Embezzlement is easy in a medical office because little amounts come through every day, many of them in cash, and $5 here or $10 there doesn't get missed. The scheme can be as simple as a staffer walking off with a bit of cash now and then. But it can also be elaborate. Somebody sets up a fictitious vendor and writes checks to the bogus company. Or somebody sets up a bank … [Read more...] about Are employees embezzling funds from your medical practice?
Increasing profits
A six-question oral survey can help the manager and improve morale
The people closest to the work are the ones who have the best suggestions for improving it. You can take advantage of staff ideas by getting their recommendations in an informal survey. Not only will it generate usable ideas for the manager, but it may help morale because when people are asked for their opinions, they become committed to the organization. There's a sense … [Read more...] about A six-question oral survey can help the manager and improve morale
25 ideas for going green at work
To help celebrate Earth Day, here are 25 ideas for going green at work from FlexJobs, a telecommuting and flexible job site that has long promoted going green in its business practices. Take a look at these tips and then consider going green whenever possible, every day. It's easier than you might think to make every day Earth day. Reduce or eliminate your paper usage. Print … [Read more...] about 25 ideas for going green at work
3 ways you can boost office morale fast
Which would you rather have: an upbeat, engaged staff that contributes to a successful practice or a staff that grudgingly shows up for work each day and plods through required tasks? Obviously, the first choice is preferable. In reality, however, your staff probably includes at least several employees who fit the latter category. Still, if most employees are happy, you … [Read more...] about 3 ways you can boost office morale fast
4 common mistakes that lead to high accounts receivables
By Ricki Ransom bio Now more than ever, physicians need to closely monitor the impact health insurance plans have on their revenue cycle management. The hard truth is, high AR is an indicator that RCM performance improvements should be made in your practice immediately. So what are the red flags you should look out for to lower your practice's AR? According to … [Read more...] about 4 common mistakes that lead to high accounts receivables
How to write a strong collection letter
Increasing patient payments improves the practice's bottom line. But how exactly do you motivate patients to pay? To write an effective collection letter, follow these guidelines. • Make it short. Limit the letter to one page. Limit the paragraphs to two sentences. Limit the sentences to 22 words. And limit the words to three syllables. Do this and the message will be … [Read more...] about How to write a strong collection letter
Involving staff in marketing generates good ideas and sense of teamwork
An office manager looking for ways to encourage a team atmosphere decided to ask staff to help market the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) practice where they all work. The goal was to help staff see that everyone plays a key role in the four-physician, 22-staff practice. The office manager began by holding a meeting focused on the important role everyone plays in marketing the … [Read more...] about Involving staff in marketing generates good ideas and sense of teamwork
Should your physicians blog?
Blogging, when successful, results in a certain notoriety, which, in the case of a physician blogger, calls attention to his or her medical practice. Such notoriety can help market the practice and result in new patients. But there are other reasons doctors blog—and, in fact, marketing the practice isn't one of the primary reasons physicians take to the keyboard. Dr. John … [Read more...] about Should your physicians blog?
Patient referrals: an untapped source of new revenue
Medical practices sometimes mistakenly believe that patient referrals don't matter. However, like customer referrals, patient referrals are an important—and often untapped—source of new business. There are multiple ways to make sure your practice is encouraging referrals. Here are several areas where you should focus. Family members and their friends Perhaps the most … [Read more...] about Patient referrals: an untapped source of new revenue
3 guidelines for building your medical practice’s budget
By Nick Hernandez bio It is once again time for medical practices to be working on their operating budget for the next calendar year. Unfortunately, too few practices actually take the time to create a meaningful budget, instead seeing the endeavor as complex and time-consuming, and usually resulting in something that won’t be used. Creating and following a budget involves … [Read more...] about 3 guidelines for building your medical practice’s budget