All seven of the courts that have confronted this issue in the past decade have ruled that employers can enforce zero tolerance drug policies to fire employees for lawful use of medical marijuana. Here’s the rundown: 2013: COLORADO (Federal Court) What Happened: Brewery employee with hepatitis C, fired after testing positive for marijuana, claims use was legal under … [Read more...] about Is firing employees for medical marijuana discrimination?
General
Office handbook: danger in saying too much or too little
While most offices have an employee handbook, few realize the responsibilities and even dangers it creates. A handbook ensures that both employer and employee understand the full picture of the employment. It tells what the office expects of the employee in terms of behavior, and it tells what the employee can expect of the office in terms of salary, benefits, and so … [Read more...] about Office handbook: danger in saying too much or too little
Model Tool: Certification table – professional credentials for medical office managers
Why you need this table: Professional credentials can help advance your career, but first you have to know what type of certification to pursue and what the requirements are. How this table helps you: This table will show you what professional credentials are available for medical office managers, and what the requirements are for certification. How to use this table: Use … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Certification table – professional credentials for medical office managers
How to deliver bad news to 3 kinds of underperforming employees
The talk of management isn't easy. Here are three especially difficult conversations to be prepared for: the poor performance discussion, the no-raise-for-you discussion, and the we're-having-layoffs discussion. Business consultant, corporate trainer, and psychotherapist Linnda Durre, PhD, of Winter Park, FL, outlines what to say, and what not to say, to get the message … [Read more...] about How to deliver bad news to 3 kinds of underperforming employees
BLS report indicates demand for trained, certified medical managers will grow fast
The good news for medical office managers is that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that the employment for medical and health services managers will increase 23% between 2012 and 2022. The BLS and other sources indicate that the baby boom population will spur growth in the healthcare industry as their need for medical services increases as they age. The BLS also … [Read more...] about BLS report indicates demand for trained, certified medical managers will grow fast
Boost revenue by training all staff on coding
Recently, we told you about the importance of getting the right people to handle your coding and billing. But the work doesn't stop once you've hired the best staff or outsourced with a reputable billing company. To keep on top of changes and compliance issues, training is essential. Here are answers to the classic five Ws: Who, What, When, Where, and Why, and the bonus, H: … [Read more...] about Boost revenue by training all staff on coding
Model Policy: Medical marijuana
Why you need this policy: Now that medical marijuana is legal in many states, it’s important that you adjust your zero tolerance drug policy to address, if not accommodate, it. How this policy helps you: This model policy provides the appropriate language to use for your state. How to use this policy: Modify your existing workplace drug policy to include medical marijuana … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Medical marijuana
Loyalty and co-operation are not optional
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen It might sound obvious, but being a key employee, especially a top-level manager, requires above all organizational loyalty. Yet, in many businesses, some employees are working at cross proposes with their organization. Assume that Office A has an objective, probably something articulated in their mission and vision statement. This objective could be … [Read more...] about Loyalty and co-operation are not optional
Here’s how to evaluate a transcription company and also get top service
Choosing a medical transcription company and getting top transcription service from it is a two-way street. The company has to meet certain standards. At the same time, the office has to do its part to make it possible for the company to succeed, says Alisha Harris, owner of Precision Transcription in Albany, NY. And to achieve both, the manager needs to be aware of five … [Read more...] about Here’s how to evaluate a transcription company and also get top service
Start local managers group to make job easier
"It doesn't matter if there are three people or five or 20," says the manager of an internal specialty medical office in Tennessee. It's worth the effort to set up a local management group. She did that in her area years ago and still finds it useful. The setup was not difficult. It was just a matter of calling the other managers and saying, "Why don't we get together and … [Read more...] about Start local managers group to make job easier