A medical practice focuses on patient health and well-being. Yet, too often, the workplace doesn't promote staff health and well-being – and, in fact, detracts from it. Why does it matter? A healthy workplace encourages staff engagement and productivity, which has a direct impact on the profitability of the practice. To evaluate your workplace, and make necessary … [Read more...] about Easy ways to make your medical office healthier
Managing staff
Missouri staff train each other on solving the day-to-day issues
The best staff training, says a Missouri medical office manager, is the training staff give one another. At the OB/GYN office, staff do just that. They hold training sessions for one another on a "when-needed, what's-needed, and who-needs-it" basis. The office has four physicians and 25 staff. There's no set routine. The manager simply schedules an in-service whenever she sees … [Read more...] about Missouri staff train each other on solving the day-to-day issues
How to conduct fair and effective performance reviews
It may be the most common target for Dilbert cartoons, but the performance review is an ethical obligation for a manager. Every employee in every job setting wants to know two things: What do you expect of me? and How am I doing at meeting your expectations? A manager has an obligation to answer those questions, says Dick Grote, a management consultant specializing in … [Read more...] about How to conduct fair and effective performance reviews
The myth of multitasking
It's a typical day at work. You're on the computer, entering data, while you're talking on the phone. A staff member comes to your office door, stack of papers in hand, and you motion for her to come in and put the papers on your desk. You continue your phone conversation, momentarily removing your hands from the keyboard in order look through the papers. You're a multitasking … [Read more...] about The myth of multitasking
Are you “aggressive” or “assertive”? Take this quick self-evaluation and find out
To manage people, a manager has to be assertive. But be aware that there's a strong difference between being assertive and being aggressive, says Judy Belmont, MMF, LPC, a psychotherapist and workplace wellness trainer in Philadelphia. The assertive manager sets limits and enforces standards. Every manager has to do that. If the rules aren't enforced, or if there are no … [Read more...] about Are you “aggressive” or “assertive”? Take this quick self-evaluation and find out
5 purchasing tips that can save money for your medical practice
Cutting purchasing costs doesn't have to be difficult. Here are five approaches to purchasing your medical practice should consider. 1 Join other offices and take advantage of group discounts. Because the group represents a lot of business, it can tell a vendor it will use it exclusively in exchange for an overall, sizeable discount. The group can also get individual … [Read more...] about 5 purchasing tips that can save money for your medical practice
Creating a peaceful office environment
It goes without saying that office conflict, poor attitudes, and negative staffers undermine peace and tranquility. But any bad behavior you bring to the workplace also impacts harmony. Who, you? Yes, it's all about the people and you're one of them. To the mirror Your negativity or bad mood greatly affects others. "We engage in emotional contagion," says Sigal Barsade, a … [Read more...] about Creating a peaceful office environment
Weekly applause sheet creates positive attitude among staff
Any office experiences negative feelings among staff. But Sharon Hunter, manager of Granbury Internal Medical Associates in Granbury, TX, found a positive and lasting solution to the problem. It's what she terms an "applause sheet." At the top of the page is the name of one staffer, and the directions are to write down "the most valuable qualities that person has." The answers … [Read more...] about Weekly applause sheet creates positive attitude among staff
Illinois manager challenges the status quo, creates taskforce committee
A new manager comes to a medical practice with enthusiasm and new ideas. But it's easy to allow both to get sidelined by a staff comfortable with routine. "When I started as practice manager three years ago, I constantly heard from people, 'that's not the way we've always done it,'" says Mary L. Banks, CPC, CHISP, practice administrator at AOS (Associates in Orthopaedic … [Read more...] about Illinois manager challenges the status quo, creates taskforce committee
What to do when a staffer lodges a valid complaint against a doctor
Any complaint from a staffer about a boss is unpleasant to address. But when the alleged culprit is a physician, the situation can get grim. Confronting the doctor could put the manager in a job-threatening position. It's a touchy situation, says Linnda Durre, PhD, a business consultant, corporate trainer and author of "Surviving the Toxic Workplace: Protect Yourself Against … [Read more...] about What to do when a staffer lodges a valid complaint against a doctor