By Mike Rigert Even though modern patients appreciate the ease and convenience of digital communication with your practice through automated text reminders and real-time communication, we can’t lose sight of the importance that personal interaction has in keeping those relationships strong. A HealthGrades study showed that patients’ communication with front office staff are … [Read more...] about Make your patients happier with these communication tips
Managing patients
Learn about changes and updates to telehealth
There's a lot you need to know about telehealth. That's why Medical Office Manager is offering a webinar, Telehealth—What Managers Need to Know, on April 6. It's free to Medical Office Manager members. Presenter Jen Bell of Karen Zupko and Associates will give you the tools and knowledge you need to comply with new telehealth regulations. Meanwhile here is Jen's update on … [Read more...] about Learn about changes and updates to telehealth
How to fix failing patient engagement initiatives
Patient engagement initiatives are a dime a dozen across healthcare organizations. From patient advisory groups and patient-centered portals to social media outlets and secure messaging, healthcare organizations understand that it’s important to get patients involved in their care. Studies prove that engaged patients result in better outcomes, lower costs, and a higher quality … [Read more...] about How to fix failing patient engagement initiatives
3 ways to hook up your patients with drug payment help
By Lisa Eramo One out of every eight patients with cardiovascular disease fails to take their medication due to cost barriers. The New York Times has even gone so far as to label nonadherence as an "out of control epidemic." Unfortunately, job disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic has made it even more difficult for patients to afford their medications. Drug copay … [Read more...] about 3 ways to hook up your patients with drug payment help
Due diligence in practice acquistions and physician employment
By John W. McDaniel Many hospitals and healthcare organizations are being approached by private practice physicians and physician groups seeking refuge from the unstable state of the healthcare economy and what lies ahead. While many healthcare organizations are employing physicians in order to solidify their market position, others (particularly in rural areas) find this … [Read more...] about Due diligence in practice acquistions and physician employment
How medical practices can improve pricing transparency
By Tolu Ajiboye At least 10 million Americans have lost their health insurance due to the coronavirus pandemic and no longer have employer-sponsored health coverage linked to job loss as a result of the pandemic. With these shifts, more and more patients are paying for healthcare services out-of-pocket. Patients’ price sensitivity will also likely be heightened … [Read more...] about How medical practices can improve pricing transparency
5 steps for managing a clinic efficiently
By Tom Greenhalgh Improving medical office efficiency requires evaluation and planning. If you’re constantly running behind schedule and chaos is standard operating procedure, these 5 steps can help you get and keep your practice running smoothly. Track and observe First things first: spend a few weeks tracking the flow of patients through your practice. You’ll want to … [Read more...] about 5 steps for managing a clinic efficiently
5 ways to boost health literacy, improve medication compliance
By Lisa A. Eramo Let’s face it. Prescription medications are difficult to pronounce, and their regimens can be complex. Take three Pill As with food, one Pill B in the morning, and two Pill Cs right before bed. For patients with multiple chronic conditions and/or dementia, these challenges are even greater. They may find themselves asking, "Why am I even taking this … [Read more...] about 5 ways to boost health literacy, improve medication compliance
The growing importance of value-based care during COVID-19
Lisa A. Eramo bio Quality over quantity. It’s the fundamental concept behind value-based care (VBC). Providers are paid for rendering care that improves outcomes and lowers costs. During COVID-19, VBC is critical, and in many ways, the transition couldn’t have emerged at a better time. Here are five reasons why: Skyrocketing healthcare costs Healthcare costs have … [Read more...] about The growing importance of value-based care during COVID-19
New OCR data shed light on the costs of privacy noncompliance
HIPAA enforcement isn’t nearly as fat a cash cow as enforcement of False Claims Act (FCA) and other healthcare fraud laws is, it still takes a lot of money out of the pockets of providers and into the hands of the federal government. But tracking the economics of HIPAA enforcement is tough because the government doesn’t publish data on HIPAA recovery amounts the way it does … [Read more...] about New OCR data shed light on the costs of privacy noncompliance