Texting has become an increasingly popular mode of communication, not just for personal interactions but also for professional ones—including healthcare. Patients of all ages, from tech-savvy Millennials to older generations growing more comfortable with smartphones, are embracing text messaging for its convenience and accessibility. As a medical office manager, incorporating … [Read more...] about Why Your Patients Want You to Text Them (And How to Do It Right)
Managing the office
Payroll Part 3: How to Outsource Payroll for Your Medical Office
Outsourcing payroll can be a game-changer for medical office managers, freeing up time, reducing errors, and ensuring compliance with ever-changing regulations. However, the process of outsourcing payroll requires careful planning and execution to ensure it meets the needs of your practice. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you outsource payroll … [Read more...] about Payroll Part 3: How to Outsource Payroll for Your Medical Office
Exploring the Four-Day Workweek: A Map for Medical Office Managers
As discussions around workplace flexibility continue to grow, the idea of a four-day workweek has gained significant attention in the United States. From pilot programs in the private sector to proposed legislation, such as the Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act introduced in 2024, the potential shift to a shorter workweek is becoming more than just a trending topic. For medical … [Read more...] about Exploring the Four-Day Workweek: A Map for Medical Office Managers
How to Schedule Physician-Patient Phone Appointments Efficiently
Scheduling physician-patient phone appointments may seem straightforward, but without a thoughtful approach, it can become chaotic for both your team and patients. By putting the right systems in place, you can ensure these appointments are scheduled efficiently, with minimal confusion and maximum patient satisfaction. 1. Understand the Need for Phone Appointments Determine … [Read more...] about How to Schedule Physician-Patient Phone Appointments Efficiently
Year-End Reflections: Evaluating Successes and Challenges in Your Medical Office
As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the journey your medical office has taken over the past 12 months. Year-end reflections are more than just a way to wrap up the year—they’re a tool for growth, offering valuable insights into what’s working and what needs improvement. By taking inventory of your successes and challenges, you can set a clear path … [Read more...] about Year-End Reflections: Evaluating Successes and Challenges in Your Medical Office
Payroll Part 1: Deciding Between In-House and Outsourced Payroll
As a medical office manager, one of your critical responsibilities is ensuring payroll runs smoothly and accurately. It’s not just about paying your team on time—it’s also about compliance with tax laws, handling deductions, and ensuring employee satisfaction. Deciding whether to manage payroll in-house or outsource it is a significant decision that can impact your office’s … [Read more...] about Payroll Part 1: Deciding Between In-House and Outsourced Payroll
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
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
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
The October Theory: An Easy Strategy for Improving Your Work Life
By Lynne Curry Question: When I returned to my job last week from my annual three-week vacation, I stopped in the breakroom for coffee. To my surprise, my colleagues’ conversations didn’t center on the election like they had before I left. Instead, my coworkers buzzed with excitement about “goals” and “results.” I asked one coworker, “What’s up?” and he told me he and … [Read more...] about The October Theory: An Easy Strategy for Improving Your Work Life