When your medical office establishes a website, be sure to set some boundaries and limits for individuals using that website, and give careful attention to the individuals referenced at the site. To set boundaries for individuals using the site, you should have a terms-of-use policy available on the website which includes disclaimers about the purpose of the site and what … [Read more...] about Important guidelines for your medical practice website
Managing the office
Health care providers optimistic but losing confidence in ACA according to study
While more than three-quarters of health care providers express optimism about the future of U.S. health care overall, support for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has lessened according to a new study by Mortenson, one of the leading health care contractors in the United States. The number of health care providers who feel positive about the ACA has fallen significantly in … [Read more...] about Health care providers optimistic but losing confidence in ACA according to study
Good managers avoid termination disasters
By Steve M. Cohen bio Letting an employee go is rarely easy. Even when the decision is inescapable or the party in question so obviously a negative for the office, the act of termination is usually unpleasant. Most managers will wonder if they've made the right decision. They'll wonder, "Perhaps I should give this person just one more chance," or "Do the bad … [Read more...] about Good managers avoid termination disasters
The why, when, and how of a severance agreement and what it needs to cover
A severance agreement can benefit both employer and employee. On the employer side, it’s an insurance policy against employee litigation. “It thwarts claims by former employees,” says employment law attorney Jonathan B. Orleans of Pullman & Comley in Bridgeport, CT. And on the employee side, it softens the blow of being without work and tides people over until they can … [Read more...] about The why, when, and how of a severance agreement and what it needs to cover
Model Policy: Employee resignation
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
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
HHS announces $685 million to support clinicians delivering high quality, patient-centered care
Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell recently announced $685 million in awards to 39 national and regional health care networks and supporting organizations to help equip more than 140,000 clinicians with the tools and support needed to improve quality of care, increase patients' access to information, and reduce costs. The Transforming Clinical Practice … [Read more...] about HHS announces $685 million to support clinicians delivering high quality, patient-centered care
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