By Nick Hernandez bio Physician owners know that there are four key objectives at the core of process improvement: To remove waste and inefficiencies To increase productivity and asset availability To improve response time and agility To sustain safe and reliable operations The question is, how do we do all this? I would suggest a proven technique known as the OODA … [Read more...] about An 8-step process to improve your medical practice
Increasing profits
How to become a patient-centered practice and improve your profitability
What do old-school electric typewriter manufacturers and medical practices have in common? More than you might think. Ron Howrigon, president and CEO of Fulcrum Strategies, a healthcare consulting firm, tells the story of two of highly competitive typewriter manufacturers, one of which adapted to change and thrived and another which kept manufacturing typewriters right up to … [Read more...] about How to become a patient-centered practice and improve your profitability
A little money here, a little there; where to find the sleeping savings
When the money's tight, the manager has to squeeze the nickels—particularly in a small office where falling revenues are keenly felt. And a New Jersey manager has done just that. She has found appreciable savings on expenses that come in month after month but tend to get overlooked in more profitable times. With two physicians, one nurse practitioner, and only five staff, the … [Read more...] about A little money here, a little there; where to find the sleeping savings
Why strategic planning is a must for practices
By Nick Hernandez bio Strategic planning is not the same as operational planning. The former is focused on broad and long-lasting issues that ensure the medical practice's long-term effectiveness and survival. The latter focuses on achieving objectives and carrying out short-term activities. Strategic planning functions as the "design" just as a blueprint functions … [Read more...] about Why strategic planning is a must for practices
12 tips for boosting patient payment
The way the bill looks, and reads, plays a major role in when – and whether – the office gets paid. Here are 12 ways to boost patient payment. 1 Include a return envelope with the bill. This makes it easier for the patient to pay and also ensures the payment is addressed correctly. 2 Use colored return envelopes. They make the bill stand out from the … [Read more...] about 12 tips for boosting patient payment
Are employees embezzling funds from your medical practice?
Embezzlement is easy in a medical office because little amounts come through every day, many of them in cash, and $5 here or $10 there doesn't get missed. The scheme can be as simple as a staffer walking off with a bit of cash now and then. But it can also be elaborate. Somebody sets up a fictitious vendor and writes checks to the bogus company. Or somebody sets up a bank … [Read more...] about Are employees embezzling funds from your medical practice?
A six-question oral survey can help the manager and improve morale
The people closest to the work are the ones who have the best suggestions for improving it. You can take advantage of staff ideas by getting their recommendations in an informal survey. Not only will it generate usable ideas for the manager, but it may help morale because when people are asked for their opinions, they become committed to the organization. There's a sense … [Read more...] about A six-question oral survey can help the manager and improve morale
Simple steps to better track your medical practice contracts
By Nick Hernandez bio Keeping track of contract renewals can be tedious. Whether practices renew such contracts all at once, or throughout the year, there are techniques to simplify the task. A healthy practice is one that manages its contracts (vendor contracts, service agreements, and leases) well. Many physicians and practice managers, however, are running nonstop … [Read more...] about Simple steps to better track your medical practice contracts
25 ideas for going green at work
To help celebrate Earth Day, here are 25 ideas for going green at work from FlexJobs, a telecommuting and flexible job site that has long promoted going green in its business practices. Take a look at these tips and then consider going green whenever possible, every day. It's easier than you might think to make every day Earth day. Reduce or eliminate your paper usage. Print … [Read more...] about 25 ideas for going green at work
Want to improve collections? Start by looking at your Patient Registration System
By Ranadene (Randi) K. Tapio, MBA, CMRS, CMC, Guest Contributor bio First and foremost, a good intake system and/or form is a must! If set up properly, your intake system and/or form will collect all the necessary information you need to bill a patients insurance carrier(s). Offices should collect, at minimum, the following information: Demographics Patient's full … [Read more...] about Want to improve collections? Start by looking at your Patient Registration System