A good manager = a good people-problem solver. Here are some solutions readers have told MOM about in the past. They are easy to implement, and they work. • To keep little problems from getting big, name a head staffer for the clinical area, front desk, billing department, and so on. When staff have comments or problems, they have to e-mail them to those … [Read more...] about A half dozen plus one good ideas
Managing the office
For a better new year, ask staff what’s going wrong and right with the office
To be a leader, a manager has to know the satisfaction level and where staff need and want to change – and also where personal changes are in order. And now is the time to find out exactly that, says Andrew Sobel, a New York City management and business development consultant. Addressing issues in January and February “gets people charged up for the year,” he says. It also … [Read more...] about For a better new year, ask staff what’s going wrong and right with the office
Make these your 2 top goals for 2019
Goal No. 1: Win the doctors' respect Everyone knows communication is key and, when it comes to managing a medical office, communicating poorly with the doctors can sabotage your ability to do your job well. Here are a few rules for communicating in a way that generates respect, establishes your credibility, and demonstrates that you can be trusted to manage their … [Read more...] about Make these your 2 top goals for 2019
Life of the ‘office’ party: Managers’ most embarrassing holiday party gaffes revealed
Falling into a pool, sleeping under a table, fighting with the boss and screaming like a werewolf – scenes from a rough weekend or a corporate event? Unfortunately, for those involved, it's the latter. A recent Robert Half survey of executives found these were just a few of managers' worst moments at holiday parties. Participants were asked about the most embarrassing thing … [Read more...] about Life of the ‘office’ party: Managers’ most embarrassing holiday party gaffes revealed
Holiday season dos and don’ts for the medical office
The holiday season is an ideal time of year to show goodwill toward all, including your staff. Here are some dos and don’ts to help make your workplace holiday friendly. Do Try to be flexible when it comes to time off during the holiday season. Yes, employees should have saved their vacation time. And yes, maybe seniority should prevail when it comes to the days off … [Read more...] about Holiday season dos and don’ts for the medical office
Happy Thanksgiving: Here are four good ways to get your work done before the long weekend
Many managers will agree that the most difficult part of their job is finding time to get all the work done. And, while everyone loves a day off or a long weekend, it's hard to make up for any lost workdays. So here are four good time management recommendations from workflow advisor Jason Womack, leadership speaker and author of "Your Best Just Got Better: Work Smarter, Think … [Read more...] about Happy Thanksgiving: Here are four good ways to get your work done before the long weekend
Office hours change draws more working patients
A change from traditional office hours has proved popular with patients, staff, and physicians at a family practice in Tifton, GA. It can be difficult for people to get time off work to visit the doctor, and too many such absences can even endanger their jobs. So practice administrator Christy Blanchett of Family Practice Associates came up with a schedule to accommodate … [Read more...] about Office hours change draws more working patients
When you’re about to lose patience with a patient
Working with the public isn't easy. And working in a medical office, where people are often at their worst, can be especially trying. Be that as it may, your role as a medical office manager demands professionalism at all times, even when a patient has pushed you to the limit of your patience. Remember this It sounds like a given, but it helps to remind yourself that the … [Read more...] about When you’re about to lose patience with a patient
5 ways to sweat the small stuff and impress your CFO
Want to get on your managing partner's good side? Don't let the details slide. In a survey by staffing firm Accountemps, more than one-third (35 percent) of CFOs cited lacking attention to detail or sloppy work as the most annoying behavior by coworkers. For 28 percent of respondents, gossiping or engaging in office politics was their biggest pet peeve. CFOs were asked, … [Read more...] about 5 ways to sweat the small stuff and impress your CFO
How to stage your office for improved productivity
Is clutter slowing down productivity in your practice? Clutter is a major distraction and eats up time, says Pat Heydlauff of Energy Design, a productive-focused environment company. "Nobody can concentrate or work efficiently amidst disorganization," she says, pointing out that getting rid of office clutter can significantly improve the atmosphere and speed up the work … [Read more...] about How to stage your office for improved productivity