By Dr. Steve M. Cohen You might think it unnecessary for your medical office, but I consistently recommend that my clients conduct background checks on all employees they intend to hire. Some of my clients are required to conduct background checks by state or federal statutes. This is especially widespread when employees will provide services to frail or vulnerable … [Read more...] about Background checks: better safe than sorry
Compliance
Mandatory training compliance checklist
Ensuring that all staff have completed mandatory training is critical for maintaining compliance and promoting a safe, effective work environment. Use this checklist to streamline the process and confirm that every team member has met their training requirements. 1. Identify Required Training Programs List all mandatory training required by local, state, and federal … [Read more...] about Mandatory training compliance checklist
How to navigate compliance and regulatory updates
In the ever-evolving healthcare industry, medical office managers play a pivotal role in ensuring that their practices not only adhere to current healthcare regulations but also anticipate and adapt to forthcoming changes. Compliance and regulatory updates are not merely legal obligations but cornerstones of patient safety, quality care, and operational success. In this … [Read more...] about How to navigate compliance and regulatory updates
Staying HIPAA Compliant When Responding to Online Feedback
In today’s digital age, online reviews are often the first impression patients have of your medical practice. Managing your practice's online reputation is important, but as a medical office manager, you also need to tread carefully when responding to feedback to ensure HIPAA compliance. A misstep could not only harm your reputation but also result in legal consequences. Here’s … [Read more...] about Staying HIPAA Compliant When Responding to Online Feedback
Payroll Part 2: How to Hire a Payroll Specialist for Your Medical Office
Hiring a payroll specialist for your medical office is a big decision. Payroll isn’t just about cutting checks—it’s about ensuring compliance with labor laws, maintaining employee satisfaction, and keeping the financial operations of your practice running smoothly. Here’s how you can find the right person for the job. Define the Role Clearly Before you … [Read more...] about Payroll Part 2: How to Hire a Payroll Specialist for Your Medical Office
Payroll Part 1: Deciding Between In-House and Outsourced Payroll
As a medical office manager, one of your critical responsibilities is ensuring payroll runs smoothly and accurately. It’s not just about paying your team on time—it’s also about compliance with tax laws, handling deductions, and ensuring employee satisfaction. Deciding whether to manage payroll in-house or outsource it is a significant decision that can impact your office’s … [Read more...] about Payroll Part 1: Deciding Between In-House and Outsourced Payroll
Strategies to stay updated with healthcare regulations
One of your paramount responsibilities is ensuring that your practice adheres to the myriad of healthcare regulations that govern the industry. Compliance isn't just a legal obligation; it's a cornerstone of patient safety, operational efficiency, and the overall credibility of your practice. Here's why staying updated with healthcare regulations is crucial and how you can … [Read more...] about Strategies to stay updated with healthcare regulations
HIPAA compliance quiz for medical office employees
Instructions: This quiz is designed to test your knowledge of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) requirements and regulations. Please select the best answer for each question. Choose only one answer unless otherwise specified. Good luck! Question 1: What does HIPAA stand for? a) Health Insurance Policy and Administration Act b) Health Information … [Read more...] about HIPAA compliance quiz for medical office employees
How to navigate insurance contracts
Reviewing and negotiating insurance contracts and ensuring compliance with regulations are indispensable tasks for medical office managers. These efforts not only impact the financial stability of the practice but also contribute to the quality of patient care. By approaching these strategically, medical office managers can secure favorable terms, optimize provider networks, … [Read more...] about How to navigate insurance contracts
Your interview notes could get you in trouble
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen bio Although workforce disasters usually make the headlines, there are a number of "basic" human resource tasks that should not be discounted. One is the job candidate interview. Theoretically, interviews should not be a problem. They're a common occurrence, with no possible traps, right? After all, the candidate just wants the job and you are … [Read more...] about Your interview notes could get you in trouble