When a new manager took over the office of a Miami gastroenterology practice, the office had just lost two physicians and needed to increase referrals for the three physicians who remained. So she took on the job of marketing. Her approach was direct and simple, but the results were so good that now, less than two years later, the schedule stays full. First, she put together … [Read more...] about New referrals come from a visit, a folder, and chocolate cookies
FL
Manage your medical office’s holiday party liability risks
You may be hosting a big holiday party for your employees this December. And, like many medical offices do, you may be serving liquor at that party. That's fine. Just make sure you understand what you're getting yourself into. Relax. We're not going to lecture you on the dangers of drinking and driving. No sense preaching to the choir. But what we can do to help you out is … [Read more...] about Manage your medical office’s holiday party liability risks
A clean office is a healthy and profitable office
Patients lose faith in an office when they see clutter and dusty plastic plants and dirt in the corners. The likely reaction is, "This office is okay for a common cold, but I don't want to have a biopsy here." So it is important to place continued emphasis on keeping the office not only clean but orderly. "People are judged by their appearance," says the manager of a Florida … [Read more...] about A clean office is a healthy and profitable office
In Florida, a wheel of fortune ends the not-my-job syndrome
A Florida manager has turned around the "that's-not-my-job" syndrome with a wheel of fortune that gets spun once a month and carries a dozen good items – gift certificates to car washes, movies, and grocery stores. The best is $100 cash. To spin the wheel, staff have to get nominated. And what they get nominated for is outstanding _____. The administrator of a pain management … [Read more...] about In Florida, a wheel of fortune ends the not-my-job syndrome
A four-day week improves quality of life as well as revenues for Florida office
Four days on with Fridays "sort of " off is terrific, says the practice manager of a five-physician, 28-staff medical office in Florida. Quality of life is improved with that extra day every week, she says. And the added advantage is that revenues are above and beyond what they were previously. The practice manager proposed the four-day schedule several years ago when gas was … [Read more...] about A four-day week improves quality of life as well as revenues for Florida office
Over 168,000 healthcare workers use illicit drugs, warns Novus Medical Detox Center
A new study out of Australia revealed that, on average, 37 healthcare professionals die each year from drug overdoses. Meanwhile, U.S. government surveys found that more than 168,000 healthcare and social assistance workers engage in illicit drug use each year. Between 2003 and 2013, Australian coroners documented 404 drug-related fatalities among healthcare professionals, … [Read more...] about Over 168,000 healthcare workers use illicit drugs, warns Novus Medical Detox Center
$900 million in false billing results in charges against medical practices throughout the U.S.
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell have announced an unprecedented nationwide sweep led by the Medicare Fraud Strike Force in 36 federal districts, resulting in criminal and civil charges against 301 individuals, including 61 doctors, nurses, and other licensed medical professionals, for their … [Read more...] about $900 million in false billing results in charges against medical practices throughout the U.S.
Health IT offers career growth opportunities, according to new survey
The first of its kind survey about health IT professionals—an evolving field that links information technology, communications, and health care to improve the quality and safety of patient care—addresses new data correlating education and experience with salary and job satisfaction in the field. The survey, from Bisk Education, a leader in online education, and USF Health … [Read more...] about Health IT offers career growth opportunities, according to new survey
Paid sick leave: what medical practices need to know
Currently, there is no federal law that requires private sector employers, including medical practices, to provide paid or unpaid sick leave, explains a new report from XpertHR, an online service for HR professionals from Reed Business Information. Without federal legislation in place, however, several states and local jurisdictions have taken matters into their own hands by … [Read more...] about Paid sick leave: what medical practices need to know
Electronic cigarettes: why your practice needs a “vaping” policy now
Your employment policies address cigarettes, and so you think you have the smoking issue covered. Well, think again. Electronic cigarettes have created new challenges for employers. Electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes, first became available in the United States in 2006 and have grown in popularity. Designed to look like cigarettes, they are battery-powered … [Read more...] about Electronic cigarettes: why your practice needs a “vaping” policy now