By Cheryl Toth, MBA bio You don't need a degree in English to write professional-looking business documents. Here are seven things that add polish to business writing prose. 1. Use standard business fonts. I'm all about creativity. But don't get creative when it comes to business fonts. Stick to Arial or Times New Roman. If the organization you're writing to or for … [Read more...] about 7 ways to modernize business writing mechanics
Working with physicians
Inside your practice: Communicating, leading, & managing amid change
The only thing constant is change, said the Greek philosopher Heraclitus. And although he never managed a medical practice, his words certainly apply to the healthcare environment. The case for transparency Change is a constant for the healthcare industry. Mergers, acquisitions, facility closings, and new technologies and methods—it's hard enough just to keep up let alone … [Read more...] about Inside your practice: Communicating, leading, & managing amid change
Four common strategic planning mistakes
By Nick Hernandez bio Strategic planning is an essential business activity. However, several common mistakes must be understood so that practice administrators can guard against them. Pointing out these mistakes is not a criticism of the process but acknowledgement of improper implementation. Medical practice leaders must recognize both the benefits and the potential pitfalls … [Read more...] about Four common strategic planning mistakes
12 signs you are about to lose your job
Call it denial. Call it turning a blind eye to what’s going on. But even the most business-savvy manager can fail to see when the job is in jeopardy. People think it will happen to everyone else but not to themselves. Managers might be observing negative goings-on in their medical offices without cluing in that their jobs are on the line. The only way to stay safe is to … [Read more...] about 12 signs you are about to lose your job
4 ways you are apologizing wrong
By Stacey Hanke bio Apologies are something we love to receive and hate to give. And especially as a leader, they are tough. They require a great deal of humility, which challenge your pride and ego. They are an open admission of failure and wrongdoing, but when delivered with sincerity, they hold power with your team. Unfortunately, too many leaders give superficial … [Read more...] about 4 ways you are apologizing wrong
New study highlights importance of meaningful conversations between clinicians and terminally ill patients
The final year of life with serious illness can be filled with emotional distress and uncertainty about treatment options. And when people with serious illness have conversations with their doctors and nurses about their personal values, goals, and what might be ahead with their illness, they are more likely to receive the care they want, feel less distress and report better … [Read more...] about New study highlights importance of meaningful conversations between clinicians and terminally ill patients
8 steps to quickly and (almost) painlessly creating an employee handbook tailored to your medical office
Writing an employee handbook from scratch can be a daunting task. Where do you start? What do you include? And how are you going to find time to write the thing? It's tempting to set the job aside and wait until work slows down a bit. Of course if you wait for the perfect time to write, it's unlikely that you will actually do it at all. So we're here to help you get the project … [Read more...] about 8 steps to quickly and (almost) painlessly creating an employee handbook tailored to your medical office
Study finds alarming ambivalence about gender discrimination in the workplace, despite evidence that compensation inequality and harassment exist
Randstad US has released results of a survey examining American workers' feelings and experiences related to gender equality in the workplace. The data reveals a sharp disconnect: Employees acknowledge that forms of discrimination and harassment exist in the workplace, but they aren't sure what they're supposed to do about it. For example, while 51 percent of both men and women … [Read more...] about Study finds alarming ambivalence about gender discrimination in the workplace, despite evidence that compensation inequality and harassment exist
Evaluating a physician partnership
By Nick Hernandez bio Bringing in a physician partner has many advantages: A partner may help your practice grow and become more successful; partners allow you to share the workload and to combine skills with another provider; and you can enrich your practice by having a solid teammate. However, business partners can become your greatest asset or your worst liability. … [Read more...] about Evaluating a physician partnership
Upping your game as a medical office manager
Managing an efficient and profitable medical practice depends upon your ability to master a specific set of management skills, implement best practices, and maintain specific identifiable behaviors and attitudes that are proven to drive management and career success. Those skills, best practices, and attitudes are at the heart of successful medical office management and can … [Read more...] about Upping your game as a medical office manager