Nearly two-thirds of U.S. physicians report feeling burned out, depressed—or both—with one in three physicians admitting that their feelings of depression have an impact on how they relate to patients and colleagues, according to the first Medscape National Report on Physician Burnout and Depression. With more than 15,000 practicing physicians responding across 29 … [Read more...] about Majority of U.S. physicians say they’re burned out or depressed
Managing patients
What’s the ‘employee experience’ like at your medical practice?
Professionals have been talking about the customer experience, the patient experience, and the candidate experience for years, so it was bound to happen. Another term is now being batted around in human resource and management circles: the employee experience. Before you dismiss it as another buzz term or, worse, a fad, consider the implications of ignoring this crucial … [Read more...] about What’s the ‘employee experience’ like at your medical practice?
The predatory patient and your workplace environment
By Lynne Curry bio You've met the predatory patient and possibly even tangled with him. He or she makes life difficult for your staff, particularly your front desk employees, and possibly even for you because his status as a patient enables him to do so. Often he represents hundreds of thousands of dollars in billings. Do medical practices have a responsibility to … [Read more...] about The predatory patient and your workplace environment
Are 5 common, but undiscussable, workplace behaviors putting your patients at risk?
A new study by VitalSmarts suggests that slackers, timid supervisors, toxic peers, and arrogant doctors are common in healthcare. But, while frustrating, these behavior problems aren't the real problem. The real problem in healthcare is silence. VitalSmarts’ study of workplace drama in healthcare found that while most employees and physicians frequently witness these … [Read more...] about Are 5 common, but undiscussable, workplace behaviors putting your patients at risk?
CMS has added new quality information to the Physician Compare website
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has added new quality information to the Physician Compare website. The Affordable Care Act required the establishment of the Physician Compare website. The goal of the website is to help patients and caregivers make informed choices about the Medicare physicians and other clinicians they see; publicly reporting both new … [Read more...] about CMS has added new quality information to the Physician Compare website
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
Communication dos and don’ts
Managers still spend a great deal of time communicating face to face, despite the proliferation of technology. However, because of technology, verbal communication skills sometimes take a backseat to written communication skills. Nevertheless, how you say something can be as important as what you say. With this in mind, here are communication dos and don'ts. Do Make sure … [Read more...] about Communication dos and don’ts
How to write a strong collection letter
Increasing patient payments improves the practice's bottom line. But how exactly do you motivate patients to pay? To write an effective collection letter, follow these guidelines. • Make it short. Limit the letter to one page. Limit the paragraphs to two sentences. Limit the sentences to 22 words. And limit the words to three syllables. Do this and the message will be … [Read more...] about How to write a strong collection letter
Miracle Flights provides 724 free medical flights in August
The nation's leading medical flight charity, Miracle Flights, has reported 724 free flights provided in August to critically ill children and adults in need of specialized, distant medical care. Last month's total reflects a significant increase from 599 flights performed in August 2016. Since 1985, the Las Vegas–based national nonprofit organization has provided free medical … [Read more...] about Miracle Flights provides 724 free medical flights in August
CMS reveals new Medicare Card design
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently gave the public its first look at the newly designed Medicare card. The new Medicare card contains a unique, randomly assigned number that replaces the current Social Security-based number. CMS will begin mailing the new cards to people with Medicare benefits in April 2018 to meet the statutory deadline for … [Read more...] about CMS reveals new Medicare Card design