Medical Office Manager

Risk management

Model Policy: Substance Abuse and Fitness for Duty

Workplace substance abuse remains a major challenge for workplaces. Although sound in principle, the traditional zero tolerance policy is ill-suited to the legal complexities of the modern world. This is especially true in states that have legalized marijuana. You can still take a clear and firm line on employee drug and alcohol abuse for the purpose of health and safety. But … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Substance Abuse and Fitness for Duty

7 ways to support mental health in your office

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a good time to devote some thought to how you can support mental health in your office. Here are some ideas for advancing mental health in the workplace: Encourage open communication: Encourage your employees to speak openly about their mental health and provide a safe space for them to do so. Encourage managers to be approachable and … [Read more...] about 7 ways to support mental health in your office

Text messaging can get your medical office in trouble with HIPAA

There are several pitfalls associated with using text messaging in a medical office when it comes to complying with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations. Here are a few examples: Lack of Encryption: Standard SMS text messages are not encrypted, which means that messages containing sensitive patient information can be intercepted and read … [Read more...] about Text messaging can get your medical office in trouble with HIPAA

The nomadic remote employee: Employee dream, employer nightmare

By Lynne Curry Question: Several of our employees regularly travel out of state. Before the pandemic, they took vacations for several days or weeks. They and we understood they were on vacation. The situation was clear cut. Our current team includes three employees who want to travel and stay for weeks or even months, in places like Hawaii and Thailand or with relatives. … [Read more...] about The nomadic remote employee: Employee dream, employer nightmare

Model Policy: OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control

All medical practices need infection control policies and procedures. And with regard to one particular form of infection— bloodborne pathogens that get into the bloodstream via puncture or piercing by contaminated needles or other medical sharps— QA measures must include a specific exposure control policy that meets the requirements of the federal workplace safety law called … [Read more...] about Model Policy: OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control

10 tips for winter safety in your office parking lot

As extreme winter conditions continue in many parts of the country, remember to have your office parking lot maintained for the safety of your employees and patients. Here are some tips for promoting safety in your office parking lot this winter and being better prepared for future winters: Clear the parking lot of snow and ice regularly to improve traction and reduce … [Read more...] about 10 tips for winter safety in your office parking lot

Are there guns in your workplace?

By Lynne Curry If you think the national division over guns hasn’t hit your workplace, you haven’t been listening. Not only are the employees who advocate for increased gun control, including a ban on assault-style rifles like the AR-15, engaged in an active argument with those who argue for fewer restrictions on gun owners’ ability to carry concealed firearms—but some of … [Read more...] about Are there guns in your workplace?

Signs of potential disaster were present at Walmart—Are they at your workplace?

By Lynne Curry There were signs of potential disaster that later erupted in six deaths when Walmart supervisor Andre Bing shot and killed six coworkers in November. There always are. Four decades of investigating violent workplace incidents have convinced me of this. “I didn’t want to say anything,” someone always says, “but….” “That was just ‘Jon,’ but we all sort of knew … [Read more...] about Signs of potential disaster were present at Walmart—Are they at your workplace?

Physician and medical office to pay over $2.6M for false claims and kickback allegations

Allegations of improper billing and kickbacks have led to a penalty of more than $2.6 million for a Connecticut medical practice and physician. United States Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery and Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced that Feel Well Health Center of Southington, PC,  (formerly doing business as “Feel Well Health Center”) and Kevin P. Greene, M.D. … [Read more...] about Physician and medical office to pay over $2.6M for false claims and kickback allegations