Demand for greater convenience will change the way patients schedule appointments in the near future. Approximately two-in-three patients (64 percent) are expected to book medical appointments online by the end of 2019, according to research conducted by Accenture, a global management consulting, technology services, and outsourcing company. "Just as consumers use online … [Read more...] about Patient self-scheduling offers advantages for busy medical practices
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Accountability is a two-way street for medical office managers
By Steve M. Cohen bio One pitfall that's tough to avoid is human nature. Call it psychology or individual weakness, it almost always comes down to traps that you should avoid. One of the easiest things to stumble over involves seemingly straightforward missteps that can have an office manager labeled "hypocritical." Seldom is this more on display than in areas … [Read more...] about Accountability is a two-way street for medical office managers
Why you should avoid hiring your clone
Hiring a new employee is a tedious task that every medical office manager faces. But what if, two months after hiring a new employee, you realize that you have simply hired yourself? At first this may not sound like a terrible decision but, by taking a step back and looking at what hiring yourself really means, you'll notice that every employee at the organization has the … [Read more...] about Why you should avoid hiring your clone
Coding tips for respiratory diseases
By Judy Monestime bio ICD-10-CM Chapter 10, "Diseases of the Respiratory System (J00–J99)," identifies codes for a wide variety of pulmonary conditions, ranging from acute upper respiratory infections, pneumonia, influenza, asthma, as well as diseases of the lower respiratory tract including chronic lung diseases and diseases acquired from exposure to external substances. … [Read more...] about Coding tips for respiratory diseases
Making tough decisions: reward good employees by removing bad ones
By Steve M. Cohen bio I'm sure you've seen advice regarding employee bonus and incentive systems, including some that are quite complex. The idea is that, to achieve a high-performance workplace, you need to motivate employees and achieve maximum efficiency. None of this is wrong, but I often suggest another strategy that surprises a lot of people: just get rid … [Read more...] about Making tough decisions: reward good employees by removing bad ones
Three kinds of irritating staffers and how to deal with them amicably
The worst part of any manager’s job is dealing with problem behavior. And that’s the very part of the job that can never be ignored, says Cathleen C. Snyder, SPHR, senior human resources consultant with Strategic HR Inc., a Cincinnati human resources consulting and outsourcing firm. Allow the behavior to continue, and besides the fact that it’s a pain to live with, the other … [Read more...] about Three kinds of irritating staffers and how to deal with them amicably
CMS changes will bridge old and new models of chronic care management
New approach can mean substantial revenue increases for health care providers The prevalence of chronic conditions presents one of the greatest risks to the U.S in terms of population health and well-being. However, many serious conditions such as hypertension or hyperlipidemia can be successfully managed if the patient follows a clearly documented treatment plan. To that … [Read more...] about CMS changes will bridge old and new models of chronic care management
Children’s health care spending increases, focus changes
Spending on health care for children (ages 0-18) covered by employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) grew an annual average of 5.7 percent per year between 2010 and 2013, compared to 3.9 percent for the total population (ages 0-64) with ESI, finds a new report from the Health Care Cost Institute (HCCI). Per capita spending on children reached $2,574 in 2013, a $391 increase from … [Read more...] about Children’s health care spending increases, focus changes
Keep your medical office humming by keeping employees engaged
By Steve M. Cohen bio Every organization faces management issues that, if ignored, can be perilous. A recent story told of a suburban bank that lost a huge chunk of its staff when some 35 employees left within a single week. Without knowing the details, it's impossible to guess the causes. But it's very likely this business suffered fundamental organizational … [Read more...] about Keep your medical office humming by keeping employees engaged
The balance between kindness and good business: getting your patients to pay their bills
A 2014 survey conducted by the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) finds that collecting balances due from patients is the seventh most "intense and applicable challenge" for the members surveyed. And no wonder. According to a 2014 survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average yearly deductible in the United States has more than doubled in the last eight years, … [Read more...] about The balance between kindness and good business: getting your patients to pay their bills