By Steve M. Cohen bio I'm often amused by people who talk about how we are now past problems that have plagued humanity for centuries. Now that we're well into the 21st century, they predict we can stop focusing so much on things like racism and sexual harassment. Certainly, some things are better today. As a group, we no longer accept certain behaviors, at least … [Read more...] about No matter the century, humans are still human
Managing staff
What to do when a doctor harasses staffers but no one complains
Q: One of our doctors continuously makes inappropriate remarks to the staff. He thinks the remarks are funny. The staff don't complain, but what's said is obviously inappropriate. Everyone likes the doctor, and the other doctors want to keep him on staff. They have counseled him, but he continues. What should we do? A: No office can afford to turn a blind eye to sexual … [Read more...] about What to do when a doctor harasses staffers but no one complains
Raffle gets staffers to monthly 8 a.m. meeting
A raffle for prizes gets each monthly meeting off to a fun start for the staff at Finger Lakes Medical Associates in Geneva, NY. Director of operations Eileen Szanyi says the draws are designed to increase attendance at the 8 a.m. meetings. “Those attending put their names into a basket for the month’s prizes,” she explains. “The gifts don’t have to be costly. One prize is … [Read more...] about Raffle gets staffers to monthly 8 a.m. meeting
Battle for a safe workplace continues to evolve
By Steve M. Cohen bio In case anyone wondered, the battle to counter workplace harassment and violence is definitely intensifying. In 2005, a physician killed a nurse who he worked with at a hospital. It was later learned that the murder followed a long history of harassment by the doctor. Worse, the hospital management had known of these incidents. But at that … [Read more...] about Battle for a safe workplace continues to evolve
How technology is going to affect HR processes in 2016
Imagine software that runs on a phone, delivers on-the-job skills training via video, and integrates with a learning management system that shows a manager how well employees have mastered new skills. This is just one example of the innovations emerging to help improve productivity at work, according to Josh Bersin, principal at Bersin by Deloitte, Deloitte Consulting LLP. … [Read more...] about How technology is going to affect HR processes in 2016
Dealing with winter weather
As winter weather arrives with force in many parts of the country, it brings a reminder of the impact snowstorms have on businesses both large and small. Winter storms cause frustration for business owners, management, and HR professionals as they deal with the disruption each new snowflake brings. Inclement weather related issues include early school closings and the … [Read more...] about Dealing with winter weather
Are you unintentionally discriminating against staffers with family?
There's a fairly new area of discrimination to watch out for, and it applies to staff as well as to employee physicians. It's family responsibility discrimination, or discrimination against employees who take time off to serve as caregivers for family members. And related to that is discrimination against both women and men who take time off for maternity and child care. Family … [Read more...] about Are you unintentionally discriminating against staffers with family?
Big issues faced by medical office managers
By Steve M. Cohen bio Although medical office managers face many unique issues, some of the most challenging are those shared with managers of other types of organizations. Take the difficulties of hiring and retaining good staff. Although the professional demands of a medical office are certainly unique, workforce strategies such as developing talent from within … [Read more...] about Big issues faced by medical office managers
Medical practice staffing trends
Effective medical office management requires staying abreast of staffing trends. With this in mind, Medical Office Manager takes a look at the trends most likely to impact your practice. Physician shortage According to projections by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the United States faces a shortage of more than 90,000 physicians by 2020 and 130,000 … [Read more...] about Medical practice staffing trends
Colorado practice cuts costs by hiring IT staffer
Manager Arlene Zimmerman had an IT cost awakening when the computer went down. She called in the vendor's tech support and paid $100 to find out the computer was simply unplugged. "I told myself 'never again!'" says Zimmerman, who manages four-physician Colorado Springs Family Practice in Colorado Springs, CO. So she started on a path of building up as much IT support as … [Read more...] about Colorado practice cuts costs by hiring IT staffer