The healthcare landscape is evolving, and telemedicine has emerged as a transformative tool for medical practices to expand their reach, improve patient access, and provide high-quality care remotely. Integrating telemedicine services into your practice requires careful planning and execution, considering aspects like technology, staff training, patient communication, and … [Read more...] about Integrating telemedicine into your practice
Risk management
7 tips for a safe winter commute
In the best of winters, driving to and from the office can be challenging. This winter is becoming downright dreadful in many parts of the country. Snow, ice, and cold weather can all create hazardous conditions on the road, and it is important to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of yourself and others. Here are tips for winter driving safety for you and your … [Read more...] about 7 tips for a safe winter commute
Compliance quiz: Which employees can you discipline for smoking pot at work?
SITUATION Your practice is located in a state where recreational and medical marijuana use is legal. But still you're shocked to find three of your employees smoking pot at work. The employees recognize that they've been caught red-handed but each offers up a different explanation: Bud reveals that he's addicted to marijuana; Herb explains that he uses medical … [Read more...] about Compliance quiz: Which employees can you discipline for smoking pot at work?
Safety Briefing: How to weather winter storms
Stormy weather, with snow, ice, rain and wind are a distinct possibility this time of year. You can use this sample safety briefing to remind your staff to keep themselves, their families, patients and co-workers safe during winter storms. Subject: Winter Storm Emergency Safety Briefing Dear [Medical Office Staff], As we enter the winter season, it is essential for all … [Read more...] about Safety Briefing: How to weather winter storms
Tips for successfully transitioning ownership of your medical practice
Transitioning ownership of a medical practice can be extremely risky, especially without considerable preparation, according to medical practice consultant Nick Hernandez, CEO and founder of ABISA, LLC in Valrico, FL. "Succession planning is not a boiler template that you can apply from one practice to another. There are a lot of nuances that are really particular to your … [Read more...] about Tips for successfully transitioning ownership of your medical practice
Sample policy for a medical office on diversity, equity and inclusion
Office Policy on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy Statement: At [Medical Office Name], we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment that values and respects the diversity of our employees, patients, and the communities we serve. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to providing quality healthcare and … [Read more...] about Sample policy for a medical office on diversity, equity and inclusion
When a full-time employee works a second full-time job
By Lynne Curry Question: I supervise a talented but difficult employee, whose performance has always been spotty but recently went downhill. Lately, “Scott” has dragged himself into the office every morning. He looks exhausted. His eyelids half-close during staff meetings. Because I felt concerned, I asked him if he was okay. He said he was just working too hard. He pointed … [Read more...] about When a full-time employee works a second full-time job
Patient right of access: Consequences are extreme if you get it wrong
By Suze Shaffer Patients’ right of access has extreme consequences if they are not handled properly. It starts the moment a patient makes this request. HIPAA prohibits unreasonable measures when patients are requesting access to their medical records. Most practices think this request must be in writing. Although this is ideal, sometimes it can cause a problem when the … [Read more...] about Patient right of access: Consequences are extreme if you get it wrong
Plan now for a smooth winter holiday season
As autumn paints the world in warm hues, it's time to plan how to keep the office running smoothly over the holiday season. Staff scheduling and coverage One of the foremost considerations in holiday planning is managing staff scheduling and coverage. Start by reviewing vacation requests submitted by your staff. Ensure that requests are handled well in advance, allowing ample … [Read more...] about Plan now for a smooth winter holiday season
Make someone responsible for HIPAA compliance and security
By Suze Shaffer Preventing data breaches and securing patient data is everyone’s responsibility, but the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) requires someone to be the point person. Make sure you have assigned a HIPAA Privacy Officer and a HIPAA Security Officer. Everyone in the practice needs to know who these people are by these titles. In a small practice it could be just one … [Read more...] about Make someone responsible for HIPAA compliance and security