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
Increasing profits
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
Future of Health survey finds patients and doctors want more digital interaction
Both consumers and physicians are eager for increased digital engagement, according to a new nationwide poll released by Ernst & Young LLP (EY) last week at HIMSS18. (HIMSS stands for Healthcare Information Management Systems Society.) More than half (54%) of consumers surveyed indicate a comfort level contacting their physician digitally, and express interest in using … [Read more...] about Future of Health survey finds patients and doctors want more digital interaction
3 ways you can boost office morale fast
Which would you rather have: an upbeat, engaged staff that contributes to a successful practice or a staff that grudgingly shows up for work each day and plods through required tasks? Obviously, the first choice is preferable. In reality, however, your staff probably includes at least several employees who fit the latter category. Still, if most employees are happy, you … [Read more...] about 3 ways you can boost office morale fast
When a smartphone camera can replace a visit to the doctor
Using smartphone cameras, parents can reliably take high-quality photographs of their child's skin condition to send to a dermatologist for diagnosis. This finding suggests that direct-to-patient dermatology can accurately provide pediatric dermatology care. The results of research conducted by a team from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) were published recently in … [Read more...] about When a smartphone camera can replace a visit to the doctor
5 essential steps to successful strategy implementation
By Nick Hernandez bio Oftentimes physicians and administrators discuss strategies and may even devise a strategic plan, only to see nothing come of it. The most common reason for strategy failure is that the team failed to build execution into their strategic planning process. We often see that budgets are not linked to strategy, staff incentives are not linked to strategy, … [Read more...] about 5 essential steps to successful strategy implementation