By Nick Hernandez bio The purpose of an organization chart is to depict the skeletal structure of the practice, including the functional relationships between, among, and within the specific components. An organization chart provides a point of reference and improves the flow and direction of communications. It allows people to see how they fit in the big picture, … [Read more...] about A look at the medical practice organizational structure
Managing the office
How telehealth is helping emergency eye care teams
DigiSight Technologies, a digital health company, has launched a telehealth solution that enables healthcare teams to collaborate and make informed decisions at the point-of-care at thirteen Banner Health facilities across Arizona. Using Paxos, Banner Health has introduced a teleophthalmology program that allows emergency room doctors to capture the image of a serious eye … [Read more...] about How telehealth is helping emergency eye care teams
Front desk moves its phones into a communications center
A Colorado manager has taken the telephones off the front desk and set up a communications center. The noise, other commotion, and staff burnout at the front desk have ended. As a result, the four-doctor, 16-staff office is able to see more patients in a day. Before the change, the front desk was nothing short of frustrating. It was noisy with phones ringing. Worse, staff had … [Read more...] about Front desk moves its phones into a communications center
Cheap management tricks that really work
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen Sometimes office management is more a matter of quickly throwing out a good answer rather than some profound strategy or statement. I'm not trying to minimize the organization and old-fashioned brainpower that goes into managing an organization. If you've read many of my blogs, you know that I view your job as challenging and often frustrating. It's … [Read more...] about Cheap management tricks that really work
3 ways you can boost office morale fast
Which would you rather have: an upbeat, engaged staff that contributes to a successful practice or a staff that grudgingly shows up for work each day and plods through required tasks? Obviously, the first choice is preferable. In reality, however, your staff probably includes at least several employees who fit the latter category. Still, if most employees are happy, you … [Read more...] about 3 ways you can boost office morale fast
Time and anxiety really do matter
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen Stress is actually a good thing until it overloads people. This overloaded situation is actually called "dis-stress." The ability to accommodate stress is inherent in all of us, but how much stress we can manage is a personal matter. Anxiety, resulting from stress overload or other issues, is not a good thing in anyone's life. A question that must be … [Read more...] about Time and anxiety really do matter
What makes a successful practice manager
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
How to clean up a messy back office fast
To maintain a professional operation, an office has to maintain a professional appearance throughout. People think if they work in a back area, they can be messy and have food and clutter on their desks, says the practice administrator for a four-physician, seven-staff surgical office in New York City. Wrong. The billing office needs to look as nice as the front desk even … [Read more...] about How to clean up a messy back office fast
12 common errors in English you’ll want to avoid
Writing errors reflect poorly on you—and on the medical practice. Even if English wasn't your best subject, it's not too late to brush up on the basics. Here are 12 common errors you'll want to avoid. 1. You're/your You're is a contraction, short for "you are." Your is a possessive pronoun, as in "It's your birthday." Quick check: Can you substitute "you are"? If so, … [Read more...] about 12 common errors in English you’ll want to avoid
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?