Why you need this form: Leave-sharing programs must meet certain criteria in order to be valid under the Internal Revenue Service's general tax rules and under various state laws. How this form helps you: A leave-sharing program must be in writing and created as a "leave bank" into which employees may deposit donated leave. How to use this form: Check with your state law … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Catastrophic leave program donation form
Managing staff
Think long and hard before friending work colleagues on Facebook
By Lynne Curry I get it. You love Facebook and when individuals you work with requested you add them as friends, you did. At first, you didn’t have any trouble. Instead, you had the fun of seeing your coworkers’ interesting endeavors and the reinforcing experience of so many colleagues wanting to be your friends and then liking your posts. But then it happened. Perhaps … [Read more...] about Think long and hard before friending work colleagues on Facebook
Background checks: better safe than sorry
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen You might think it unnecessary for your medical office, but I consistently recommend that my clients conduct background checks on all employees they intend to hire. Some of my clients are required to conduct background checks by state or federal statutes. This is especially widespread when employees will provide services to frail or vulnerable … [Read more...] about Background checks: better safe than sorry
“Why are you leaving us?” 5 key questions to ask staffers who resign
There's good information to be had from a staffer who's leaving. Here are a few rules to follow and a few questions to ask. Two minutes before the exit Do the interviewing just as the staffer is ready to walk out the door. That means late afternoon of the last day. The 11th-hour timing ensures that whatever negative remarks the staffer makes won't carry repercussion. … [Read more...] about “Why are you leaving us?” 5 key questions to ask staffers who resign
21 easy ways to boost practice profitability fast
Simple changes to billing procedures, hiring policies, purchasing, patient relations, and other daily activities can have a positive impact on your practice's bottom line. Here are 21 ways you can quickly boost practice profitability. 1. Name a reimbursement coordinator To get all the reimbursement possible, hire or appoint someone to be a reimbursement coordinator. It … [Read more...] about 21 easy ways to boost practice profitability fast
18 great ideas to make you a better manager
Here are 18 good ideas that can be of value to any manager. 1 Reduce the interruptions. During busy times, move the chair around so your back is to the door. People hesitate to interrupt when they can’t make immediate eye contact with the manager. Stand up when people come in and stay standing. As long as the manager is standing, the visitor won’t start up a long … [Read more...] about 18 great ideas to make you a better manager
What it takes for a good manager to be a good leader
A good manager is often synonymous with being a good leader, but it's important to recognize that while there is overlap between the two roles, they are not identical. A manager typically has responsibilities related to organizing, planning, and controlling processes and resources to achieve specific goals. On the other hand, a leader focuses on inspiring, motivating, and … [Read more...] about What it takes for a good manager to be a good leader
Why your medical practice needs job descriptions
Small businesses, including medical practices, often try to get by without formal job descriptions. The thinking is the manager knows what each position requires, and she or he can share this information with job candidates and new hires. Another argument is that because job tasks tend to change, job descriptions quickly become outdated. Neither of these arguments takes … [Read more...] about Why your medical practice needs job descriptions
8 proven ways to totally destroy your credibility as a manager
A manager can have great knowledge and great skills, but without credibility with both doctors and staff, don't expect success. What is credibility? It can be defined as "what we do and how we do it that causes others to respect and believe us." The "what-we-do" is the tangible things – the work and its results. The "how-we-do-it" is the behavior that demonstrates a person's … [Read more...] about 8 proven ways to totally destroy your credibility as a manager
What to do when your doctor becomes a patient
Their role as healers makes it easy to forget physicians are subject to the same illnesses that befall other humans. They are not invincible, even though their silence about their own health might lead staff and patients to believe otherwise. Physician illness is a topic that's not often discussed, even within the physician community. When physicians do broach the subject, … [Read more...] about What to do when your doctor becomes a patient