Mergers and takeovers are a fact of life in today's everchanging healthcare industry. Here is advice to consider on how to navigate this intricate process, maintain the continuity of care, and enhance the efficiency of the merged medical practice. Before diving into specific strategies, it's essential to have a clear understanding of the merger process. Typically, an office … [Read more...] about How to navigate a healthcare office merger
MA
How to handle 5 common types of problem staffers
Every office has its problem employees. And confronting them is a task every manager dreads. There is, however, an easy way to do it: with a brief, nonconfrontational conversation. Tell the staffer what behavior the manager expects, tell what positive results the office will see from the change, and leave no room for argument. Here management trainer Jamie Resker, president of … [Read more...] about How to handle 5 common types of problem staffers
What every office manager needs to know about ‘at-will’ employment
What does at-will employment mean? It means that either the employer or the employee can end the relationship at any time and for any reason or for no reason at all – unless there is a contract for a term of employment. So why should a manager be concerned about that? Because most states say yes, there can be an implied contract of employment and no, that contract doesn't … [Read more...] about What every office manager needs to know about ‘at-will’ employment
When patients can’t get into the doctor’s office, but need medical attention
Telehealth offers options for patients who seek medical attention for common ailments but can't get in to see a doctor. Recognizing the need, and the opportunity, health care providers are increasingly embracing telehealth. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts' members can now use their smartphone, tablet or computer for a real-time, secure telehealth visit with a doctor or … [Read more...] about When patients can’t get into the doctor’s office, but need medical attention
Massachusetts doctor indicted in Anti-Kickback case
A Massachusetts gynecologist was arrested in connection with allegedly accepting free meals and speaker fees from a pharmaceutical company in return for prescribing its osteoporosis drugs, allowing pharmaceutical sales representatives to access patient records, and lying to federal investigators. The physician was indicted on one count of violating the Anti-Kickback Statute, … [Read more...] about Massachusetts doctor indicted in Anti-Kickback case
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
Protect yourself legally and physically when you fire a staffer
Besides being unpleasant, firing a staffer is dangerous. There are two concerns, says employment law attorney Denise I. Murphy of Rubin and Rudman in Boston. Of first importance is the physical safety of the manager and everybody else in the office. Of second importance is legal safety. The manager has to minimize the risk of a claim of wrongful termination, discrimination, … [Read more...] about Protect yourself legally and physically when you fire a staffer
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
Are you violating state “time off” requirements for employees who are parents?
Although back-to-school season rolls around every year, it always seems to bring a level of stress for working parents. And is it any wonder? A new schedule and new commitments require finding ways to meet all the demands of daily life. For households with two working parents, it can be extremely difficult; and for single-parent households, even more so. It's easy for employers … [Read more...] about Are you violating state “time off” requirements for employees who are parents?