Posted by Brian Berg Google+
The AMA Database contains names and addresses of licensed health professionals. This is a great database for recruitment by hospitals seeking new employee's. However, there are some misconceptions on who's on this file, what it contains, and how it differs from state registration data. For starters, many assume that the AMA Database is a mailing list of the American Medical Association members.
The truth is that in contains both members and non-members. Further, the AMA who owns this information refuse to provide a way to select just those who are members from those who are not. To assume that the records on this file are only members is a falsehood. There is currently no source that offers AMA members only. Secondly, some believe that the addresses contained on the AMA Database are all home addresses.
The fact is that the address contained on the AMA database are the preferred mailing address of the physician or health professional. This address could be either the home address or the work address. There is no distinguishing feature between home address and work address.
Here are a few other unique characteristics with the AMA file:
- The file is updated weekly and boasts a 97% to 98% deliverability rate.
- Selectable by both primary and/or secondary specialties.
- Types of Practice (office based, hospital based staff, resident, administration, research, teaching, etc).
- Board Certifications
- Medical School attended
So how do we justify spending the royalty fee for this mailing list? The biggest reason for considering this type of database it's selectability. The American Medical Association mailing list allows for a far great granulation selectability than your typical state registration database.
The key here is, who are you targeting? When doing a mailing, who do you want to target and what do you want to offer them? If you are mailing to a simple category of physicians, then it will likely not matter whether you are pulling data from the state or the AMA Database. And if it is doesn't matter, why pay the premium. Providing you with this type of valuable information is what makes BB Direct who we are.
We strive to continue to ask these hard questions, find the answers, and stay on top of changes within the industry so that our clients get the best information every time. I'm sure I'll get a response, and when I do get one, I'll be sure to report my findings. Until then, I'll assume the state registered database is a logical choice to mailing to a licensed health professional for most mailing list campaigns since it targets the likely audience at a lower price. For more information on licensed health professionals and other direct mail data subjects, please visit BB Direct or call us BB Direct directly at 866-501-6273.