Why you need this model policy: This model jewelry and tattoos policy establishes guidelines for staff wearing jewelry or displaying tattoos. How this model policy helps you: This policy recognizes the value of personal self expression and establishes parameters for when personal appearance enhanced by jewelry or tattoos exceeds appropriate and reasonable workplace … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Jewelry and tattoos
General
Staff and remote access: more than patient information is at risk
Mobile technology, arguably, allows for greater efficiency and better communication. But, for the manager of a medical office, it also creates challenges. Staff who work remotely, even occasionally, may inadvertently share confidential information via unsecure networks when using smartphones and tablets, as well as personal laptops and notebook computers. Patient … [Read more...] about Staff and remote access: more than patient information is at risk
Marketing the practice: printed material
How the practice presents itself is extremely important—and while you might not think much about marketing, a little attention to it can go a long way toward creating a favorable impression. Why go there Printed marketing material not only helps convey an image, or what marketers call brand identity, it allows for sharing information. What’s more, printed material is easy to … [Read more...] about Marketing the practice: printed material
How to choose the electronic medical records vendor that’s right for you
Choosing the right electronic medical records vendor for your practice can seem like an overwhelming task—and getting it right is crucial. Before any other considerations, you want to be sure than any vendor you are considering is HITECH certified for 2014, so that you can achieve meaningful use stages one and two. This will also ensure HIPAA compliance. Beyond that the options … [Read more...] about How to choose the electronic medical records vendor that’s right for you
How Google Glass is changing the medical profession
Imagine this scenario. A physician completes a medical examination and begins to give the patient detailed instructions for maintaining his health. However, the doctor senses the patient isn't absorbing the information. So the physician dons his special eyewear, which, with a push of a button, allows him to create a video that can immediately be emailed to the patient. When the … [Read more...] about How Google Glass is changing the medical profession
New subchapters get specific for diseases of the digestive system
By Judy Monestime bio ICD-10-CM Chapter 11, "Diseases of the Digestive System (K00–K95)," contains common conditions that patients experience in their gastrointestinal tract. This section contains gastrointestinal (GI) conditions that occur in many patients from infections in the mouth and organs in the upper GI tract as well as in the appendix, small bowel, colon, … [Read more...] about New subchapters get specific for diseases of the digestive system
Money motivates EHR adoption
The Department of Health and Human Services' Office of the National Coordinator released a data brief in December addressing what motivates physicians to implement electronic health records (EHR) and the answer is … money. The data briefing reveals that financial incentives and reimbursement are currently the top reasons physicians decide to implement EHR. Physicians are … [Read more...] about Money motivates EHR adoption
When to call an HR expert for help
As a medical office manager, you typically handle day-to-day human resources responsibilities and likely feel comfortable in this role, at least most of the time. Yet, there are times when expert assistance would be welcomed or even seems required. The question is: How do you know when you need the help of an expert? Going it alone Among the various HR responsibilities, several … [Read more...] about When to call an HR expert for help
The 8 best management tips from our readers
Managing the people with their problems and personalities is the most formidable part of a medical office manager's job. So here for our readers is a long list of ways to make the job easier. They come from the many consultants and managers MOM has talked with over the years. 1 Hiring the right people Interview tactics Before hiring a job applicant, look carefully at two … [Read more...] about The 8 best management tips from our readers
Government fines present real threat for medical practices
By Steve M. Cohen bio I've been told I sometimes sound suspicious of government agencies. But consider this: Most state human rights commissions and the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) get some of their money to operate from the fines and penalties they issue against employers. Every week, state and federal organizations slap businesses … [Read more...] about Government fines present real threat for medical practices