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TERMINATION

Model Policy: Progressive Discipline and Employee Termination

Why you need this policy:

There’s no point in having any policies, procedures, and standards unless you’re prepared to discipline employees who disobey them. The problem is that discipline is not only unpleasant but likely to result in some form of legal grievance, especially if the employee belongs to a union. That means you’ll end up having to defend your action before an arbitrator or court.

BILLING & COLLECTIONS

Model Policy: Patient Billings Collection and Financial Policy

Why you need this policy:

Doctors have every right—and need—to be paid. But getting patients to pay their bills on time is a major challenge that forces you to confront a bewildering array of regulatory requirements, managed care and insurance contracts, and ethical constraints stemming from the doctor-patient relationship.


CMS

Reminder: 2022 MIPS data submission period ends March 31

MIPS Eligible clinicians can submit their 2022 data through March 31. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has opened the data submission period for Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) eligible clinicians who participated in the 2022 performance year of the Quality Payment Program (QPP). Data can be submitted and updated until 8 p.m. ET March 31. How to submit your 2022 MIPS data Clinicians will follow the steps outlined below to submit their data: Go to the Quality Payment Program sign in page. Sign in using your QPP access credentials (see below for directions). Submit your MIPS data for the 2022 performance year or review the data reported on your behalf by a third party. (You can’t correct errors with your data after the submission period, so it’s important to make sure the data submitted on… . . . read more.

HIRING

“You’re not hired:” Leaving job candidates hanging can hurt your reputation

When companies engage with job candidates, a new survey reveals the importance of following up—even if they opt not to hire them. The Conference Board survey found that 18 percent of candidates who didn’t hear back from a company after an interview took a negative action against the company. That includes declining to recommend it to others or leaving a negative review. And only 7 percent applied for another job at the same company in the future. Indeed, businesses that don’t respond to job seekers risk taking a reputational hit, losing out on future talent who read a negative review, heard an unfavorable opinion about the company, or who felt mistreated during a previous experience with them. Additionally, the survey revealed that the number of interviews a candidate must endure… . . . read more.

WORKPLACE WELLNESS

Everybody needs a break from work

You understand the importance of keeping your staff productive and efficient. However, it’s also important to recognize the role that breaks play in achieving these goals. For both you and your staff, it’s tempting to continue powering through day after day without taking scheduled breaks and lunch periods. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of taking breaks and how you can encourage your staff to take them. Benefits of Taking Breaks Improved Productivity: Studies have shown that taking regular breaks can actually improve productivity. When we work for extended periods without taking a break, our focus and attention begin to wane, and we become more susceptible to distractions. By taking a break, we give our minds a chance to rest and recharge, making us more productive when we return to… . . . read more.

WORKING WITH PATIENTS

Why and how to find translators for your patients

In today’s diverse world, it’s essential for healthcare providers to be able to communicate effectively with patients of all backgrounds. Sometimes this task falls to families, friends or supporters of a patient. These helpers are not always available or able to help. This is where medical translators come in. In this article, we’ll explore why your medical office might need translators and how to acquire them. Why Your Medical Office May Need Translators: Improved Patient Care: Patients who don’t speak the language of their healthcare providers are more likely to miss out on important information regarding their diagnosis, treatment, and medication. This can lead to misunderstandings, miscommunication, and ultimately poorer patient outcomes. Medical translators can help bridge this communication gap, improving patient care. Legal Compliance: Medical facilities that receive federal… . . . read more.

YOUR CAREER

6 tips for remembering names

It’s easy to remember a patient’s name when you have their appointment details or patient file open in front of you. It’s a lot harder when you meet someone away from these paper or electronic prompts. People like to be recognized and remembered. In the office, it’s reassuring for your patients. In other settings, remembering names can help you connect and network with people. In fact, remembering names is a skill that can advance your career. Here are some tips to help you: Focus: When you are introduced to someone, focus on their name and repeat it back to them. This will help you remember their name and also show that you are interested in getting to know them. Associate: Associate the person’s name with something that is familiar to… . . . read more.

MANAGING STAFF

Tame those office temperature tantrums!

Disputes over office temperature are relatively common among office staff. According to a study conducted by the International Facility Management Association, more than 50% of office workers report being unhappy with the temperature in their workplace. This dissatisfaction can lead to heated disputes or chilly relations among office staff, as people have different preferences for temperature and different comfort levels. For nearly 100 years, recommended temperatures for offices have been based on the body size and fat-to-muscle ratios (and typical clothing) of men, who tend to prefer temperatures around 72 degrees. Women feel colder than men at the same air temperature and prefer settings around 77 degrees. Besides being uncomfortable, the the wrong temperature can reduce productivity, as chilly workers fidget to get warm and overheated workers get move sluggishly…. . . . read more.

TECHNOLOGY

Declutter your phone and declutter your mind

As a busy medical office manager, you are responsible for keeping things organized and efficient in your workplace. But have you considered the clutter on your smartphone? Your device may be full of unnecessary apps, files, and notifications, which can affect your productivity and increase stress levels. In this article, we’ll discuss why and how to declutter your smartphone. Why Declutter Your Smartphone? Decluttering your smartphone can provide many benefits, including: Increased productivity: With a decluttered smartphone, you can find what you need quickly, saving time and increasing productivity. Reduced stress: A cluttered smartphone can lead to stress and anxiety. By decluttering your device, you can create a more peaceful and organized environment. Improved security: Unnecessary apps and files can pose a security risk. By decluttering your smartphone, you can… . . . read more.

MANAGING PATIENTS

7 good reasons to use online scheduling

Still on the fence about using online scheduling in your medical office? Consider these advantages to an online scheduling system: Increased convenience: Patients can easily book appointments online 24/7, without having to call the office during business hours. Improved efficiency: Automated scheduling reduces the need for manual scheduling, minimizing the risk of errors and freeing up staff time for other tasks. Better patient experience: Patients can easily view available appointment times and select the one that works best for them, reducing wait times and improving the overall patient experience. Real-time scheduling: Online scheduling systems offer real-time updates, ensuring that everyone is working with the most current information. Accessibility: An online scheduling system can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, making it easy for patients to book appointments… . . . read more.


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