April 1st, 2009

Anne Gelvin - Providing optimal healthcare

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Patients’ Choice Network’s president Anne Gelvin announces the following member updates:
Certification & Testing
Please note that there is just one more session on your curriculum before Testing & Certification takes place next month. Remember, only those doctors who obtain a satisfactory score on the test will obtain PCN certification.Certification is an extremely important element of the Network, since we represent to all our attorneys that PCN doctors are properly trained and certified in ACOEM and AMA Guidelines. Additionally, PCN Certification is required to obtain a listing in our Membership Directory, which is distributed to Workers’ Comp. Attorneys every quarter. Please take this time to
review what you have learned so far by visiting the Members Only section of our website and reviewing past lectures. Contact your PCN Account Manager, should you have any questions regarding our past and future training sessions. Good luck!

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No More Paperwork!
Patients Choice Network Members Preview a New ACOEM-Compliant Electronic System

Medical professionals will no longer have to wade through streams of confusing paperwork to properly process Workers’ Compensation cases. A new ACOEM-compliant electronic system is nearly complete and will give all interested parties a dynamic tool to manage cases quickly, appropriately, and economically. The new system was discussed at a Patients’ Choice Network training workshop recently.

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About Anne Gelvin: PCN’s extended marketing program provides its members with a host of benefits, including:
* Quarterly Mixers with top players in the Workers’ Comp. industry.
* Small group meetings with Workers’ Comp. attorneys. These meetings connect PCN doctors with law firms that they would like to work with, and are designed to showcase the level of training offered through the Network and the skill and expertise of its doctors. The meetings also highlight why chiropractors should be the “gatekeepers” in the new Workers’ Comp. system. The meetings are coordinated and hosted with the help of Workers’ Comp. industry insiders Dr. Syd Shaber, Donna Meeks and more.
* Access to past training seminars on the “Members Only” section of this web site.
* Workers’ Comp. e-newsletter. Sponsored by top law firms , these law firms are top California Applicants’ Attorneys Association members.
* Text Box: Exclusive discounts from PCN vendors and service providers.
* Permanent listing on the PCN Member Directory. The Member Directory is hand delivered to top Workers’ Compensation attorneys, e-mailed to all attorneys in CAAA, and posted at this web site.
* Networking with major attorney marketing groups.
* Networking with Orthopedic Surgeons. PCN has established relationships with Orthopedic Surgeons who are on the MPN panels and are willing to work with PCN doctors. These surgeons are willing to go to PCN doctors’ offices once a month, providing the volume is sufficient to make their day productive. The Network continues to seek relationships with all other ancillary providers, including internists, sleep study providers, stand up MRIs, and much more.
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When the reforms ushered in the ACOEM Guidelines, CTT was prepared to digest the material in a manner that allowed for doctors and insurance companies to navigate the complex world of the guidelines. CTT Consultant Dr. Don Holmes says the company has continued to keep current by upgrading its system to meet the changing needs of the industry.

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Anne Gelvin Profile: Patients’ Choice Network’s president Anne Gelvin announces the following member update:
GET INTO THE MIX!
PCN will be hosting several Attorney Mixers throughout Southern California during the next six months. The events are aimed at showcasing the knowledge and caliber of PCN doctors who have recently completed our training program.
Here are just a few of the reasons why Workers’ Compensation attorneys are encouraged to develop mutually beneficial relationships with PCN.
- PCN doctors are elite medical professionals who actively treat and evaluate following ACOEM protocols and guidelines in order to deliver competent reports, which allow for better and more complete impairment ratings.
- PCN offers Labor Code and CCR-based strategies to exit the MPN and not lose TTD or Client.
- PCN doctors are independent of MPNs, are ACOEM compliant and provide complete AMA analysis and ratings.
- PCN doctors are willing to treat patients on liens, and at P&S, turn the case back to the referring attorney for settlement.
- PCN doctors are trained on documenting the areas of injury & treatment, which Colossus recognizes as value drivers.

Posted by annegelvin at 02:27 PM | Add a Comment

March 25th, 2009

The latest reviews from Anne Gelvin

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Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2009 Honda Pilot is a midsize crossover SUV offered in four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. Each is offered in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The LX comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels, an integrated trailer hitch, power side mirrors, keyless entry, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, full power accessories, cruise control, 60/40-split second- and third-row seats and a seven-speaker CD/MP3 audio system with an auxiliary input jack. The EX adds foglights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a power driver seat, an in-dash six-CD changer, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, tri-zone automatic climate control and satellite radio. The EX-L upgrades to leather upholstery, heated front seats, a sunroof and a rearview mirror-mounted back-up camera. The high-end Touring model includes a 10-speaker audio system, a navigation system with voice recognition and an integrated back-up camera, Bluetooth, a power liftgate and a USB audio interface.

There are no available options on LX or EX models. Optional on the EX-L is a DVD rear entertainment system that's packaged with a 10-speaker audio system. The DVD system is the only option on Touring models, which come standard with the 10-speaker stereo.

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2009 Chrysler 300 Vehicle Overview

Introduction

The Chrysler 300 was a game-changing vehicle for Detroit's sickly No. 3 brand when it debuted in 2005. With distinctive styling and Mercedes-sourced underpinnings, the 300 was a well-deserved hit that brought rear-wheel drive back into the American car buyer's mind after years in exile. And with available V8 power, it was plenty fast.

After significant interior and equipment changes last year, the 2009 Chrysler 300 gets even more upgrades and additions. Most notably, the 300C's 5.7-liter V8 gains variable valve timing, which boosts horsepower by 19 (now 359). Thanks to cylinder deactivation, fuel consumption remains acceptable given the ample amount of power available. The available all-wheel-drive system has also been upgraded with a specialized active transfer case. This automatically disconnects the front axle to improve fuel economy on the highway by up to 1 mpg, while also providing the better performance and handling afforded by rear-wheel drive. Wheel slippage, low temperatures or a certain number of windshield wiper passes re-engage all four wheels. The driver can also manually manipulate the system.

We've always been fans of the Chrysler 300, and its continuous improvements only make it more attractive. There are certainly other full-size sedans to consider, though which ones depend on which 300 you're considering. The base LX's engine is slow and inefficient, and we advise passing on the trim level. Compared to the 300 Touring and Limited, the Ford Taurus offers more maximum passenger and cargo space, while the Toyota Avalon offers more luxury and refinement. The high-performance 300C and SRT8 versions have fewer rivals. However, those seeking any 300 for its rear-wheel-drive performance capabilities should also take a good look at the impressive Pontiac G8. That said, the 2009 Chrysler 300 remains a solid choice for a large sedan.

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Anne Gelvin Info: Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2009 Porsche 911 comes in both coupe and convertible ("Cabriolet") body styles. Each comes in four basic trim levels: the rear-wheel-drive Carrera, the more powerful Carrera S, the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 and the Carrera 4S. All 911 Carrera trims come standard with 18-inch wheels, bi-xenon headlights, full power accessories, cruise control, leather seating, power reclining front seats (with manual fore-aft and height adjustment), split-folding rear seats, automatic climate control, the touchscreen display and a nine-speaker audio system with a CD/DVD/MP3 player.

The S trims add a more powerful engine, 19-inch wheels, a sport suspension with active damping on coupes (optional on convertibles), bigger brakes, a sport steering wheel and unique exterior and interior trim. Many of the standard features on the S models are optional on the base Carreras. In addition, all cabriolets feature a fully automated soft top with a heated glass rear window and wind deflector.

Porsche offers a dizzying array of expensive options including different wheel designs, custom interior color schemes, different seats, different types of leather and a choice of several wood, aluminum and carbon-fiber accents. Notable options include race-bred ceramic disc brake rotors, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, a hard-drive-based navigation system, voice activation control for the navigation and PCM, parking sensors, satellite radio, a universal audio interface that provides iPod, USB and auxiliary jacks, and an upgraded Bose audio system with subwoofer. A Sport Chrono package allows the driver to record lap times and other car data, and, when combined with PDK, provides a button for activating launch control.
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2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Vehicle Overview

Introduction

There aren't many heavy-duty pickups to choose from. There are four to be exact, and even then, two of them are virtual clones of each other. However, competition remains fierce in this small group, as each battles for the hard-earned dollars of truck-buying folks and their businesses. One such truck is the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, which, together with its GMC clone, is the most recently redesigned and appealing member of this exclusive 3/4-ton class. Specifically, the Chevy provides superior vehicle control and top-notch interior quality to go along with the type of prolific hauling and towing capabilities one expects from such a workhorse truck.

Changes are light for the '09 Silverado 2500, with only a few trim and equipment updates for the new model year. The rest of the truck remains unchanged from its total overhaul two years ago that debuted new styling, a dramatically improved interior, better vehicle control and handling, a more powerful engine lineup, a stronger frame and the resulting higher payload and towing capacities. This is a truck that'll get the job done and keep you comfortable while doing it.

Whether you opt for the Silverado HD or its GMC Sierra twin, you can't go wrong with these heavy-duty trucks. The Ford F-250 is its closest competitor, but the GM trucks offer a bit more hauling and towing ability and arguably a better interior (particularly with the LTZ trim). The Dodge Ram 2500 is also available, offering nearly equal towing ability and ride comfort, but it is getting along in years and will soon be replaced with an all-new model. It can't match the Chevy's towing capacity, cargo bed configurations or interior quality. That leaves the Chevy as your best bet, but since brand loyalty is so vitally important when it comes to pickups, we're guessing that gold bow tie should be reason enough for many buyers.

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Behind the wheel, the 2009 Lincoln MKS disappoints compared with its talented rivals. Power from the 3.7-liter V6 is merely adequate, and this engine doesn't sound sufficiently refined for luxury-sedan duty. With the optional 20-inch wheels, the ride is not as smooth as we'd expect from a large luxury sedan, and even the midlevel 19s produce a firmer ride than expected, which may not go over well with the average MKS shopper. Yet handling is borderline sloppy, with pronounced body roll, and steering feel is in short supply. The MKS's elevated driving position and formidable curb weight make it feel more like a crossover SUV than a flagship sedan.

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Driving Impressions

While the Lancer DE and ES are reasonably rewarding to drive, the GTS model is the clear choice for anyone looking for a more spirited driving experience. The new 2.4-liter engine has more low-end power and doesn't sound like a giant blender above 3,000 rpm, making for a friendlier drive whether you're on a twisty road or slogging through traffic. The GTS also offers a sport suspension, and its 18-inch wheels team with the taut chassis to provide solid handling.

Most folks will opt for the CVT, but the five-speed manual is a much better choice with its slick shifter and easily modulated clutch. With the base 2.0-liter mill in particular, the CVT tends to sap power, pairing with this already noisy engine to fill the cabin with shrill sounds reminiscent of irritated livestock. The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS's greater power is a better match for the CVT, but while its paddle shifters are a useful addition, the five-speed is still preferred.

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