By Shane Carter bio Being a practice manager in today's health care environment is a very tough job. Disruptive and transformational change is underway in health care delivery. The modernization of health care has created a complex, changing environment that requires a successful practice to employ technology, advanced systems, and an educated and dedicated staff. Because … [Read more...] about What makes a successful practice manager
Managing staff
Boost staff performance by communicating more clearly
Not pleased with what staff are doing? It may not be their fault. Look at the directions they are getting – from the manager. Whenever a staffer who is capable of doing a job doesn't get that job right, chances are it's because the manager didn't explain what needed to be done. A manager should assign projects via a written form that describes it all: the date of the … [Read more...] about Boost staff performance by communicating more clearly
What’s the ‘employee experience’ like at your medical practice?
Professionals have been talking about the customer experience, the patient experience, and the candidate experience for years, so it was bound to happen. Another term is now being batted around in human resource and management circles: the employee experience. Before you dismiss it as another buzz term or, worse, a fad, consider the implications of ignoring this crucial … [Read more...] about What’s the ‘employee experience’ like at your medical practice?
Are 5 common, but undiscussable, workplace behaviors putting your patients at risk?
A new study by VitalSmarts suggests that slackers, timid supervisors, toxic peers, and arrogant doctors are common in healthcare. But, while frustrating, these behavior problems aren't the real problem. The real problem in healthcare is silence. VitalSmarts’ study of workplace drama in healthcare found that while most employees and physicians frequently witness these … [Read more...] about Are 5 common, but undiscussable, workplace behaviors putting your patients at risk?
Set aside two hours for staff and keep interruptions in check
Some of the most annoying problems are often solved with the simplest of solutions. Such was the case at an internal medicine practice in Macon, GA. The practice has eight physicians and nearly 75 staff, but only one administrator dealing with constant interruptions that made getting her work done difficult. Most of the interruptions were from staff with small, but necessary, … [Read more...] about Set aside two hours for staff and keep interruptions in check
7 employee benefits you can give to your staff at little or no cost
A question readers often ask Medical Office Manager is what benefits can they give staff that won't break the budget. In response, we researched the benefits medical offices and other types of businesses offer. Some are unusual. Google, for example, provides free haircuts. A Japanese company even gives a one-day "heartache leave" each year to female employees who lose at … [Read more...] about 7 employee benefits you can give to your staff at little or no cost
Focus on employee health and see an increase in productivity
A survey of executives at large corporations, conducted by CoreNet Global and CBRE Group, Inc., has found that when a company focuses on employee health and wellness, there is an increase in engagement and retention rates and a decline in absenteeism. "Corporations that take an active role in managing health and wellness programs for employees are seeing positive returns on … [Read more...] about Focus on employee health and see an increase in productivity
Why your medical practice should implement an employee wellness program—and how to do it
Employee wellness programs are gaining in popularity, and with good reason. Research shows that wellness programs have many advantages, for employers and employees alike. Indeed, given the advantages, all businesses should focus on employee wellness, including, and perhaps, especially medical practices—because you are in the business of healthier living. But there is … [Read more...] about Why your medical practice should implement an employee wellness program—and how to do it
Communication dos and don’ts
Managers still spend a great deal of time communicating face to face, despite the proliferation of technology. However, because of technology, verbal communication skills sometimes take a backseat to written communication skills. Nevertheless, how you say something can be as important as what you say. With this in mind, here are communication dos and don'ts. Do Make sure … [Read more...] about Communication dos and don’ts
Manage your medical office’s holiday party liability risks
You may be hosting a big holiday party for your employees this December. And, like many medical offices do, you may be serving liquor at that party. That's fine. Just make sure you understand what you're getting yourself into. Relax. We're not going to lecture you on the dangers of drinking and driving. No sense preaching to the choir. But what we can do to help you out is … [Read more...] about Manage your medical office’s holiday party liability risks