Why you need this model policy: Establishing a formal policy for employee resignation will help ensure that staff transitions go smoothly; the practice treats employees fairly and consistently; and legal requirements are followed. How this model policy helps you: Use this model policy as a guide to establish a formal, written policy for employee resignation. How to use … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Employee resignation
Managing staff
Office “families” require work, no matter the makeup
By Steve M. Cohen bio Medical offices are a unique brand of organization that frequently face their own challenges and opportunities. A good example involves situations where one or more relatives work together in the office. This "nepotism" is not always as negative as that may sound, but it does raise several possible concerns. I would not avoid the situation … [Read more...] about Office “families” require work, no matter the makeup
Medical biller sentenced to 45 months in prison for role in $4 million health care fraud scheme
The medical biller of a Chicago-area visiting physician practice was recently sentenced to 45 months in prison for her role in a $4 million health care fraud scheme. Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Fardon of the Northern District of Illinois, Special Agent in Charge Lamont Pugh III of the … [Read more...] about Medical biller sentenced to 45 months in prison for role in $4 million health care fraud scheme
Secrecy in the age of social media: six ways to keep sensitive practice information offline
You can be sure that most of your employees are active on social media. For younger ones, in fact, using Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are as natural as breathing. According to James Pooley, author of "Secrets: Managing Information Assets in the Age of Cyberespionage," social media and the sharing culture it has sparked are very real threats to organizations. "The … [Read more...] about Secrecy in the age of social media: six ways to keep sensitive practice information offline
Model Policy: Workplace bullying
Why you need this policy: Workplace bullying is a serious and common occurrence, and your practice has a responsibility to make sure it does everything possible to prevent it. How this policy helps you: This policy helps define workplace bullying, and provides guidelines for what will not be tolerated. How to use this policy: Customize this policy for your medical … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Workplace bullying
These office engagements don’t involve a ring
By Steve M. Cohen bio It's always exciting when someone at the office gets engaged to marry. There's another type of engagement that is important at work: engagement in the job. For any staff member, manager or even an owner/partner, there are key questions: Are you engaged? Is your staff engaged? The answers are critical. I often quote the Gallagher Organization. … [Read more...] about These office engagements don’t involve a ring
Try this “win-win” solution to stop personal internet use by staff
Manager Beth C. Pharr of North East Orthopaedics in Tupelo, MS, relies on a basic management practice when she presents any new policy. "I make it a win-win situation," she says. "I tell staff 'this why it's necessary, and this is how it benefits you.'" Such was the case when Pharr set a policy to solve a problem common to almost every office – personal internet use. To … [Read more...] about Try this “win-win” solution to stop personal internet use by staff
Handling complainers: every office has one, but what should you do?
By Steve M. Cohen bio Handling an "office complainer" may be one of the most overlooked management issues in the books. We all know a complainer—someone who never seems to be happy with the way things are, and often attributes to others their perceived woes and the perceived woes of any organization they're involved with. This can be a minor issue. In fact, most of us are … [Read more...] about Handling complainers: every office has one, but what should you do?
Fairness in the employment setting can be everything
By Steve M. Cohen bio I have worked closely with two organizations: The Transgender Institute (TTI) and the Gender Policy Associates (GPA). TTI is an organization that provides therapy, consultation, and coaching to transgender people. This is a population that is much misunderstood; in schools they are subject to extensive bullying. At work, they are often subject to … [Read more...] about Fairness in the employment setting can be everything
NY manager gets more done with 15 minute one-on-one meetings
Offices with a limited number of staffers can follow the management lead of a New York medical office manager who has replaced full-staff meetings with 15-minute individual meetings in which she talks with each person privately. In a group, not everything gets brought out, says the manager of the practice, which has just seven staffers. There is no opportunity to listen to … [Read more...] about NY manager gets more done with 15 minute one-on-one meetings