By Suze Shaffer Patients’ right of access has extreme consequences if they are not handled properly. It starts the moment a patient makes this request. HIPAA prohibits unreasonable measures when patients are requesting access to their medical records. Most practices think this request must be in writing. Although this is ideal, sometimes it can cause a problem when the … [Read more...] about Patient right of access: Consequences are extreme if you get it wrong
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Develop a habit of training your staff and create a corporate culture of excellence
"Excellence is an art won by training and habituation," said Aristotle. "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit." If excellence is a habit you'd like to instill in your staff, then you need to train them properly and make a habit, too, of training and retraining. Why invest in training employees? There are many reasons there's an ongoing … [Read more...] about Develop a habit of training your staff and create a corporate culture of excellence
Make someone responsible for HIPAA compliance and security
By Suze Shaffer Preventing data breaches and securing patient data is everyone’s responsibility, but the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) requires someone to be the point person. Make sure you have assigned a HIPAA Privacy Officer and a HIPAA Security Officer. Everyone in the practice needs to know who these people are by these titles. In a small practice it could be just one … [Read more...] about Make someone responsible for HIPAA compliance and security
Second job or side hustle: How to work with moonlighting employees
Dealing with moonlighting employees can be a delicate situation for an office manager. Moonlighting refers to employees holding a second job or pursuing other sources of income outside of their primary employment. While moonlighting itself might not be inherently negative, it can potentially impact an employee's performance and commitment to their primary job. Here's how an … [Read more...] about Second job or side hustle: How to work with moonlighting employees
Effective staff scheduling: Balance coverage, satisfaction, and work-life harmony
Achieving the delicate balance between adequate staffing coverage, employee satisfaction, and work-life balance is a task that requires finesse and strategic thinking. Consider these innovative scheduling techniques and software solutions that can help you optimize your staff scheduling process for the benefit of both your team and your patients. The challenge of staff … [Read more...] about Effective staff scheduling: Balance coverage, satisfaction, and work-life harmony
18 ways your medical office can run afoul of laws and regulations
Running a medical office comes the responsibility for ensuring compliance with various laws and regulations. Failure to meet compliance requirements can lead to legal, financial, and reputational troubles. Here are some—but by no means all—the ways your medical office can run into compliance trouble: HIPAA Violations: Failure to protect patient health information and maintain … [Read more...] about 18 ways your medical office can run afoul of laws and regulations
7 strategies to maximize revenue cycle management
Optimizing revenue cycle management is essential for maximizing revenue and minimizing financial risks. By implementing strategic measures and adopting efficient practices, you can enhance the overall financial health of your medical office. Here are seven ways to optimize revenue cycle management and streamline your office's financial operations. Streamline Patient … [Read more...] about 7 strategies to maximize revenue cycle management
How to support a grieving employee
When an employee is grieving the loss, a good manager can make things a little easier at work. The grieving process is deeply personal and varies from individual to individual, so it's crucial to approach each situation with empathy and flexibility. Here are some ways office management can support a grieving employee: Express condolences: Offer sincere condolences to the … [Read more...] about How to support a grieving employee
8 ways to become an exceptional career mentor
As a medical office manager, you play a crucial role in guiding and supporting your staff members' professional growth. By assuming the role of a career mentor, you can empower your team to achieve their full potential, foster a positive work environment, and contribute to the success of your medical practice. This article will provide you with practical tips and insights on … [Read more...] about 8 ways to become an exceptional career mentor
Work junkies: Unwilling to disconnect on vacation
By Lynne Curry Question: My husband gets furious when I bring my laptop on our Hawaiian vacations, but I enjoy vacations more if I remain connected. I run a small medical office, and like to stay on top of things and let my employees know I’m there for them. Part of the issue is that I love my work and my husband hates his job. If I have my laptop with me, I can check in with … [Read more...] about Work junkies: Unwilling to disconnect on vacation