From power outages to rainstorms, earthquakes to wildfires, the unexpected can happen. That's why your office needs a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan is essential. Here are key steps in establishing a plan. 1. Assess Vulnerabilities: Begin by identifying potential risks that could impact your office, such as natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, hurricanes), … [Read more...] about Be ready for disaster with an emergency preparedness plan
Managing the office
How to see your last patient on time
Getting the doctor to see the first patient of the day on schedule is no great feat. Seeing the last patient of the day on time can be a struggle. Here are some ways to make that happen: Implement an Effective Scheduling System A well-structured scheduling system is the foundation for keeping appointments on track. Consider using an electronic health record (EHR) or practice … [Read more...] about How to see your last patient on time
18 ways your medical office can run afoul of laws and regulations
Running a medical office comes the responsibility for ensuring compliance with various laws and regulations. Failure to meet compliance requirements can lead to legal, financial, and reputational troubles. Here are some—but by no means all—the ways your medical office can run into compliance trouble: HIPAA Violations: Failure to protect patient health information and maintain … [Read more...] about 18 ways your medical office can run afoul of laws and regulations
You don’t have to have all the answers: Use your team to solve problems
In the dynamic and ever-evolving healthcare landscape, medical offices face an array of challenges that demand efficient and innovative solutions. As the manager of a medical office, one of your most valuable assets is your team. By fostering a collaborative environment and leveraging the diverse skills and knowledge of your staff, you can effectively address specific issues … [Read more...] about You don’t have to have all the answers: Use your team to solve problems
10 ways to reduce time-wasting meetings
Purposeful Meeting Agendas: Before scheduling any meeting, clearly define its purpose and desired outcomes. Craft a detailed agenda and share it with participants in advance. This helps attendees prepare relevant input and ensures that the meeting stays focused on achieving its objectives. Consider Alternatives: Not all communication requires a formal meeting. Explore … [Read more...] about 10 ways to reduce time-wasting meetings
Checklist: Is the office ready for your summer vacation?
Your long-awaited and well-deserved summer vacation is approaching. Is your staff prepared to run the office smoothly in your absence? Use this list to see if you have the bases covered. Vacation Preparation Checklist for Busy Medical Office Managers Delegate Responsibilities: Identify competent staff members to handle key tasks during your absence. Assign … [Read more...] about Checklist: Is the office ready for your summer vacation?
Working on everything everywhere all at once? Try monotasking
In today's fast-paced business environment, office managers are often faced with a multitude of tasks and responsibilities. As the demands of the job continue to grow, it becomes increasingly tempting to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously, commonly known as multitasking. However, there is an emerging school of thought that promotes the merits of monotasking—focusing on one … [Read more...] about Working on everything everywhere all at once? Try monotasking
How to handle breakroom conflicts
You've got a days-old tuna and pesto wrap stinking up the fridge, unwashed cups in the sink, and muffin crumbs on the table. You could fit-test a respirator with the smell of banana peels wafting from the overfull trash can. The 15 minutes you were going to spend reading the latest thriller disappeared when you had to scrub and refill the scorched coffee pot. Experiences like … [Read more...] about How to handle breakroom conflicts
6 common problems in medical offices, and suggested solutions
Got a problem with your office? Chances are it's one of a half-dozen common problems for medical offices. Here are the problems and suggested solutions. 1 Streamlining Appointment Scheduling Problem: Patients often experience long wait times and confusion during the appointment scheduling process. Solution: Implement an online appointment scheduling system that allows … [Read more...] about 6 common problems in medical offices, and suggested solutions
7 ways to create a comfortable waiting room
When you step into a medical office waiting room, you want to feel comfortable, at ease, and assured that you're in good hands. As a medical office manager, it's essential to design a waiting room that reflects the care and attention you provide to your patients. Here are some best practices to consider as you create a welcoming and efficient environment. Focus on … [Read more...] about 7 ways to create a comfortable waiting room