Dear Medical Office Manager: I've just been promoted to manager of a medical office. What should I do now to ensure success? Congratulations on your promotion! Here are three steps you can take to ensure success in your new role as a medical office manager: Get to know your team: Take the time to meet and build relationships with your staff. This will help you … [Read more...] about 3 steps to success for a new medical office manager
Managing the office
Daily operations checklist for a medical office manager
By following this checklist, you can enhance patient satisfaction, support your team effectively, and create a professional and welcoming environment. Here's a detailed look at the key tasks you should focus on each day to keep your medical office running like a well-oiled machine. Verify Appointment Schedule and Ensure All Appointments Are Confirmed: Review the day's … [Read more...] about Daily operations checklist for a medical office manager
Getting your head back in the game after summer vacation
It can be hard to come back to the office after the fun and relaxation of summer vacation. Consider these tips for a smooth transition and an efficient workflow. Reconnect with the Healthcare Team: Upon your return, schedule meetings with key healthcare professionals and staff members. Discuss any recent changes, updates, or challenges that occurred during your absence. … [Read more...] about Getting your head back in the game after summer vacation
10 steps to build your confidence as a new office manager
Starting a new role as an office manager can be an exciting yet challenging experience. It's not uncommon to feel a bit overwhelmed in the beginning, but by taking proactive steps, you can build your confidence and excel in your new position. Here are some valuable tips to help you grow in your role as an office manager: 1. Understand Your Role: Begin by thoroughly … [Read more...] about 10 steps to build your confidence as a new office manager
How to deal with difficult patients and resolve conflicts
Dealing with difficult patients and resolving conflicts is an important part of working in a medical office. Sometimes, patients might be upset, anxious, or frustrated, and it's crucial to handle these situations calmly and professionally. Here are some tips and examples on how to manage these challenges effectively. First, it's important to listen carefully. When a patient … [Read more...] about How to deal with difficult patients and resolve conflicts
Use smarter scheduling for shorter waits
One of the biggest complaints from patients is long wait times. Improving wait times can make your patients happier and your office more efficient. Here are some simple steps you can take to make a big difference. First, it's essential to schedule smartly. Avoid overbooking your schedule to prevent long wait times and rushed appointments. Adding short breaks between … [Read more...] about Use smarter scheduling for shorter waits
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
How to navigate insurance contracts
Reviewing and negotiating insurance contracts and ensuring compliance with regulations are indispensable tasks for medical office managers. These efforts not only impact the financial stability of the practice but also contribute to the quality of patient care. By approaching these strategically, medical office managers can secure favorable terms, optimize provider networks, … [Read more...] about How to navigate insurance contracts
Here’s a simple sample cancellation policy
Last-minute cancellations can turn an orderly day at the office into chaos as you scramble to reach patients to fill unexpected openings in the schedule. Unfilled appointment slots are costly in terms of clinician time, staff time and office overhead. That's why you need to have an appointment cancellation policy and convey it to your patients. Here's a short and simple … [Read more...] about Here’s a simple sample cancellation policy
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