By Nick Hernandez bio Many practices are hearing about telemedicine and becoming increasingly interested in how such a program could be implemented in their operations. Physicians want to start a telemedicine program quickly. Practice managers don't want to learn by trial and error. The biggest issue I see by far is that practices immediately focus on the technology. … [Read more...] about What you need to consider before getting started in telemedicine
Managing the office
What to do when a staffer lodges a valid complaint against a doctor
Any complaint from a staffer about a boss is unpleasant to address. But when the alleged culprit is a physician, the situation can get grim. Confronting the doctor could put the manager in a job-threatening position. It's a touchy situation, says Linnda Durre, PhD, a business consultant, corporate trainer and author of "Surviving the Toxic Workplace: Protect Yourself Against … [Read more...] about What to do when a staffer lodges a valid complaint against a doctor
Here’s how to get good stuff about the office during an exit interview
An exit interview should bring to light far more than what is good and bad about the office. It should give insight into what's really going on and produce ideas for making improvements. There's an art to exit interviewing. It's a matter of getting the staffer to talk and asking the questions that will keep them talking. A smile at the start Start by setting a positive … [Read more...] about Here’s how to get good stuff about the office during an exit interview
How exit interviews support your management
By Paul Edwards bio Does your practice use exit interviews safely and beneficially? Small practices do not need to conduct these interviews in person—in fact, you shouldn't! However, making an attempt to gather exit interview perspectives from every departing employee can help support your management actions and protect the practice. The steps you should take depend … [Read more...] about How exit interviews support your management
The 10 things HHS says you should be doing to stop phishing, ransomware and other threats
HHS has published a Guidance on cybersecurity for healthcare organizations. Even though it's voluntary, the new HHS Guidance is significant to the extent it lays out the agency's expectations of the measures medical offices and other organizations should take to protect medical data from cybersecurity threats. How the Guidance came about The genesis of the Guidance is a … [Read more...] about The 10 things HHS says you should be doing to stop phishing, ransomware and other threats
How an OBGYN practice increased their Google ratings
Prospective patients frequently rely on online reviews from current or former patients before selecting a physician. But how can you convince your satisfied patients to post good reviews? Here's how one OG-GYN practice handled it. "We are a private practice OBGYN office in Southern New Hampshire," writes Administrative Coordinator, Amanda Giglio, "and, as a specialty … [Read more...] about How an OBGYN practice increased their Google ratings
Roundtable discussions focus on ‘whatever anybody needs help with’
Staff meetings are important, but they aren't enough, says Martha King, practice manager of Portland Surgical Associates in Portland, ME. Generally, staff meetings cover things staff don't have a hand in. What King has found is that staff also need time to discuss operational matters and talk about "whatever anybody needs help with." So for those other things, King holds … [Read more...] about Roundtable discussions focus on ‘whatever anybody needs help with’
How telehealth can transform your medical practice
Telehealth— the practice of providing a range of healthcare services remotely, as opposed to face-to-face— is revolutionizing the practice of medicine. Adopting it can help you substantially grow your medical practice, according to Nick Hernandez, founder and CEO of ABISA, a consultancy specializing in strategic healthcare initiatives. "I have been helping … [Read more...] about How telehealth can transform your medical practice
Employee incentive program increases number of patient well exams—and practice revenue
Pediatric Medical Group of Santa Maria, located in Santa Maria, CA, has found a way to quadruple the amount of well child and well baby exams at its office. "In the past, we always ran a recall report and had our staff call patients that were due for well exams," Camille Gamble, practice manager, tells Medical Office Manager. Although the process seemed to work okay, … [Read more...] about Employee incentive program increases number of patient well exams—and practice revenue
Is your medical office prepared to accommodate an aging population?
Talk of an aging population isn't idle chatter. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 2030 will mark a significant turning point in the nation's history. By then, all baby boomers will be older than 65. This means that one in every five residents will be retirement age. An aging population presents increasing challenges from the standpoint of health care and related patient … [Read more...] about Is your medical office prepared to accommodate an aging population?