By Dr. Steve M. Cohen I've found that most organizations can benefit significantly from a simple, low-cost change in their operations: more two-way communication. For busy medical office managers, time can be among their most valuable commodities so I don't make this recommendation lightly. But even a few minutes each day to foster better communication with your staff can pay … [Read more...] about An inexpensive organizational fix: communication
Productivity
10 tested ways to make your staff meetings more interesting and productive
Say the word “meeting” and people tend to groan. In fact, according to a survey conducted by Salary.com, which looks at where and how employees waste time, nearly half of those surveyed cite attending meetings as the biggest time-waster. But a meeting can be a positive experience. Really. As a medical office manager, a meeting offers you a leadership opportunity. It serves as … [Read more...] about 10 tested ways to make your staff meetings more interesting and productive
American workers struggling to make ends meet
Three-quarters of Americans (75 percent) are living paycheck to paycheck to make ends meet, according to a survey from CareerBuilder, a global leader in human capital solutions. Thirty-eight percent of employees say they sometimes live paycheck to paycheck, 15 percent say they usually do, and 23 percent say they always do. While making ends meet is a struggle for many … [Read more...] about American workers struggling to make ends meet
Family and business: not always the best mix
By Steve M. Cohen bio In my experience, nepotism often brings a range of personal and organizational issues that are worth noting. First, let me acknowledge that there is clearly a place in many offices where related people work together. The classic case is a small office, but even some larger organizations can avoid problems if they are careful. But there are … [Read more...] about Family and business: not always the best mix
ICD-10: from transition to full implementation—and the first round of updates
The transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10, which took effect October 1, 2015, has significantly impacted health care providers. An entirely new set of codes as well as expansion of codes for greater specificity are now required. ICD-10 is a completely different system. The code set has been expanded from five positions (first one alphanumeric, others numeric) to seven positions. … [Read more...] about ICD-10: from transition to full implementation—and the first round of updates
Smartphones sapping productivity at work
Technology helps workers stay connected while away from the office, but in many cases it is causing them to disconnect while in the office, leading to a negative impact on productivity. According to a recent survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of CareerBuilder, a global leader in human capital solutions, 19 percent of employers think workers are productive less than … [Read more...] about Smartphones sapping productivity at work
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?
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
How to avoid talking politics with your boss and coworkers
Many folks agree, in theory, that it's wise to avoid talking politics with your colleagues. And yet this contentious election season it seems almost impossible to escape from distracting, annoying, and sometimes upsetting political commentary—even at work. Beverly Jones, executive coach and author of the book, "Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO," advises workers to … [Read more...] about How to avoid talking politics with your boss and coworkers
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?