The Associated Press is reporting today on an Oregon clinic that just may have come up with one of the most unusual marketing campaigns ever. Oregon Urology Institute is taking advantage of the vast numbers of men sitting in front of their televisions during “March Madness” and suggesting it’s the perfect time for recovering from a vasectomy. The AP reports that the clinic is running a radio advertisement that says, “When March Madness approaches you need an excuse ... to stay at home in front of the big screen. Get your vasectomy at Oregon Urology Institute the day before the tournament starts. It's snip city."

The AP story reports that clinic administrator Terry Fitzpatrick has reserved a number of surgical slots for March 19, the day before the NCAA Tournament begins, and a dozen more slots for March 26, right before the tournament's second week of play. In case you’re wondering if there are any takers, the answer is … yes! The AP story says that 15 slots have already been spoken for. In an even funnier twist, the AP story reports that the radio station broadcasting the clinic's ads will send each of the recovering patients a care package filled with sports magazines, as well as complimentary pizza delivery and a bag of frozen peas to help reduce swelling.

 And that, folks, is a lesson in marketing 101!

A new Deloitte survey of healthcare consumers reveals a growing taste for online connectivity to their healthcare providers. While many ASCs are “plugged in,” so to speak, many more facilities should probably consider how technology could improve their bottom line as well as make their patients a lot happier. The survey revealed that 60 percent of respondents want physicians to provide online access to medical records and test results, and online appointment scheduling; 1 in 4 say they would pay more for the service. In addition, 3 of 4 consumers want expanded use of in-home monitoring devices, and online tools that would reduce need for visits and allow individuals to be more active in their care. You can read the full survey results on the Web site of our sister publication, Immediate Care Business magazine, by CLICKING HERE.

A million press releases cross my desk every day, but I admit I’m a sucker for surveys, especially since they can be sensationalistic and erroneous; however, their entertainment value can’t be beat! DrScore.com, an online service that lets patients provide their physicians with honest feedback, just announced the release of its first-ever Report Card on Patient Satisfaction in the U.S. Here are a few tidbits:

-- The average rating for physicians and their practices across the U.S. is 7.4.

-- When questioned about satisfaction with their physicians’ behaviors and skills, patients rated their doctors highly (8 or more out of 10) about two-thirds of the time. More patients gave high ratings for inclusion in decision-making and timely test results and gave lower ratings (5 or less out of 10) for physician follow-up.

-- When questioned about the practice itself, patients also gave high ratings about two-thirds of the time. More patients gave high ratings for physician referrals and being able to see the specific doctor they wanted and gave lower ratings for after-hours access to advice or assistance.

"We're seeing that patients are by and large satisfied with the care they're getting from their doctors," notes Steven Feldman, MD, PhD, founder of DrScore.com. "The number one thing patients say they are looking for is a friendly, caring doctor. Next on the list are waiting time and staffing issues at the practice. Interestingly, although a hot issue in the media, recordkeeping practices were a minor concern for patients themselves."

To download the DrScore.com Annual Report Card on Patient Satisfaction in the U.S., click here.