Secondary Revenue Streams for Medical Professionals

Can physicians and medical professionals develop additional revenue streams beyond the standard fees for services? Sure - there are quite a few possibilities for improving overall monthly income for doctors - some easier than others. One way of creating additional revenue is by developing a 2nd tier of service; a VIP type system - with no waiting, handy phone consultations or communication via email available. Another possibility is adding secondary services that can be done easily in a medical office, (perhaps those that you have been referring out). Easier yet - making available merchandise that you often recommend your patients go out and buy. It's this third option that requires the least amount of work and can bring in additional revenue with little or no additional expenses.

Offering your patients the products that you often suggest they go out and purchase after leaving your office is not only a great way for you to create a secondary revenue stream but it is also very convenient for your patients. As long as the prices are similar to what they would find out in the world - why not? This saves them the time of going out to look for a new remedy and saves you the time of trying to explain exactly what it is that you are recommending. In a way, you're telling your patients that you value them and that you have already done the leg work for them by stocking products that will benefit them.

Setting up a little "store" within your office or waiting room can be as simple or as complex as you want to make it. Many waiting rooms use a nice book shelf or small wooden table or desk to show off as little as 5 products, while others go so far as to purchase fancy glass display cases for 30 or more different products. It's up to you, and is usually dictated by how much space you have available for the merchandise.

Now - imagine that you could go one step further and offer them products that nobody else has available. If the product is good, and does its job - then you will have a customer for life. After all, if a patient cannot purchase Dr.X's skin cleanser anywhere else but at Dr.X's office - then another office visit also becomes another purchase of the product. So - how do you get a product like this - with your name or the name of your practice on it? The answer is: private labeling.

This is common practice in hundreds of industries, from pet food to hot sauce to peanut butter. Often times a single manufacturer will produce the same product for a dozen competitors - with everything the same except the packaging. Just take some time to walk down the aisles of a grocery store and you will see thousands of examples of private labeling.

But private labeling for physicians and medical professionals - is that really practical? Sure, not only is it practical, but it is really quite easy. Depending on your specialty, you need to find a private label manufacturer, contact them and get the ball rolling. Usually they can have products complete with packaging available for you within a few weeks. You will need to decide on how many different products you want to carry and it helps to have a few ideas about labels and names - but most private labeling companies have sales reps that can help you with all of these decisions. They are professionals that know your industry well and can offer advice that will get you going in the right direction.

Making Your Own Natural Skin Moisturizer - The Easy Way

With so many synthetic chemicals around us nowadays, it becomes increasingly difficult to find safe, all natural skin care and hair care. Since the chemicals are added to the skin care to improve the appearance and the qualities of the product, they may also have a long term effects on our bodies. One way to eliminate these chemicals from coming into contact with our skin is by making your own skin care.

First of all, it is not all that difficult to make a natural skin care, in this example, making your own natural skin moisturizer. By using herbs and natural vegetable oil and a few more basic ingredients you can whip it up in your kitchen in a short time. In this article I am going to share with you a recipe to make your own natural hand and body salve. It is moisturizing as well as protective to you skin especially hands and feet, where it tend to be dry in the winter months.

To make the body salve, you will need:

50 ml of any botanical oils, preferably those with good anti oxidant and moisturizing properties, such as Jojoba oil, Apricot oil, Almond oil, or Avocado oil. It is also a good idea to add plant butters such as Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter since they will help to soften dry, cracked skin.

3 to 4 tbsp of your favorite herbs. Good herbs that has moizturizing properties to skin are Marigold, patchouli, Rose Petals, Frankincsense Gum and Oakmoss.

1 tbsp Beeswax Pellets

1 tsp Vitamin E Oil

Essential Oils of your choice

A Glass Jar or Tin Jar with lids

The first step is to gently heat the oils, in stainless steel pot or pyrex, on low heat until warm, taking care not to burn, and the add the herbs and stir well. Then cover it and let it infuse for 1-2 days, in a dark place.

The next day, strain the oil from herbs. If you lose some oils in the process, simply add more oils to make up to 50 ml. The next step is to add 1 tbsp Beeswax pellets into the oil, and then heat up the mixture in a double boiler. Once all the wax has melted, stir gently and add 1 tsp of Vitamin E oil ( 1 vitamin E capsule will work as well). This is the time to also add some essential oils of your choice, up to 20 drops. Some good essential oils to try are Rose, Jasmine, or Lavender. Stir well, then pour into tin container or glass container and let it set. It will form a smooth, firm salve. Cover tightly and store in a cool dark place. Your natural body salve is ready to use.

Homemade Facial Masks And What Ingredients Are Most Effective For Helping Your Skin

Taking good care of your skin doesn't really require that you spend a lot of money. Unless you probably have a seriously bad skin problem, skin care can come across as cheap, too. You just have to be diligent enough to stick to a daily regimen. It also pays to watch your diet so you don't eat foods that can trigger skin issues. That means you have to observe a healthy lifestyle, balancing diet and exercise properly. You may noticed that healthy people usually sport healthy, glowing skin as well. They don't even need to spend a bundle on skin care products for that!

Now when it comes to a regular skin care regimen, you will find that homemade products are sometimes the best ones. Take for example homemade facial masks. They are pretty easy to make and the effects are amazing. Your skin comes off feeling taut and smooth and sporting a youthful glow. Even better, you get to save a lot. Instead of wasting your money on expensive spa treatments and such, try to make your own skin care solutions. You just need to know the right ingredients to use for your skin type.

First off, keep in mind that oatmeal will always be a basic ingredient when it comes to facial masks. A yogurt facial mask is one of the best routines you can follow in caring for your skin. Adding oatmeal to your homemade yogurt facial mask will help soften and smoothen your skin. It also helps reduce wrinkles and redness and works with all skin types. One tablespoon of finely ground oatmeal is good enough to create a rich, healthy facial mask. Mix it with plain yogurt with live cultures and add in a dash of warm honey before stirring. Let the mask sit for about ten to fifteen minutes, rinse, and moisturize thereafter.

Another great ingredient to use on your homemade facial mask is pumpkin. Pumpkin contains antioxidants which can really refresh the outer layers of your skin. It's also really easy to make. Just blend half a cup of fresh pumpkin pulp into a puree and put in a bowl. Add two eggs and put in two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar. If your skin is really dry, also add a teaspoon of honey. Mix well, apply the mask, and let it stand for around twenty minutes. Don't forget to moisturize after you've rinsed all the gook off later. You will definitely see the wonderful effects the masks will have on your skin!