Referral rebate
As a niche supplier we rely on constant referrals from our client base and industry partner.
Over the years we have had many clients recommend our services and products to their colleagues - and we’ve always been very grateful for the support - not only does it reflect that our clients are happy with what we do but they trust to recommend it to others.
The starting in 2025 we are going to have a referral scheme where any client recommending our services to someone else and that referral ends up booking we will reward our existing client to 50% off their service agreement.
You can bundle multiple referrals and receive cash rebate of $1250.00 per new client who successfully books either ‘build your own’ or ‘signature’ system installations.
Dangers & pitfalls of AI in Aesthetics.
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has infiltrated various aspects of our lives, including the world of aesthetics and clinical marketing. Over the past few years, I have observed the significant transformations brought about by AI, updating my presentations frequently to keep pace with these developments.
I am cautiously optimistic about the diagnostic potentials of AI in fields such as mole mapping or cancer detection - however the purpose of this article is to outline the dangers with marketing.
My stern advise to clients has been that not only do you risk fines, but you are wasting your opportunities to market with actual results of your patients through objective Clinical Photography.
Marketing agencies selling you these images are not acting in your best interest.
As seen on instagram.
The speed at which AI is evolving raises important questions regarding the implications of using AI-generated images in advertising, particularly in a field where trust and authenticity are crucial. As AI becomes more prevalent, the potential for misuse becomes more concerning, especially when it comes to illustrating treatment outcomes that patients expect.
Current government regulations aim to prevent unrealistic expectations related to treatment results as well as false or misleading advertising. For this reason, the use of stock photographs has been deemed illegal in many contexts where clinical services are promoted. However, regulations often lag behind technological advancements, such as the emergence of AI imagery in marketing materials for health and aesthetic services. In the past, stock photographs involved intensive human intervention, requiring photographers and artists to retouch and manipulate images to create the idealised visuals that are used by private clinics and industry alike. Walking around an Industry meeting is quite the experience when you notice the same model advertising several products.
Today, AI is replacing these images, posing significant issues for ethical marketing practices.
Utilizing AI-generated imagery to represent clinical services contradicts the principles established by these regulations and reflects a lack of commitment to responsible marketing. It is important to highlight that presenting authentic results is crucial for building trust with potential patients. As the aesthetic industry evolves, it is essential that marketing strategies prioritize real outcomes over idealized representations that do not reflect genuine patient experiences.
By focusing on authentic images that accurately represent treatment results, clinics can provide prospective patients with realistic expectations, ultimately fostering a more trustworthy and transparent relationship.
False and misleading before and after advertising
Mint lift?
Or stock image?
2024 Wrap up
The team at Clinical Imaging would love to thank all our new and ongoing clients for a massive year.
As we grow, we are constantly reviewing how we teach, how we support and how we innovate - and we greatly appreciate the faith our community has in choosing our products to support their patient journeys.
I will be overseas in India from the 17th filming the first chapter of my documentary series on global surgery access. It’s an exciting project that I’ve been working hard on for the last several years, and hope that in the next few months we’ll get confirmation of a network picking up the story.
Before we close up the 16th we have some highlights & news :
What’s on for 2025 !
Skin filter upgrades
We continue to advance what our software can diagnose, with a major update coming to our filters in January. You’ll notice new slider tools once the update is completed to better aid showing superficial / deeper melanin as well as Vascularity. We are continuing to do case studies to help confirm BCC/SCC detection too.
Before and After creation service
As we have moved to a cloud platform in 2024 we now have the ability to create before and afters from our clients databases.
This will free up time for nurses, and
Study with hypertrophic scarring with Victoria University
After several months using our system as VU the idea came about from their team to try catalog detailed hyper trophic scars with a Cutometer and our filters. We love advancing science and this will be a great project next year.
Reviews
At the 3 month mark we will be conducting reviews of your images and presenting videos to assist you with finer techniques to reproduce.
——
Highlights for 2024
Formal partnership with Curity IT solutions
A big gain for us has been the expansion of support, technology and cloud services. Curity have been instrumental in expanding our bandwidth with 9-5 call centre and directly supplying the latest hardware and software. Feel free to contact them directly if you need upgrades to your clinic.
www.curity.com.au
Exhibited or spoke at several conferences locally and internationally :
Australasian Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery
Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
Non-surgical Symposium
Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons of Southern Africa
Australasian College of Phlebology
Skin cancer congress
Formal partnership with Juvae group.
Juvae have a clear commitment to growing standards within the industry, and we have partnered to offer their database a discounted rate on our installs. We’re really proud that nurses going out on their own now have better imaging than most medical journals.
Contact marketing@juvae.com.au for more details.
Patreon deal with Inside Aesthetics
Discounted rates on our installs with Australia’s leading podcast group. Look out for a new podcast episode in February
http://www.insideaesthetics.com/ia-offers-global
Installed Allergan training centre Sydney Australia
First install in Thailand
First three dental clinics in Australia
Opening us up to a new specialty that also requires detailed imaging has been a great new adventure - we will be exhibiting next year at The Australian Dental Congress.
22 new installs from around South Africa, Australia & New Zealand
——
On a personal note this has been our 10th year at Clinical Imaging - I am constantly grateful to the community of specialists and hard working doctors, nurses and clinic staff who dedicate themselves to bettering their patients experiences.
We wish everyone a safe and happy holidays and look forward to the new year.
Woodrow
Clinical Imaging Filters - Updates!
After much hard behind work and trials we have some exciting updates to our Vascular and Melanin filters that will launch in January 2025.
15 % OFF STOREWIDE BLACK FRIDAY SALES
It’s that time of year again!
If you have an install in the coming months you can take advantage of this discount.
If you quote code #202415% with your enquiry you will receive an upfront 15% discount off all store items.
This discounts includes both our ‘Build your own’, ‘Signature’ and software service agreements.
hello@clinicalimaging.com or send us a message on IG www.instagram.com/clinicalimaging_systems
T&C’s :
This cannot be used with any other discounts, and applies to sales from 17th of November until 30th November 2024 only.
https://www.clinicalimaging.com.au/onlinestore
November newsletter
Support systems upgrade :
Earlier this year we partnered with Curity IT systems - a dedicated agency based in Townsville.
This collaboration allows 9-to-5 support Australian Eastern standard time
http://www.clinicalimaging.com.au/support
They also have an extensive retail business for all computer upgrades, VOIP or replacing your old server with cloud services
We typically recommend upgrading your primary camera or PC every 4 years to maintain speed, stability and security.
Academy - new tools & videos
Our academy has been positively received by new and existing installations with the library of videos and ‘how to guide’s - it also allows new staff members to get onboarded.
10 reasons why medical imaging matters.
The changes with the TGA has thrown a spanner in the works for many in recent months, however the vast amount of reasons why effective medical photography is important might surprise you :
Ethics
Medical professionals have an obligation to educate their patients with information that is accurate, informative and without bias. The rise of BDD ( Body Dysmorphia ), social media being a primary education source for many and disinformation with AI means that clinicians are on the front lines dispelling myths.Consultation with patient
Any treatment plan requires several face to face consultation with a patient, and the relationship is founded on visual communication of anatomy, pathology and options. This is best done without bias introduced from imaging platforms.Time management
Time is money, and wasted time with inefficient protocols around photography cost clinics millions in lost productivity.
Our system is designed for non photographers to manage the process of image capture, storage and consultation in the most time efficient way possible.Medical record
Average time mandated by State health authorities in Australia is 7 years - this means that every image you take you have a legal requirement to hold to in a secure manner.Privacy Act
APP 8, or Australian Privacy Principle 8, is part of the Privacy Act 1988 and specifically deals with cross-border disclosure of personal information. It sets out the obligations of Australian organizations when they disclose personal information to an overseas recipient. The main purpose of APP 8 is to ensure that individuals' personal information remains protected, even when it is transferred outside of Australia.Data security
Hacking rose by 14% in 2023, with the average cost of cybercrime for small businesses is now $46,000; $97,200 for medium businesses; and $71,600 for large businesses according to Home Affairs office.Marketing in clinic
When in clinic, it’s vital you show examples of your work to patients to build their trust in your skills, informed consent and thorough understanding of risks and results. Stock images don’t cut it.
Marketing externally
Social media, websites and e-mail campaigns are all important channels to communicate to your audience - and it’s an extremely competitive landscape. You need to stand out in that environment with objectively accurate, easy to understand and scientific imaging.Insurance funds
Increasingly insurance funds are looking for photography evidence before paying out for various item numbers.Image quality
Lastly ….quality. This is vital to judge your own work, communicate clearly & show your results without bias.
If you are ready to take your imaging to the next level - click the link below.
Upgrading support services
How we support you has evolved significantly this last year - and our expansion means better service, more timely support and equipment upgrades.
Curity stands as our primary IT partner, offering essential frontline assistance, OneDrive hosting solutions, and a comprehensive range of computer components for clinics. Having Australian based support is a an important feature for our clients, as many have experienced offshore support from our competitors with limited success.
Following your initial training, they are readily available to address your day-to-day queries, with training session bookings directed to Woodrow for further handling. Moreover, they boast expertise in IT services, supplying complete equipment setups such as computers, cloud services, and Remote Desktop solutions.
To reach out for assistance, you can contact support via hello@curity.com.au or 07 4401 5141. For initiating training sessions, please refer to our extensive orientation library available at http://www.clinicalimaging.com.au/orientation.
Remember, outdated hardware like computers, cameras, and lighting may require replacement after 4+ years of usage. Ensuring the upkeep of your gear is crucial for maintaining reliability and security.
Interview with Dr Sarah Hart
World renown doctor, trainer and client of the last 6 years Dr Sarah Hart joined us for a quick interview off the back of her trip to Monaco.
We covered four questions :
How do you use images in your day to day clinic?
Teaching your patient
Photography standards in the industry
The role of AI
You can follow her training, results and news here :
Correspondence with TGA on advertising guidelines
Summary! :
No before and afters that contain scheduled substances.
New guidelines to come in the next month.
Dear Woodrow
The TGA regulates the advertising of therapeutic goods through the administration of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act) and subordinate legislation. Ahpra as you would be aware, regulates Australia's registered health practitioners. Together with the National Boards, Ahpra sets standards and policies that all registered health practitioners must meet.
Any party who advertises therapeutic goods must comply with the requirement of the Act, including health practitioners.
Advertising goods only available on prescription from a suitably qualified health practitioner to the public is prohibited under the Act including some goods regulated as medical devices that contain prescription only substances. Specifically, it is an offence against s 42DL(10) of the Act, and a breach of s 42DLB(7), to advertise therapeutic goods where the advertisement refers to substances, or goods containing substances included in Schedule 3, 4 or 8 to the current Poisons Standard but not in Appendix H of the current Poisons Standard (Scheduled Substances) other than a reference authorised or required by a government or government authority (not including a foreign government or foreign government authority).
An advertisement in relation to therapeutic goods includes any statement, pictorial representation or design that is intended, whether directly or indirectly, to promote the use or supply of therapeutic goods. In this context ‘indirect intent’ is measured according to the likelihood the audience of the material would reasonably consider the information/material is intended to promote the use or supply of therapeutic goods.
Advertisements for health services are not subject to the requirements of the Act unless the advertisement also promotes the use or supply of a therapeutic good. In most cases where an advertisement for a health service refers to a therapeutic good the advertisement for a health service will also be an advertisement for a therapeutic good. Reference to Scheduled Substances must not be made in advertisements for therapeutic goods. The TGA interprets ‘references to’ in this context as including any reference that is likely to draw the audience member’s mind to a Scheduled Substance. The reference therefore does not have to be explicitly made for the provision in the Act to be invoked. For example the reference could be made by naming ingredients, trade names, specific product and colloquial names or any of their abbreviations. It could also be made by using words that the audience is likely to identify as a scheduled substance. The TGA considers that references to ‘wrinkle-reducing injections’ and the like is a reference to Scheduled Substances because consumers are likely to reasonably conclude that the goods are injectable goods only available on prescription.
Before and after photos are generally used for promotional purposes. If the photos are used to promote a service or a health practitioner’s capabilities, this is outside the TGA’s remit. However, if it is clear to the consumer that the ‘after’ photo is a result of the administration of a therapeutic good that contains a Scheduled Substance, this would be prohibited under the Act.
These limitations do not apply to advertisements for medical devices that DO NOT contain substances included in Schedule 4 of the Poisons Standard. These goods can be advertised to consumers as long as the advertisements are compliant with all the legislative provisions related to advertising therapeutic goods.
As identified in the email from the TGA, guidance on how to promote cosmetic services compliantly in terms of the Act will be published on the TGA website soon.
I hope this clarifies any confusion – in a nutshell, in this context, the TGA has authority only in relation to the advertising of therapeutic goods. If promotional material relates solely to non-surgical (or surgical) cosmetic services and does not also promote the use or supply of therapeutic goods, it will not be within the TGA’s remit.
Draft non-surgical guidelines
Non surgical guidelines
Use of images including ‘before and after’ images
See also False, misleading or deceptive advertising and Advertising that creates an
unreasonable expectation of beneficial treatment in the broader advertising guidelines.
6.1 Images must not be used in advertising non-surgical cosmetic procedures when the use of the
image is likely to mislead the public because the image gives the impression that it represents
the outcome of a non-surgical procedure where this is not the case. Examples of misleading
images include airbrushed, soft-filter or modified images where these modifications remove
wrinkles, smooth complexions or otherwise attempt to portray a ‘perfect’ outcome, and the use
of models or celebrities where it is not established that the model or celebrity had undertaken
the non-surgical cosmetic procedure.
6.2 Images of people aged under 18 years of age must not be used in advertising of non-surgical
cosmetic procedures.
6.3 All images used in advertising that are intended to show the outcomes of non-surgical cosmetic
procedures must include a prominent warning that the outcomes shown are only relevant for Public consultation:
6.4 ‘Before and after’ images in advertising may create unrealistic expectations and both the
‘before’ and ‘after’ images must be used responsibly to provide only realistic information about
the outcome of the non-surgical cosmetic procedure. The broader advertising guidelines list the
requirements for ‘before and after’ images in advertising. These requirements include that both
the ‘before and after’ images are genuine. In the context of non-surgical cosmetic procedures
this means the images used in advertising must be of actual patients who have had the
procedure being advertised performed by that health practitioner.
6.5 ‘Before and after’ images used in advertising must be presented so that the most prominent or
first image seen is either a combined or composite of both the ‘before’ and ‘after’ images or the
‘before’ image. Advertising where the ‘after’ image is the most prominent image may create
unrealistic expectations.
6.6 ‘Before and after’ images must be as similar as possible in content, lighting, camera angle,
background, framing and exposure, posture, clothing, and makeup. This is to ensure that the
comparisons of ‘before and after’ images are genuine and are not influenced by factors such as
the use of lighting, makeup, facial expression, clothing, or varied angles to improve the ‘after’
image.
6.7 ‘Before and after’ images used in advertising of non-surgical cosmetic procedures must not be
edited or enhanced, for example through the use of filters, retouching, grey-scaling and similar
techniques, as this can be misleading about the results of procedures by enhancing results or
minimising bruising. Registered health practitioners should also consider the timing of ‘after’
images.
When using ‘before and after’ images in advertising non-surgical cosmetic procedures
the ‘after’ image should specify how long after the procedure the image was taken.
6.8 Photographs, videos, or any other imagery used in advertising of non-surgical cosmetic
procedures must be used responsibly, for the purposes of information and/or education about
the non-surgical cosmetic procedures only. Some examples of features that are more likely to
be considered to be focused on entertainment and to trivialise non-surgical cosmetic
procedures include, but are not limited to:
a. imagery that includes music, dancing, singing, or comedic comments
b. editing that is not directed at presenting information (such as a montage of cosmetic
procedures or outcomes, and/or bodies)
c. imagery with a voice-over where the voice-over is not educative or informative.
6.9 The use and descriptions of photographs, videos and images in non-surgical cosmetic
procedures advertising must not:
a. idealise or sexualise non-surgical cosmetic procedures through the use of sexualised
images, such as poses suggestive of sexual positions, parting of legs, hands placed near
genitals or positions that imply sexual readiness, or gratuitous nudity. Other examples of
inappropriately idealised and sexualised images include, but are not limited to,
photographs, videos or images showing sexualised clothing, such as lingerie or sexual
paraphernalia, simulated undressing, such as pulling down underpants or a bra strap, oiled
bodies and similar
b. use icons, such as emojis, to indicate an emotional reaction to an image
c. use lifestyle shots, for example, images taken on a beach, poolside, on a bed, chair, in a
bedroom or hotel roomPublic consultation:
d. capture, or purport to capture, emotional reactions of patients, such as patients giving
‘thumbs up’ or crying with happiness after a non-surgical cosmetic procedure
e. be accompanied by captions or descriptions that idealise non-surgical cosmetic procedures
or minimise the risk of procedures. Examples include, but are not limited to, ‘more natural’,
‘ideal’
, ‘perfect’, ‘instant’, and similar
f. name patients or contain links to a patient’s social media or other digital media account.
6.10 Registered health practitioners must prioritise patients’ interests, dignity, and privacy ahead of
TGA Schedule 4 Advertising - IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR ADVERTISING YOUR RESULTS
update from tga.
——-
To ensure the consistent application of the legislation related to the advertising of therapeutic goods across all industry sectors, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has updated our position on references (even in generalised terms) to cosmetic injectables in advertising.
As your members are aware, it is an offence against s42DL(10) and a breach of s42DLB(7) of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act) to advertise where the advertisement refers to substances, or products containing substances, included in Schedule 3, 4 or 8 (but not in Appendix H) to the current Poisons Standard.
The promotion of a health service as a means to obtain a prescription medicine is a form of advertising prescription medicines. Decisions about treatments that involve the use of prescription medicines should be made by a doctor in consultation with each individual patient. It is not legal to influence consumers about the use or supply of prescription medicines through advertising.
For the cosmetic industry this means that while the advertising of the service provided remains outside the jurisdiction of the Act, if such an advertisement refers to a schedule 4 substance or a product containing that substance (even in general terms such as wrinkle reducing injection') the advertisement will in almost all cases be considered an unlawful advertisement for therapeutic goods.
To support the consistent application of legislation related to the advertising of therapeutic goods across all industry sectors, on 18 December 2023. previously published guidance which included certain terms considered at the time to be acceptable was removed from our website.
These terms included anti-wrinkle injections' and 'dermal fillers'.
This is because these terms refer to (by drawing the audience's mind to) prescription only products. Alternatives to these references to support advertising of services remain availabie, for example:
“ our clinic can provide consultations on reducing the appearance of wrinkles “
Welcome to 2024
Some exciting updates as we head into the 2024.
National Sales Manager
Exciting Announcement: Welcoming Colleen Perriman as National Sales Manager
We are thrilled to announce the newest addition to our team, Colleen Perriman, who brings an exceptional wealth of experience, knowledge, and insight to Clinical Imaging Australia. With over 20 years of remarkable achievements in the aesthetics industry, Colleen's expertise and background as a qualified nurse, former state business manager for Teoxane, and dermal therapist uniquely position her to understand all facets of the aesthetic equation.
We are confident that Colleen's remarkable skills and deep understanding of the industry will greatly benefit our team and our clients. For any enquiries, please feel free to contact Colleen at hello@clinicalimaging.com.au. We are looking forward to the positive impact Colleen will have on our team and the outstanding contributions she will make to our company's ongoing success.
AI Enhancements
Update: Introducing AI Chat Bots!
We are thrilled to announce the arrival of our new AI chat bots! Designed to provide instant support and answers, these cutting-edge bots come equipped with a wealth of website knowledge, training resources, and technical sales information.
They are ready to assist with navigation, support requests, and training, streamlining your experience and empowering your team with quick and comprehensive solutions.
Client Portal
New resources for clients
We are excited to announce the recent launch of a comprehensive new page dedicated exclusively to our valued registered clients.
This innovative client portal page serves as a hub for our esteemed clients, offering seamless access to our cutting-edge Academy, dedicated Support services, as well as the latest news tailored specifically for their needs.
Creative Cloud discontinued
Embracing a New Era of Enhanced File Management
In late 2023, Adobe, the parent software company behind Lightroom Classic, announced the cessation of hosting synced files as part of its portfolio. This change presents a remarkable opportunity for us and our clients, as we transition to more secure and feature-rich platforms that offer enhanced benefits and flexibility.
Over the past nine years, our reliance on Adobe has occasionally led to frustrations for both us and our clients due to the lagging pace of features compared to competitors like Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive. However, this development marks a positive shift as we embrace new platforms that address these shortcomings and provide several key benefits:
1. Selective Sync: With the implementation of selective sync, users gain complete control over which files they choose to download to their connected devices. This proactive approach eliminates the frustration of automatic downloads experienced with Adobe that would fill up hard drives.
2. Two-Factor Authentication: The adoption of two-factor authentication enhances security measures, instilling peace of mind for both our team and clients regarding the safety of stored files and data.
3. Effortless Integration: The seamless integration with Microsoft Outlook and Gmail for file attachments streamlines workflows, enhancing convenience and productivity for all parties involved.
4. Auto-Sync with Mobile Devices: The newfound ability for auto-sync with a range of devices, including iPads, iPhones, and Android devices, simplifies accessibility and ensures files are readily available while on the move.
By transitioning to these new platforms, we are not only addressing existing challenges but elevating our file management practices to better cater to the evolving needs of our clients. This transition signifies a significant step forward, providing an array of benefits and innovations that will enhance the client experience and streamline our operations. We are excited about the positive impact this change will bring, and we are committed to ensuring a smooth and seamless transition for all our clients.
What do we do from here?
You essentially have two options for cloud storage going forward.
We will create a new account for you in Microsoft Onedrive and migrate all your data to the new platform. You will receive new training assets and updated manuals via our Client Portal .
This will come at no additional charge to you and is included in your Service Agreement
Simply fill out the form below and our team will contact you once installed.
If you already have an IT agency managing your cloud data, they can simply assign at least 1TB of storage your email of choice and contact us on hello@clinicalimaging.com.au with the new details.
Toolbar updates November 2023 :
Consent
In a major update to patient experience and safety - we have implanted a mandatory Consent button which disables to user from shooting if the patient has not completed consent forms required by AHPRA guidelines.
6.10 Medical practitioners must prioritise patients’ interests, dignity and privacy ahead of marketing or advertising opportunities. Medical practitioners must:
a. have fully informed consent from patients, separate from the consent to surgery, to use their image in any advertising
Filter accuracy
As we prepare for our dermatology paper we have updated our filters to reflect Fitzpatrick skin types scale.
Save Metadata
As we migrate certain installs to .jpg workflow only - we have updated our software to allow for keyword tags to migrate from Lightroom Classic through to explorer windows
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