2. Steps on how to integrate medical aesthetics procedures or hCG for weight loss into a practice or build a patient base.
3. How to perform aesthetic patient consultations.
4. How to add the most profitable procedures, including: Botox ®, and dermal fillers (i.e. Juvederm ®, Restylane ®, and Perlane ®), chemical peels, physician directed skin care, and the hCG diet.
5. Hands-on Botulinum Toxin Type A (i.e. Botox ®, Dysport ®, Xeomin ®) training.
6. Hands-on IPL / laser training.
7. Hands-on medical microdermabrasion training.
8. How to maximize profits by offering hCG for weight loss or Chemical Peels, Physician-grade Cosmeceutical Skin Care lines, and much more.

All of the IAPAM’s Aesthetic Medicine Symposiums and hCG/Medical Weight Management seminars have sold out, so to secure your spot in the next session in 2012, go to www.iapam.com, or contact the IAPAM at 1-800-219-5108 ext 704.

Botox is a trademark of Allergan, Inc.

About the IAPAM:  The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine 

The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine is a voluntary association of physicians and supporters, which sets standards for the aesthetic medical profession. The goal of the association is to offer education, ethical standards, credentialing, and member benefits. IAPAM membership is open to all licensed medical doctors (MDs), dentists (DDSs/DMDs) doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs),  physicians assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs).  Information about the association can be accessed through the IAPAM’s website at http://www.IAPAM.com or by contacting:

Jeff Russell, Executive-Director
International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)
1-800-219-5108 ext 704