"I'm having a baby!" When an employee utters those words, it's time for congratulations. It's also time for caution. The danger is pregnancy discrimination, and it happens often because employees are well attuned to their rights. The protection comes from the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, which is an amendment to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. It applies to offices with 15 … [Read more...] about How to protect your practice against costly pregnancy discrimination claims
Managing the office
How to find out what your staff really thinks of you
What do staff think of their manager? All managers have blind spots, or places where, unbeknownst to themselves, their employees view them negatively. For that reason, a staff survey is a good idea. But a manager should survey in person, not on paper. People will say a lot more than they will write. All that's needed are two questions: 1 Tell me something I'm doing well that … [Read more...] about How to find out what your staff really thinks of you
No training budget? No problem!
By Steve M. Cohen bio Whatever happened to the training budgets? Oh, I forgot—it's the economy, stupid! But even in the current climate, don't forget that employees still have the need for training. Training can be related to, and even intertwined with, good morale, professional development, and team building. In fact, team learning is team building. No one disputes … [Read more...] about No training budget? No problem!
Ebola: what medical office managers and staff need to know
As concerns about Ebola dominate the news and social media, and have become a topic of discussion at medical workplaces, it is important to separate fact from speculation. Medical Office Manager shares the following information from the World Health Organization (WHO) to help you and your staff better understand Ebola and its potential impact. Key facts Ebola virus disease … [Read more...] about Ebola: what medical office managers and staff need to know
Line management systems help manage practice waiting rooms
Every medical office manager knows that keeping patients waiting in long, slow-moving lines is a recipe for poor service. Not only can long waits cause patients to become extremely upset and agitated, they can also result in lost opportunities in the form of walk-outs and poor patient reviews. This is especially the case in today's world of instant information … [Read more...] about Line management systems help manage practice waiting rooms
Model Tool: Ebola: information for healthcare workers
Why you need this handout: As Ebola dominates the news and social media, people—and especially healthcare workers—have become concerned. How this handout helps you: This handout allows you to share information with your staff. How to use this handout: Share this handout with your staff. … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Ebola: information for healthcare workers
Model Tool: Ebola: customizable memo for staff
Why you need this memo: As Ebola dominates the news and social media, people—and especially healthcare workers—have become concerned. How this memo helps you: This memo, together with the Ebola informational handout for staff, allows you to communicate with your staff and address concerns. How to use this memo: Customize this memo as needed and use it with the Ebola … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Ebola: customizable memo for staff
Reports provide detailed analysis of telemedicine by state
The American Telemedicine Association (ATA), a leading international resource and advocate promoting the use of advanced remote medical technologies, recently released two state policy reports which identify gaps in coverage and reimbursement, and in physician practice standards and licensure. These reports compare state policies on a report card, assigning each state grades … [Read more...] about Reports provide detailed analysis of telemedicine by state
Managers, are you creating a community or an organization?
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen There is a managerial question that is often overlooked: Is your office a community or an organization? A community is, by definition, inclusive. An organization is, by definition, exclusive. Let's use the military as an example of an exclusive organization. When people enlist, there are ranks to climb with each level being more selective and more … [Read more...] about Managers, are you creating a community or an organization?
Are you violating state “time off” requirements for employees who are parents?
Although back-to-school season rolls around every year, it always seems to bring a level of stress for working parents. And is it any wonder? A new schedule and new commitments require finding ways to meet all the demands of daily life. For households with two working parents, it can be extremely difficult; and for single-parent households, even more so. It's easy for employers … [Read more...] about Are you violating state “time off” requirements for employees who are parents?