By Lynne Curry Question: When our newly hired general manager pulled me into his office this morning, he asked me to fire a staff member, an individual I know well and who’s always impressed me as a hard worker. I run our company’s HR department. I asked, “Could you give me the details, so I can create a solid case for our file?” The GM, a fifty-something white man … [Read more...] about Do I Fire A Staffer Who Doesn’t Deserve It?
Compliance
Preparing for an Audit: A Checklist for Medical Office Managers
Use this checklist to stay organized, reduce stress, and be ready for an audit at any time. 1. Patient Records and Documentation Verify all patient records are complete and up-to-date. Confirm that all consent forms are properly signed and filed. Check that medical coding is accurate and matches services rendered. Ensure that any corrected … [Read more...] about Preparing for an Audit: A Checklist for Medical Office Managers
Why and How to Provide Translators for Patients
One critical area that can often be overlooked in a medical office is the need for translation services. For many patients with limited English proficiency (LEP), the ability to communicate effectively with healthcare providers can be a matter of safety, health, and trust. Providing accessible language services is not just a nice-to-have — it’s essential for your practice’s … [Read more...] about Why and How to Provide Translators for Patients
Ensuring Accessibility for All at Your Medical Office
As a medical office manager, ensuring that your practice is accessible to all patients, regardless of their physical abilities, language skills, or other needs, is not only a legal requirement but also a moral and ethical responsibility. Accessibility means creating an environment where every patient feels welcome and can easily navigate your office, receive the care they need, … [Read more...] about Ensuring Accessibility for All at Your Medical Office
HIPAA Compliance Updates for Medical Office Managers
As of April 2025, several significant updates to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) have been introduced, impacting medical office operations. These changes aim to enhance patient privacy, bolster cybersecurity, and improve data interoperability. Below is a summary of the key updates: Enhanced Protections for Reproductive Health … [Read more...] about HIPAA Compliance Updates for Medical Office Managers
Navigating Legal Risks in Return-to-Office Mandates
By Lynne Curry As employers push forward with their return-to-office (RTO) policies, many unknowingly step into legal minefield. The shift back to in-person work presents a host of challenges—especially for employers balancing productivity with legal obligations. Whether it’s handling accommodation requests, avoiding discrimination claims, or ensuring compliance with … [Read more...] about Navigating Legal Risks in Return-to-Office Mandates
Spring Has Sprung: Fresh Projects to Revitalize Your Medical Office This Season
Spring is a great time for fresh starts, and as a medical office manager, you can take advantage of the season to tackle key projects that will improve efficiency, patient experience, and overall office operations. Here are some worthwhile projects to focus on this spring: 1. Deep Clean and Organize the Office Spring cleaning isn’t just for homes! Schedule a thorough … [Read more...] about Spring Has Sprung: Fresh Projects to Revitalize Your Medical Office This Season
When you wear your HR hat
One critical area of your responsibilities is human resources (HR). Effectively managing HR tasks is essential for creating a productive, compliant, and positive work environment. Here’s a breakdown of key HR responsibilities you’ll need to handle: 1. Recruitment and Hiring Finding the right people to join your team is fundamental to your office’s success. Your HR duties … [Read more...] about When you wear your HR hat
Navigating patient confidentiality in the digital age
In today's technology-driven environment, safeguarding patient confidentiality is more complex than ever. As a medical office manager, you're at the forefront of this challenge, balancing the need for efficient data management with the responsibility to protect sensitive information. Here’s how you can ensure patient data remains secure and compliant with ever-evolving … [Read more...] about Navigating patient confidentiality in the digital age
Creating a safe and healthy work environment for your staff
One of your top priorities is ensuring a safe and healthy work environment for both your administrative and clinical staff. This not only enhances productivity and morale but also ensures compliance with relevant regulations. Here’s a guide on how to create a safe and healthy workspace for everyone in your practice, including information on common types of … [Read more...] about Creating a safe and healthy work environment for your staff