A recent survey on employment background checks finds the vast majority of Americans supports and expects employers to conduct regular background checks on prospective employees. Of additional importance to medical office managers is that the number one place Americans expect to feel safe is their doctor's office. Some key takeaways from the survey include: 95 percent … [Read more...] about Study finds overwhelming support for employment background checks
Managing the office
Do you have a practice bully?
By Lynne Curry bio At first you hear rumblings, and then they turn into a rockslide. If you have a practice bully, a domineering charge nurse, an it's-all-about-me IT manager or a physician so aware of the dollars he brings to your clinic that he could not care less about those he rides roughshod over, you've got a problem. What happens if you don't address a … [Read more...] about Do you have a practice bully?
$900 million in false billing results in charges against medical practices throughout the U.S.
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell have announced an unprecedented nationwide sweep led by the Medicare Fraud Strike Force in 36 federal districts, resulting in criminal and civil charges against 301 individuals, including 61 doctors, nurses, and other licensed medical professionals, for their … [Read more...] about $900 million in false billing results in charges against medical practices throughout the U.S.
Study of 20 years of employee benefits trends finds important changes
Over the past 20 years, employers have increased and decreased benefits strategically in response to the needs of the workplace and employees, as well as to economic and technological changes. And some of these changes have been significant. So finds "2016 Employee Benefits: Looking Back at 20 Years of Employee Benefits Offerings in the U.S.," a recently released report from … [Read more...] about Study of 20 years of employee benefits trends finds important changes
Can’t they just get along?
By Lynne Curry bio We think personality clashes are inevitable. But are they? After 36 years spent unraveling people dynamics in the workplace, I've learned that while we give lip service to the idea others do things differently than us, we continue to hope that if they would instead do things the right way, our way, everything would run smoother. It helps to realize … [Read more...] about Can’t they just get along?
Are you stifling your staff’s enthusiasm?
Many articles have been written about motivating staff. Medical Office Manager has published many of these, which are usually how-to articles, aimed at increasing productivity. These pieces often share tried-and-true ways to engage employees more fully. Sometimes rewards and recognition are the hooks for motivation and greater engagement. Such techniques work, and can … [Read more...] about Are you stifling your staff’s enthusiasm?
Starting salaries for physicians spiking, according to study
Starting salaries for both primary care and specialist physicians increased significantly in the last 12 months, according to a new report, reflecting a rising demand for physicians and a growing physician shortage. Prepared by Merritt Hawkins, the nation's largest physician search and consulting firm and a company of AMN Healthcare, (NYSE: AHS), a leader in health care … [Read more...] about Starting salaries for physicians spiking, according to study
Industry challenged to create more patient-friendly medical billing
Furthering the goals of focusing on patients, coordinate health care delivery, and making health information more accessible, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a new challenge for all stakeholders in health care—designing a better medical bill that is easier for patients to understand. The HHS press release regarding the challenge notes … [Read more...] about Industry challenged to create more patient-friendly medical billing
Use contract employees and temporary workers to solve difficult staffing issues
If your medical practice is like most, it's difficult to make a case for adding full-time office staff. And it's no wonder. The benefits associated with a full-time employee in the health care industry — including Social Security, 401k/403b contribution, disability insurance, health insurance, pension plan, and paid time off — add approximately 40 percent to an employee's … [Read more...] about Use contract employees and temporary workers to solve difficult staffing issues
Go nuclear: gain critical mass for your office
By Steve M. Cohen bio Nuclear reactions are a big deal, and in a sense you can gain some of that power in your office with a little planning. In case physics wasn't your favorite course, nuclear reactions involve what is called "critical mass," the presence of enough fissionable material to creation a reaction. If you can create critical mass, then things start to … [Read more...] about Go nuclear: gain critical mass for your office