By Steve M. Cohen bio I'm sure you've heard people use expressions like, "it will all come out in the wash." I suspect this phrase is now a bit dated, but the idea is that even if things start in a negative way, they'll be all right in the end. I generally agree with this philosophy, but if you're a medical office manager, it's not a solution I would count on. … [Read more...] about Don’t make the right move for the wrong reasons
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5 proven ways to motivate your staff without spending money
Motivating staff isn’t a matter of money. It’s a matter of management, says business and leadership coach Monica Wofford of Contagious Companies in Orlando, FL. Here she lists five good motivators within reach of any manager, regardless of the payroll budget. Fit the person to the job Find out what each staffer’s skills and interests are and align those elements with the … [Read more...] about 5 proven ways to motivate your staff without spending money
Stress should be recognized and dealt with quickly
By Steve M. Cohen bio Workplace stress is a topic that is often covered, including by this blog. It's also a topic that managers continue to find challenging—and a problem for their teams and office performance. With new regulations almost weekly, late payments, and backed up waiting rooms, it's not always easy to maintain a positive environment. Unfortunately, as … [Read more...] about Stress should be recognized and dealt with quickly
Changes to watch for in disability and absence management
Employee leave continues to undergo change and become increasingly complex. Although several regulations, such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Americans with Disabilities Act and Amendments Act (ADA/AA), have been in place for several years, legal interpretation and application are subject to ongoing clarification. Meanwhile, regulatory initiatives under the … [Read more...] about Changes to watch for in disability and absence management
Model Policy: Telecommuting
Why you need this policy: You need a policy to protect your medical office from employment law problems and liability when employees work at home. How this policy helps you: This policy will help you set the terms of work at home arrangements so that everyone understands and complies. How to use this policy: Review this tool, adapt it to your organization and insert your … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Telecommuting
Top 10 oddball interview questions
Job candidates must be prepared for anything during an interview, according to Glassdoor, the transparent jobs and recruiting marketplace. The company therefore combed through hundreds of thousands of interview questions shared by job candidates over the past year to compile its annual list of the Top 10 Oddball Interview Questions. Here are the questions selected. 1. Asked … [Read more...] about Top 10 oddball interview questions
When patients can’t get into the doctor’s office, but need medical attention
Telehealth offers options for patients who seek medical attention for common ailments but can't get in to see a doctor. Recognizing the need, and the opportunity, health care providers are increasingly embracing telehealth. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts' members can now use their smartphone, tablet or computer for a real-time, secure telehealth visit with a doctor or … [Read more...] about When patients can’t get into the doctor’s office, but need medical attention
You can’t do it all
By Steve M. Cohen bio I've been asked, even criticized, about focusing too much on the "soft" side of management. I'm asked why I don't discuss more "concrete" issues like medical billing software or the latest Medicare requirements. One answer is that these are not my areas of expertise. But the most important answer for you is that these are not the really … [Read more...] about You can’t do it all
Avoid these 4 deadly discrimination traps when hiring or firing
The possibilities of stirring up a discrimination claim when hiring and firing are endless. All that's needed is an assertion, however thin, that the decision was based on some wrongful reason. Here are four areas that can take a manager by surprise. Dear Applicant: You're not hired. First is the letter of rejection the office sends to its turned-down job applicants. Don't … [Read more...] about Avoid these 4 deadly discrimination traps when hiring or firing
Get a grip on costly office gossip
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen No matter how distracting, office gossip is something that no manager will ever completely eradicate. Like other human foibles, it's too ingrained in our systems. That doesn't mean you should ignore it or let it dominate your workplace. Office gossip is increasingly dangerous to many workplaces, including medical offices. It's not that people do it more … [Read more...] about Get a grip on costly office gossip