The Dream Practice: It grows from appreciation - by Scott Lawrence DC, Practice Consultant
The Licensure Process for Chiropractors Wishing to Practice in Israel
1998 U.S. Tax Return Filing Requirements and the New Tax Law
The Dream Practice: It grows from appreciation
by Scott Lawrence DC, Practice Consultant
Many times we wonder after all those years in school, the hours in post-graduate seminars, and the day after day in the office why our practice is not growing. Why are we not seeing the volume of patients we feel we have earned the right to expect? There are certainly many reasons why, but one of the most important is our attitude; "it’s attitude, not aptitude." We need to develop an appreciative attitude. Appreciation is an important mark in the yardstick by which we measure ourselves and our accomplishments.
Too many of us feel that there is a lack of appreciation in our lives, we do not receive enough recognition for our efforts. Meanwhile, our very own patients are feeling the same way, that they are being taken for granted and that they are not valued as they should be. When we show that we value them, we improve our mutual relationships, improve our practice and become more appreciated.
To have the practice of your dreams you must be wide awake. Rouse yourself to action using the following practical steps to help you on your way. Regularly and consistently doing them will not only bring you and your patients a sense of appreciation, but will strengthen the very foundations of your practice, making you more successful both in and out of the office.
Focus In On the Patient
Every patient’s condition is foremost in their mind. He or she only wants what anyone has the right to receive, your best effort as a doctor. Non alert, nonchalant attitudes produce nonchalant patients.
Re-examine, Re-X ray and Re-report Your Patients
Doing this reawakens the enthusiasm of both the patient and the doctor. Doing this awakens the pointed interest of both the patient and the doctor. Doing this reawakens sincerity, thoroughness, dependability and the ‘no-doubt-about-it’ frame of mind in both the patient and the doctor.
Show your Appreciation with Postcards or Letters
Doing this keeps you attuned to looking for the good in others. Make it a part of your daily habits to write and send at least three notes a day. For example:
Dear Mrs. Smith, I could not help but take a break in my schedule to write you this note thanking you for your suggestion concerning the plants in the reception room. We intend to do just that and I wish you had mentioned it before. Thanks again, Dr. Do It
Dear Mr. Rice, Thank you so much for sending so many of your family and neighbors in for care. Mr. Rice, it is people like you that really make a difference in our lives. Many thanks, Dr. Make My Day
My dear Secretary, Thank you so much for being a faithful member of our team. Many patients comment to me about your sincerity and your smile, and I want you to know that I appreciate you. The office would not be the same without you. Thank you for being who you are. Dr. Appreciates You
You can send these notes of appreciation to rabbis, attorneys, husbands, wives, children and anyone with whom you come into contact. By the way, don’t wait to be perfectly satisfied with your secretary, spouse or children. Opening your eyes to their good qualities and letting them know that they are appreciated will bring you rewards when you least expect them.
These ideas are intended to be acted upon continuously. There is no stopping place, for every new moment is a beginning. As above, so below, as within, so without; as we demonstrate more appreciation of those around us we awaken the possibilities that will bring us our dream practice.
The Licensure Process for Chiropractors Wishing to Practice in Israel
Take the following original documents and copies thereof in triplicate (measuring 8 ½ x 11 standard) to 157 Yaffo Road in Jerusalem:
(1) Diplomas (BA, MA, Chiropractic School, allied coursework)
(2) Full transcripts listing coursework at a CCE Accredited Chiropractic School
(3) Proof of successful completion of National Boards
(4) Proof of successful attainment of State Licenses
(5) Identification Papers (Teudat Zehut, Passport, Drivers License)
When you arrive at their office, go to the medical licensing department and fill out their form, to which the above material will be attached.
Once you have filed these forms your credentials will be confirmed and you will receive recognition rather than a license; please note that a certificate of recognition is not a license. Do not use the initials M.R. on stationary or business cards since this is understood to mean "mispar rishion" (translated as license number) and can be seen as an attempt to deceive. Your may use the words "mispar rishum" if desired.
Registration with the VAT office and with a malpractice policy is equally important, and you should consult with a lawyer or an accountant for more detailed questions.
1998 U.S. Tax Return Filing Requirements and the New Tax Law
Do I really have to file annual US income tax returns?
US citizens and resident aliens ("green card" holders) living in Israel are generally required, by the US Internal Revenue Service, to file annual income tax returns when gross world wide income (not including the US foreign earned income exclusion) exceeds certain minimum levels. For 1997 these levels are $6,800 for single individuals ($7,800 if over 65) and $12,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly ($13,000 or $13,800 if one or both spouses are over 65). Self employed individuals must file annual US income tax returns regardless of their income levels. US non-resident aliens may also be required to file, depending upon the amount of their US source income.
What may happen if I don’t file?
The non filing of US income tax returns may result in the denial of an application for a US passport renewal and also in problems with Social Security benefits. In addition, non filing may result in substantial interest and penalties on any US tax actually due and in a denial of the use of the US foreign earned income exclusion.
What types of income must I report?
Income general includes all world-wide income, such as foreign earned salaries, bonuses and commissions - even if the compensation is excludable under the US foreign earned income exclusion - interest, dividends, capital gains, and social security.
What about my US Social Security?
40 qualifying quarters are generally required in order to be eligible for US Social Security retirement benefits. Qualifying quarters may be earned even while living in Israel if the taxpayer is self employed, is working for a US corporation, or returns to the US corporation, or returns to the US to work. US citizens and residents who are working as self-employed in Israel may be subject to both US and Israeli Social Security taxes.
How does the US Foreign Earned Income Exclusion work?
If an individual has Israeli foreign earned income (IE income received from employment) and qualifies for either the "bona fide residence test" (generally, having a tax home and maintaining a bona fide residence in Israel for an uninterrupted period that includes a full calendar year) or the "physical presence test" (generally, maintaining a tax home and being physically present in Israel for at least 330 days out of any consecutive 12 month period), he or she can generally exclude up to $70,000 of foreign earned income per year. Beginning in 1998, the exclusion will increase $2,000 per year until it reaches $80,000 in the year 2002.
How does the 1997 Taxpayer Relief Act affect me?
The new US tax law is a monumental piece of legislation and contains over 800 provisions including the following:
- Tax free gains of $250,000 - $500,000 on the sale of home depending on filing status
- Reduction in long term capital gain rates to 10% - 20% depending upon filing status
- Foreign earned income exclusion increases to $80,000 over five years
- Increase in $10,000 gift tax annual exclusion (indexed for inflation)
- $400 per dependent child tax credit for children under age 17
- Liberalization of rules concerning IRA contributions and withdrawals
- Repeal of excess distribution and excess retirement accumulation tax
- New credits and deductions to reduce higher education costs
- Easing up on home office deduction rules
- Increase in health insurance deduction for self-employed
Submitted by Alan R. Deutsche, CPA, BA, A.C.
|
|