By Shane Carter bio Being a practice manager in today's health care environment is a very tough job. Disruptive and transformational change is underway in health care delivery. The modernization of health care has created a complex, changing environment that requires a successful practice to employ technology, advanced systems, and an educated and dedicated staff. Because … [Read more...] about What makes a successful practice manager
Managing the office
Sexual harassment in the workplace: how your practice’s policy can make a difference
Employees are more likely to report sexual harassment they witness at work when there is a zero-tolerance policy in place, according to a new study conducted by Florida International University (FIU). The study's findings show that companies where zero-tolerance policies are a top-priority are particularly effective in increasing the reporting of the most common forms of … [Read more...] about Sexual harassment in the workplace: how your practice’s policy can make a difference
How to clean up a messy back office fast
To maintain a professional operation, an office has to maintain a professional appearance throughout. People think if they work in a back area, they can be messy and have food and clutter on their desks, says the practice administrator for a four-physician, seven-staff surgical office in New York City. Wrong. The billing office needs to look as nice as the front desk even … [Read more...] about How to clean up a messy back office fast
12 common errors in English you’ll want to avoid
Writing errors reflect poorly on you—and on the medical practice. Even if English wasn't your best subject, it's not too late to brush up on the basics. Here are 12 common errors you'll want to avoid. 1. You're/your You're is a contraction, short for "you are." Your is a possessive pronoun, as in "It's your birthday." Quick check: Can you substitute "you are"? If so, … [Read more...] about 12 common errors in English you’ll want to avoid
What’s the ‘employee experience’ like at your medical practice?
Professionals have been talking about the customer experience, the patient experience, and the candidate experience for years, so it was bound to happen. Another term is now being batted around in human resource and management circles: the employee experience. Before you dismiss it as another buzz term or, worse, a fad, consider the implications of ignoring this crucial … [Read more...] about What’s the ‘employee experience’ like at your medical practice?
Model Flu Vaccination Policy
(Mandatory and Voluntary)
Why you need this policy:
Vaccination is the most effective defense against flu viruses. So it behooves you to ensure that your staff members get flu shots every year at the start of every flu season. But what if someone neglects or just plain refuses to be vaccinated?
How this policy helps you:
If someone neglects or just plain refuses to be vaccinated, you have two … [Read more...] about Model Flu Vaccination Policy
(Mandatory and Voluntary)
The predatory patient and your workplace environment
By Lynne Curry bio You've met the predatory patient and possibly even tangled with him. He or she makes life difficult for your staff, particularly your front desk employees, and possibly even for you because his status as a patient enables him to do so. Often he represents hundreds of thousands of dollars in billings. Do medical practices have a responsibility to … [Read more...] about The predatory patient and your workplace environment
Are 5 common, but undiscussable, workplace behaviors putting your patients at risk?
A new study by VitalSmarts suggests that slackers, timid supervisors, toxic peers, and arrogant doctors are common in healthcare. But, while frustrating, these behavior problems aren't the real problem. The real problem in healthcare is silence. VitalSmarts’ study of workplace drama in healthcare found that while most employees and physicians frequently witness these … [Read more...] about Are 5 common, but undiscussable, workplace behaviors putting your patients at risk?
Set aside two hours for staff and keep interruptions in check
Some of the most annoying problems are often solved with the simplest of solutions. Such was the case at an internal medicine practice in Macon, GA. The practice has eight physicians and nearly 75 staff, but only one administrator dealing with constant interruptions that made getting her work done difficult. Most of the interruptions were from staff with small, but necessary, … [Read more...] about Set aside two hours for staff and keep interruptions in check
7 employee benefits you can give to your staff at little or no cost
A question readers often ask Medical Office Manager is what benefits can they give staff that won't break the budget. In response, we researched the benefits medical offices and other types of businesses offer. Some are unusual. Google, for example, provides free haircuts. A Japanese company even gives a one-day "heartache leave" each year to female employees who lose at … [Read more...] about 7 employee benefits you can give to your staff at little or no cost