Overhead consumes 60 percent of your practice revenue: As you no doubt know from experience, managing practice overhead is a constant battle, one that needs continuous attention and diligence especially now with tightening reimbursement for medical care. Even small cuts can add up to notable bottom-line practice savings and a much healthier bottom line. Welcome Xcel!

The Society has just signed with Xcel, a Chicago-based medical supply company, as our new group purchasing program supplier. Founded in 1997, Xcel will provide our members deeply discounted prices on more than 10,000 items, including medical, environmental, textiles, durable medical equipment, and OTC drugs. Other services include inventory control and monitoring purchasing trends for automatic reordering. Monthly specials are also planned, providing even greater savings on select items.

Sign up and start saving money now! We’ve made member participation as simple as possible. It only requires you to log onto our website, download the Xcel PCMS price list and order form. Both are in Microsoft Excel format. Once you’ve decided on your order, simply fill out the form and fax or e-mail to our sales representative - Jordan. His fax number and e-mail address are on the order form. After processing, your items will be drop-shipped and appear at your office two days later. No credit application is required.

To gain access to the form and price list, members must first create a website account. Go to www.pimamedicalsociety.org click on the “Members Only” tab at the top of the homepage and follow the simple instructions. Once we’ve verified your membership, you will have access to not only the exclusive PCMS price list, but all the other members-only website pages.

If you prefer that Jordan meet with you personally to review the program, feel free to e-mail him at jschacht@xcelsupply.com to set up an appointment. You can also reach him at 979-9244. For most members, I strongly suggest you pass along this article to your manager and have them call Bill Fearneyhough 795-7985 or email bill5199@simplybits.net

Organ donation topic of Sept event: The Foundation Evening Speaker Series Returns with a debate Tuesday, September 14, “Allowing the Dying to Donate, Revising the Dead Donor Rule.”  Dinner is provided without charge by Pima County Medical Foundation at 6:30 p.m. and the debate begins at 7.  Debaters include Tun Jie MD and Khalid Khan MD from the UA College of Medicine transplant program.  One-hour CME is available.  Call 795-7985 or email steve5199@simplybits.net by Sept. 13 to reserve your spot.

Sign up for mentoring program ending:  You’re facing your last chance to become a PCMS medical student mentor. Questions or wish to sign up, contact Steve Nash at Steve5199@simplybits.net or 795-7985 ASAP.