By Lynne Curry Question: When our newly hired general manager pulled me into his office this morning, he asked me to fire a staff member, an individual I know well and who’s always impressed me as a hard worker. I run our company’s HR department. I asked, “Could you give me the details, so I can create a solid case for our file?” The GM, a fifty-something white man … [Read more...] about Do I Fire A Staffer Who Doesn’t Deserve It?
Risk management
Slips, Trips, and Falls in Healthcare: What You Can Do to Keep Your Medical Office Safe
In a busy medical office, slips, trips, and falls can happen in the blink of an eye—but their impact can be long-lasting, both personally and professionally. As a medical office manager, safety is one of your top responsibilities, and preventing these types of injuries is a big part of that. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about protecting your team, your patients, and your … [Read more...] about Slips, Trips, and Falls in Healthcare: What You Can Do to Keep Your Medical Office Safe
Preparing for an Audit: A Checklist for Medical Office Managers
Use this checklist to stay organized, reduce stress, and be ready for an audit at any time. 1. Patient Records and Documentation Verify all patient records are complete and up-to-date. Confirm that all consent forms are properly signed and filed. Check that medical coding is accurate and matches services rendered. Ensure that any corrected … [Read more...] about Preparing for an Audit: A Checklist for Medical Office Managers
Ensuring Accessibility for All at Your Medical Office
As a medical office manager, ensuring that your practice is accessible to all patients, regardless of their physical abilities, language skills, or other needs, is not only a legal requirement but also a moral and ethical responsibility. Accessibility means creating an environment where every patient feels welcome and can easily navigate your office, receive the care they need, … [Read more...] about Ensuring Accessibility for All at Your Medical Office
HIPAA Compliance Updates for Medical Office Managers
As of April 2025, several significant updates to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) have been introduced, impacting medical office operations. These changes aim to enhance patient privacy, bolster cybersecurity, and improve data interoperability. Below is a summary of the key updates: Enhanced Protections for Reproductive Health … [Read more...] about HIPAA Compliance Updates for Medical Office Managers
Your Role in Preventing Malpractice as a Medical Office Manager
You may not be diagnosing patients or performing procedures, but as a medical office manager, you're on the front lines of malpractice prevention every single day. Your systems, your team, and your oversight all play a critical role in creating an environment where care is safe, efficient, and legally sound. And while the clinical staff handles the medicine, you're the one who … [Read more...] about Your Role in Preventing Malpractice as a Medical Office Manager
Navigating Legal Risks in Return-to-Office Mandates
By Lynne Curry As employers push forward with their return-to-office (RTO) policies, many unknowingly step into legal minefield. The shift back to in-person work presents a host of challenges—especially for employers balancing productivity with legal obligations. Whether it’s handling accommodation requests, avoiding discrimination claims, or ensuring compliance with … [Read more...] about Navigating Legal Risks in Return-to-Office Mandates
Crisis management in a medical office: Preparing for and responding to unexpected events
In a medical office, crisis management isn’t just about handling emergencies—it's about being prepared for and responding effectively to unexpected events that could disrupt your practice and impact patient care. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a data breach, or an unforeseen staffing issue, having a solid crisis management plan is essential for maintaining the safety, … [Read more...] about Crisis management in a medical office: Preparing for and responding to unexpected events
How to curb office gossip in your medical practice
Office gossip can quickly create a toxic environment, especially in a medical practice where teamwork and trust are essential for patient care. As a medical office manager, it’s your responsibility to maintain a professional atmosphere where everyone feels respected and focused on their work. Gossip undermines that environment, breeding negativity, reducing productivity, and … [Read more...] about How to curb office gossip in your medical practice
Quick Conflict Resolution Cheat Sheet
Introduction Workplace conflicts happen—it’s just part of working with people. As an office manager, you’re often the go-to person for keeping things from boiling over and helping everyone get back on the same page. Whether it’s a disagreement between coworkers, frustration over office policies, or just a simple miscommunication, knowing how to step in the right way can make a … [Read more...] about Quick Conflict Resolution Cheat Sheet