By Nick Hernandez bio Physicians are well aware of the need for planning. Indeed, they devise clinical plans on a daily basis as they formulate the best way in which to care for a patient. However, when is the last time you spent time working on operational planning for your practice? Many physicians or practice administrators reading this will be thinking, "Who has the time … [Read more...] about The four elements of successful operational planning
Risk management
Cyberthreats demand your attention and a customized approach
The recently released BakerHostetler 2017 Data Security Incident Response Report highlights the critical need for senior executives in all industries to understand and be ready to tackle the legal and business risks associated with cyberthreats and to have enterprisewide tactics in place to address intrusions before they happen. At the same time, Dell just released the … [Read more...] about Cyberthreats demand your attention and a customized approach
How one irritated patient can start a social media firefight
By Lynne Curry bio Here's the scenario: One of your physicians considers himself "a law unto himself." When an employee or patient protests how he treats them, he wastes no time telling the employee or patient why they are wrong or where to find the exit door. You've tried for years to get this physician to take it easier on people. No such luck. You've begged … [Read more...] about How one irritated patient can start a social media firefight
Stay cyber safe with some digital spring cleaning
The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and Better Business Bureau (BBB) are encouraging consumers to get their online lives in good order by conducting a thorough cleanse of their cyber clutter and make "digital spring cleaning" an annual ritual to help protect valuable personal data. A NCSA survey found that preventing identity theft is a top safety concern for Americans, … [Read more...] about Stay cyber safe with some digital spring cleaning
A 10-step workplace violence prevention and liability management plan
This will help you prevent workplace violence and manage your medical office's liability risks. You don't need us to tell you that violence in the workplace has become a major societal problem. You probably also recognize that taking steps to keep violence out of your own workplace is not only a moral but a legal imperative. But what you may not know is exactly how to go about … [Read more...] about A 10-step workplace violence prevention and liability management plan
Is your medical practice’s social media policy adequate?
By Nick Hernandez bio By now every physician should be aware of the benefits that can be bestowed upon their practice as a result of social media. Indeed, many practices are engaging in one or more social media platforms on a regular basis. Moreover, staff members are most definitely active in social media, and probably use it while at work. Physicians and … [Read more...] about Is your medical practice’s social media policy adequate?
3 legal protections to include in your patient debt collection agency services contract
Outsourcing can be an effective way to overcome patient collection challenges. But it can also backfire if the collection agency you contract with uses illegal, unethical or insensitive collection tactics. One of the keys to managing these risks is to include proper legal protections in your services contract. This article covers the three legal protections you should include … [Read more...] about 3 legal protections to include in your patient debt collection agency services contract
What employee drug use is costing your practice
Workers with substance use disorders miss nearly 50 percent more days than their peers, and up to six weeks of work annually, according to analysis from the National Safety Council, NORC at the University of Chicago, and Shatterproof. Despite the alarming new statistics, there is a persistent gap between employer perceptions of impact and the actual human and business costs … [Read more...] about What employee drug use is costing your practice
How to make firing easier on everyone
The termination process is difficult for a manager, as well as the staffer being fired. These three steps won't alleviate all the pain, but they will make the process easier for all concerned. 1 Do it Friday While some human resources experts say firing is best done in the middle of the week, most recommend doing it on Friday afternoon. This time is best for the office because … [Read more...] about How to make firing easier on everyone
Medication errors associated with health information technology
Use of health information technology (HIT), such as computerized prescriber order entry systems and pharmacy information systems, can help prevent patient safety problems; however, if designed or implemented poorly, HIT can have significant adverse consequences for patient safety. HIT and medication-error events Between January 1 and June 30, 2016, Pennsylvania healthcare … [Read more...] about Medication errors associated with health information technology