Managing the people with their problems and personalities is the most formidable part of a medical office manager's job. So here for our readers is a long list of ways to make the job easier. They come from the many consultants and managers MOM has talked with over the years. 1 Hiring the right people Interview tactics Before hiring a job applicant, look carefully at two … [Read more...] about The 8 best management tips from our readers
Productivity
The demise of sexual harassment: don’t bet on it
By Steve M. Cohen bio With issues such as bullying and workplace violence making the headlines, it might seem as if sexual harassment is no longer a major workplace issue. Don't bet on it. Sexual harassment continues to exist, and it's going to be a major workplace issue for as long as people are people. That's not to excuse insensitive or outright aggressive behavior, but … [Read more...] about The demise of sexual harassment: don’t bet on it
Loyalty and co-operation are not optional
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen It might sound obvious, but being a key employee, especially a top-level manager, requires above all organizational loyalty. Yet, in many businesses, some employees are working at cross proposes with their organization. Assume that Office A has an objective, probably something articulated in their mission and vision statement. This objective could be … [Read more...] about Loyalty and co-operation are not optional
Are your patients happy? Here’s how to find out
Monitoring the pulse of patient satisfaction is crucial to the health of your practice. Indeed, patient satisfaction can mean the difference between a thriving, profitable practice and one that’s barely breaking even. And since patients have a significant effect on the work environment, their satisfaction impacts your staff’s morale. In order to accurately … [Read more...] about Are your patients happy? Here’s how to find out
Flu, not Ebola, poses biggest threat to workplace productivity
With the country’s attention focused on the Ebola virus, many American’s may overlook the fact that flu season is right around the corner. And, while it is impossible to predict how this flu season will compare to previous years, one thing is certain: Employers nationwide are likely to see millions of lost work days and billions of dollars in lost productivity. … [Read more...] about Flu, not Ebola, poses biggest threat to workplace productivity
No training budget? No problem!
By Steve M. Cohen bio Whatever happened to the training budgets? Oh, I forgot—it's the economy, stupid! But even in the current climate, don't forget that employees still have the need for training. Training can be related to, and even intertwined with, good morale, professional development, and team building. In fact, team learning is team building. No one disputes … [Read more...] about No training budget? No problem!
Line management systems help manage practice waiting rooms
Every medical office manager knows that keeping patients waiting in long, slow-moving lines is a recipe for poor service. Not only can long waits cause patients to become extremely upset and agitated, they can also result in lost opportunities in the form of walk-outs and poor patient reviews. This is especially the case in today's world of instant information … [Read more...] about Line management systems help manage practice waiting rooms
Managers, are you creating a community or an organization?
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen There is a managerial question that is often overlooked: Is your office a community or an organization? A community is, by definition, inclusive. An organization is, by definition, exclusive. Let's use the military as an example of an exclusive organization. When people enlist, there are ranks to climb with each level being more selective and more … [Read more...] about Managers, are you creating a community or an organization?
Consider an employee complaint line
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen A client told me that they eliminated their 800 number complaint line. When I asked why, they said, "All we got were complaints!" I disagreed. Whether they are from employees or customers, complaints are invaluable because the feedback provides an opportunity for examination. I realize the protocol might be slightly different for a medical office, but … [Read more...] about Consider an employee complaint line
Nurses’ work-related injuries and physical discomfort impact patient care
Findings of an independent survey conducted by Ergotron, a Nortek company that manufactures ergonomic workplace products, highlights many of the day-to-day difficulties nurses face with medical equipment, clinical workflow, electronic health records (EHRs), physical strain or injury and how these factors impact the delivery of quality patient care. Of note, 60 percent of nurses … [Read more...] about Nurses’ work-related injuries and physical discomfort impact patient care