Reviewing and negotiating insurance contracts and ensuring compliance with regulations are indispensable tasks for medical office managers. These efforts not only impact the financial stability of the practice but also contribute to the quality of patient care. By approaching these strategically, medical office managers can secure favorable terms, optimize provider networks, … [Read more...] about How to navigate insurance contracts
Managing the office
Why your medical practice needs job descriptions
Small businesses, including medical practices, often try to get by without formal job descriptions. The thinking is the manager knows what each position requires, and she or he can share this information with job candidates and new hires. Another argument is that because job tasks tend to change, job descriptions quickly become outdated. Neither of these arguments takes … [Read more...] about Why your medical practice needs job descriptions
8 proven ways to totally destroy your credibility as a manager
A manager can have great knowledge and great skills, but without credibility with both doctors and staff, don't expect success. What is credibility? It can be defined as "what we do and how we do it that causes others to respect and believe us." The "what-we-do" is the tangible things – the work and its results. The "how-we-do-it" is the behavior that demonstrates a person's … [Read more...] about 8 proven ways to totally destroy your credibility as a manager
3 steps to set up your strategic planning process
By Nick Hernandez bio There are many different models and action steps for strategic planning. Attempting to "jump right in", however, is ill-advised. Undertaking some basic pre-work will help to ensure better success for the strategic planning process. Here are three prerequisites for strategic planning: 1. Agree on a strategic planning process You should provide … [Read more...] about 3 steps to set up your strategic planning process
5 quick ways to make your waiting room more welcoming
A full office makeover may not be possible, but every medical practice can make improvements to its patient waiting room. 1 Keep it clean All places of business should be clean, but arguably none more than a medical practice waiting room as it speaks to the quality of care. Take a look around. Are the windows and doors clean? Is there dust on the tables? Does the … [Read more...] about 5 quick ways to make your waiting room more welcoming
What to do when your doctor becomes a patient
Their role as healers makes it easy to forget physicians are subject to the same illnesses that befall other humans. They are not invincible, even though their silence about their own health might lead staff and patients to believe otherwise. Physician illness is a topic that's not often discussed, even within the physician community. When physicians do broach the subject, … [Read more...] about What to do when your doctor becomes a patient
COMPLIANCE: A 10-step compliance strategy for OSHA Recordkeeping Rules
January is the season when employers must compile their OSHA logs for the previous year. Here’s an overview of the OSHA Recordkeeping Standard and a 10-step strategy to ensure compliance. Step 1: Figure out if your office is covered Physician offices are among the industries listed by North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) as being partially exempt from the … [Read more...] about COMPLIANCE: A 10-step compliance strategy for OSHA Recordkeeping Rules
7 terms to include in your patient debt collection agency services contract
Outsourcing patient collections enables medical practices to generate needed cash flow and concentrate on clinical operations. That, at least, is the theory. But the strategy does not always work. One of the key factors of success is the actual services contract the medical practice signs with the agency. Many a medical practice has seen the anticipated benefits of outsourcing … [Read more...] about 7 terms to include in your patient debt collection agency services contract
How to improve your office team with cross-training
Cross-training in a medical office is a powerful strategy to boost your team's capabilities, enhance operations, and provide top-notch patient care. By broadening the skill sets of your staff, you create a more versatile workforce capable of handling diverse responsibilities. Advantages of Cross-Training Enhanced Flexibility: Example: A medical receptionist … [Read more...] about How to improve your office team with cross-training
How to navigate compliance and regulatory updates
In the ever-evolving healthcare industry, medical office managers play a pivotal role in ensuring that their practices not only adhere to current healthcare regulations but also anticipate and adapt to forthcoming changes. Compliance and regulatory updates are not merely legal obligations but cornerstones of patient safety, quality care, and operational success. In this … [Read more...] about How to navigate compliance and regulatory updates