Q: One of our doctors continuously makes inappropriate remarks to the staff. He thinks the remarks are funny. The staff don't complain, but what's said is obviously inappropriate. Everyone likes the doctor, and the other doctors want to keep him on staff. They have counseled him, but he continues. What should we do? A: No office can afford to turn a blind eye to sexual … [Read more...] about What to do when a doctor harasses staffers but no one complains
Risk management
Battle for a safe workplace continues to evolve
By Steve M. Cohen bio In case anyone wondered, the battle to counter workplace harassment and violence is definitely intensifying. In 2005, a physician killed a nurse who he worked with at a hospital. It was later learned that the murder followed a long history of harassment by the doctor. Worse, the hospital management had known of these incidents. But at that … [Read more...] about Battle for a safe workplace continues to evolve
Dealing with winter weather
As winter weather arrives with force in many parts of the country, it brings a reminder of the impact snowstorms have on businesses both large and small. Winter storms cause frustration for business owners, management, and HR professionals as they deal with the disruption each new snowflake brings. Inclement weather related issues include early school closings and the … [Read more...] about Dealing with winter weather
Even when you’re right, you may not be right
By Steve M. Cohen bio We live in times that can be very difficult for managers. It seems as if every day, there are new court cases and precedents that could impact your office. Interpreting these in view of your organization can be difficult. I usually suggest a conservative philosophy. I'm not talking "conservative" as in red states or blue states. I'm … [Read more...] about Even when you’re right, you may not be right
Missing the small things can cause big problems
By Steve M. Cohen bio Medical office managers have an unusually wide range of demands, and it's easy, even necessary to keep an eye on the big picture. But sometimes elements that aren't especially strategic can still have major ramifications. Here are a few areas that I've seen cause some big problems. • Lack of written directions and policies, or … [Read more...] about Missing the small things can cause big problems
Recovering from data corruption or loss
Many businesses, including medical practices, that rely heavily on network data to conduct business operations, interact with customers or patients, process payments, or for remote access for off-site employees believe they are protected from data loss or network failure because they have a "backup and recovery" system in place. Unfortunately, this false sense of security can … [Read more...] about Recovering from data corruption or loss
Seasons change. So do laws and regulations
By Steve M. Cohen bio As fall turns to winter, it is a good time to examine other changes that impact us all. To me, it's clear that the legal and regulatory climate of our world is changing. Whether you manage a masonry firm or medical office, the changes are everywhere. But these transformations are not steady, like the movement of a glacier. They come in jerks and jolts … [Read more...] about Seasons change. So do laws and regulations
9 important dos and don’ts for using social media to promote your practice
Federal and state laws are implicated when a medical office decides to promote its services, whether through establishing a website for the medical office or participating in forums such as Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter. This article focuses on the do's and don'ts arising from federal and state laws on advertising and privacy. 1 Do be truthful When a medical office establishes … [Read more...] about 9 important dos and don’ts for using social media to promote your practice
Good managers watch for bad behavior
By Steve M. Cohen bio I know that many office managers sometimes feel like a kindergarten teacher. Even with the best team, there's always one or two who rub each other the wrong way or seem to have more than their share of complaints, either complaints about what they do or say, or what others do or say to them. Ultimately, no one can promise you much more … [Read more...] about Good managers watch for bad behavior
When an employee has body odor
Q: I don't know how to say this delicately, so I'll get right to the point. A staffer at our practice has terrible body odor. Her B.O. is so bad that several other staffers have approached me, saying they don't want to work with her. Also, they have asked me to do something about the situation. I'm usually good at counseling employees, but this particular problem has me … [Read more...] about When an employee has body odor