Do you have interpreters on staff or on call for your medical practice? Interpreters are essential for medical care when language is a barrier. Consider the results of a study reported in this article from Boston Children's Hospital: By Veronica Giarla Sharing medical concerns with clinicians can be hard for anyone—a challenge that’s amplified in patients when English … [Read more...] about Interpreters improve patient care
Managing patients
8 tips for successful collections and increased revenue
A robust collections process is essential for the financial health and sustainability of your practice. By implementing the right strategies and adopting a proactive approach, you can significantly enhance your collections efforts. Here are 8 essential tips and best practices to help you optimize collections and maximize revenue for your medical office. Verify Insurance … [Read more...] about 8 tips for successful collections and increased revenue
Sample policy for a medical office on diversity, equity and inclusion
Office Policy on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy Statement: At [Medical Office Name], we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment that values and respects the diversity of our employees, patients, and the communities we serve. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to providing quality healthcare and … [Read more...] about Sample policy for a medical office on diversity, equity and inclusion
Patient right of access: Consequences are extreme if you get it wrong
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
How to help someone suffering domestic abuse
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), observed in October, is a time to recognize victims and raise awareness about the devastating impact of domestic violence. As the manager of a medical office, you are in a unique position to detect possible abuse of both patients and staff members and to be of help. Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any … [Read more...] about How to help someone suffering domestic abuse
Plan now for a smooth winter holiday season
As autumn paints the world in warm hues, it's time to plan how to keep the office running smoothly over the holiday season. Staff scheduling and coverage One of the foremost considerations in holiday planning is managing staff scheduling and coverage. Start by reviewing vacation requests submitted by your staff. Ensure that requests are handled well in advance, allowing ample … [Read more...] about Plan now for a smooth winter holiday season
17 projects for the last quarter of 2023
As we start the last quarter of the year, it's time to plan the projects that need to be done before we close out 2023. Here's a list to consider. Financial Review: a. Review the year-to-date financial statements to assess the financial health of the practice. b. Prepare a budget for the upcoming year, considering revenue, expenses, and capital investments. Insurance … [Read more...] about 17 projects for the last quarter of 2023
Patient resources for Healthy Aging Month
September is Healthy Aging Month. Here are resources from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to encourage your patients to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Services to recommend: Preventive services Cognitive assessment & care plan services Chronic care management services Behavioral health integration services Information for your patients: Preventive … [Read more...] about Patient resources for Healthy Aging Month
Is our wart lady here yet? Respecting patient privacy and dignity
True story: A friend of a staff member here at Medical Office Manager, awaiting treatment at a general practitioner's office for a small but bothersome wart, heard this loud call into the crowded waiting room, "Is our wart lady here yet?" She changed doctors after that embarrassing experience. Calling patients into medical office examination rooms while protecting their … [Read more...] about Is our wart lady here yet? Respecting patient privacy and dignity
What to do when a student forges a note from the doctor
Question: We were contacted by a local school today questioning a doctor's note from the provider. We had the school send a copy of the note and learned that the parent of the patient (the patient is a minor) had created a letter that appeared to come from our practice. It looked like it was on letterhead, sort of, and included the practice information and the doctor's name at … [Read more...] about What to do when a student forges a note from the doctor