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
Managing patients
Make a good impression with your email closing
How you end a business email can leave a lasting impression on the recipient. The right closing can make your email feel more professional and polished, while a poor closing can detract from the message you're trying to convey. In this article, we'll explore some tips and best practices for concluding your business emails in a way that leaves a positive impression on your … [Read more...] about Make a good impression with your email closing
Before, during and after a flood: Is your medical office prepared?
Flood preparedness is an ongoing process. Regularly review and update your flood preparedness plan to ensure it remains effective and aligned with any changes in your medical office's operations and environment. Pre-Flood Preparedness: Risk Assessment: Identify flood-prone areas near the medical office and assess the likelihood of flooding. Emergency Contacts: Maintain … [Read more...] about Before, during and after a flood: Is your medical office prepared?
Practice the art of active listening
Whether you dealing with a patient at the front desk, a staffer with a problem or a physician partner with instructions for you, you need to practice active listening. The skill of active listening has the power to transform relationships, enhance team collaboration, and drive organizational success. As a manager, honing your active listening skills can lead to a more engaged … [Read more...] about Practice the art of active listening
Be ready for disaster with an emergency preparedness plan
From power outages to rainstorms, earthquakes to wildfires, the unexpected can happen. That's why your office needs a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan is essential. Here are key steps in establishing a plan. 1. Assess Vulnerabilities: Begin by identifying potential risks that could impact your office, such as natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, hurricanes), … [Read more...] about Be ready for disaster with an emergency preparedness plan
How to see your last patient on time
Getting the doctor to see the first patient of the day on schedule is no great feat. Seeing the last patient of the day on time can be a struggle. Here are some ways to make that happen: Implement an Effective Scheduling System A well-structured scheduling system is the foundation for keeping appointments on track. Consider using an electronic health record (EHR) or practice … [Read more...] about How to see your last patient on time
18 ways your medical office can run afoul of laws and regulations
Running a medical office comes the responsibility for ensuring compliance with various laws and regulations. Failure to meet compliance requirements can lead to legal, financial, and reputational troubles. Here are some—but by no means all—the ways your medical office can run into compliance trouble: HIPAA Violations: Failure to protect patient health information and maintain … [Read more...] about 18 ways your medical office can run afoul of laws and regulations
You don’t have to have all the answers: Use your team to solve problems
In the dynamic and ever-evolving healthcare landscape, medical offices face an array of challenges that demand efficient and innovative solutions. As the manager of a medical office, one of your most valuable assets is your team. By fostering a collaborative environment and leveraging the diverse skills and knowledge of your staff, you can effectively address specific issues … [Read more...] about You don’t have to have all the answers: Use your team to solve problems
5 strategies for building a strong referral network
One of your crucial responsibilities is to establish and maintain strong referral relationships with other healthcare providers. These relationships are vital for the success and growth of your practice, as they can bring in new patients and foster collaborative care. Here are some strategies to enhance referral relationships, enabling you to build a strong network and provide … [Read more...] about 5 strategies for building a strong referral network
Checklist: Is the office ready for your summer vacation?
Your long-awaited and well-deserved summer vacation is approaching. Is your staff prepared to run the office smoothly in your absence? Use this list to see if you have the bases covered. Vacation Preparation Checklist for Busy Medical Office Managers Delegate Responsibilities: Identify competent staff members to handle key tasks during your absence. Assign … [Read more...] about Checklist: Is the office ready for your summer vacation?