CrossCheck Blog

Each October, U.S. medical professionals congregate for sessions, certification and socials at the Medical Group Management Association’s (MGMA) annual conference. This year’s “premier healthcare event” — MGMA17 — provides both standard and specialized content for all industry affiliates from CEOs and medical directors to office managers and students. With wide-ranging educational sessions, a platform for networking, and an exhibit hall showcasing the latest medical tools and services, MGMA17 is a must-attend conference for medical professionals.

The continual rise in Fear Free initiatives, telemedicine and 3-D printing technology are just a few components of practicing veterinary medicine today. These topics are discussed on dvm360, a website serving the U.S. veterinary community with timely business-enhancing content on an extensive range of topics. From current events to medical advancements and improving team communication, veterinary specialists can refer to the dvm360 website to remain knowledgeable, relevant and profitable.

In an increasingly paperless and digital world, check writing remains a favored form of payment. Check payments totaled $26.8 trillion in 2015, according to the 2016 Federal Reserve Payments Study. Many U.S. consumers are putting pen to paper to cover larger expenses while merchants continue to utilize the payment tool for everyday business transactions. While check payments are scarce at establishments such as restaurants or convenience stores, they continue to be a popular form of payment at businesses including specialty retailers, auto dealerships, medical and dental offices and veterinary clinics.

Veterinary visits can take an emotional and physical toll on companion animals and their guardians. Stress, fear and health ramifications experienced by a portion of animals and animal guardians due to visits significantly contributes to clients staying home and seeking out alternatives, Fear Free states. To improve the emotional and physical well-being of patients and clients, increase revenue and client turnout, and attract potential clients, veterinary specialists can maintain a stress and fear free environment.

An estimated 20.21 million college students enrolled in public and private institutions in 2014, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES). In 2016, the number of international college students exceeded one million. College students hold significant buying power as they continue to seek out the latest accessories and home furnishing essentials to adorn dorms and apartments. As students head back to campus this fall, it is crucial for home furnishings dealers to stay relevant by stocking stores with on-trend products.

For most U.S. merchants, business checks remain the primary payment tool used in routine business transactions. Due to the constant threat of check fraud, it is crucial for owners of both new and established businesses to understand and identify the various forms of fraud. To better protect businesses, merchants may utilize the latest and most effective check security features offered by top business check printing providers.

Mobile veterinary clinics may be best recognized as nonprofit organizations providing free or low-cost spay and neuter services to underserved communities, holistic house call veterinarians or volunteer operations bringing critical care to animals located in vet deserts. With the rise in U.S. consumer demand for convenience, mobile companion animal healthcare services have become increasingly popular. For veterinary businesses on wheels, providing quality care to pawed patients and excellent customer service to clients goes hand in paw. To increase client satisfaction and revenue, mobile veterinarians can incorporate additional services of convenience for clients.

From seasoned boaters to novices planning to take a turn at the wheel, consumer boating experience varies considerably. With each sale, boating dealers hand over the keys to years of memorable summers on a lake, or an accident in the making. Regardless of skill, all consumers can benefit from reviewing safety procedures and precautions. Boating dealers can discuss boating safety at the time of sale to help ensure safe-and-satisfied consumers and increase customer retention rates.

With the new tagline, “Discover the Extraordinary,” the 2017 Summer Las Vegas Market (LVM) invites attendees to “leave behind the expected and discover the extraordinary.” As the only home furnishings market in the Western United States, the bi-annual event — Summer LVM and Winter LVM — attracts tens of thousands of retail industry stakeholders from 76 countries and all 50 states each year. With over 4,100 leading brands and manufacturers presented, seminars focused on current retail trends and networking events tailored to specialized trades, home furnishings dealers will find an assortment of resources at Summer LVM.

In 2016, U.S. consumers spent a staggering $66.7 billion on pet industry expenditures, with veterinary care accounting for $15.95 billion, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA). For veterinary offices, providing quality care at rates that satisfy both providers and clients remains a top priority. As veterinary costs and households with companion animals continue to rise, the CrossCheck editorial team decided to delve into the fine print of CareCredit. In addition to veterinary care — projected to hit $16.62 billion for 2017 — consumers collectively spent $14.71 billion on companion animal medical supplies and over the counter medicine in 2016, APPA reports. Unforeseen costs such as an injury or medical diagnosis and routine costs can cause clients to experience difficulties when funding critical care for companion animals.