By Nick Hernandez bio Some of my counterparts have a firm belief that strategic planning is a rigid process which should occur once every three to five years. The process they undertake is often done during an off-site planning session with the outcome being printed up in a large three-ring binder. In less than six months, those binders are sitting on a shelf somewhere … [Read more...] about Strategic planning is a continuous process
Physicians behaving badly: what to do when it affects patients
Poor physician behavior. It can run the gamut from rudeness to actions that invite malpractice claims. When does it cross the line from unpleasant to necessitating action from the practice? The answer is when it impacts the patient or has potential legal significance. And sometimes it does both. Patient losses, court losses The first concern is the patients. Whenever a … [Read more...] about Physicians behaving badly: what to do when it affects patients
Empathy an important workplace leadership quality
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings, thoughts, and perspectives of others. It involves not only recognizing and acknowledging the emotions of others but also demonstrating care and concern for their well-being. In the context of a workplace leader, empathy is essential for several reasons: Building Trust: Empathetic leaders are more likely to earn … [Read more...] about Empathy an important workplace leadership quality
When the news is bad: Supporting a patient through a distressing medical diagnosis
Handling a patient in distress over a medical diagnosis is one of the most delicate and emotionally challenging aspects of healthcare management. It's important to be prepared to navigate these distressing situations with empathy and professionalism. Scenario: Imagine a patient who has just received a life-altering medical diagnosis, such as cancer, during a routine … [Read more...] about When the news is bad: Supporting a patient through a distressing medical diagnosis
Do you have a work spouse?
By Lynne Curry He, or she, enlivens your workdays, becomes the person with whom you share casual but important stories about your personal life. It begins as a typical workplace friendship. One day when you both head out the door at the same time for lunch and discover you love the same lunch wagon, you decide to drive together and eat on a bench shivering in the … [Read more...] about Do you have a work spouse?
Model Tool: Catastrophic leave program donation form
Why you need this form: Leave-sharing programs must meet certain criteria in order to be valid under the Internal Revenue Service's general tax rules and under various state laws. How this form helps you: A leave-sharing program must be in writing and created as a "leave bank" into which employees may deposit donated leave. How to use this form: Check with your state law … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Catastrophic leave program donation form
Forget multitasking! Here are 4 ways to improve your focus and get more done
It’s a typical day at work. You’re on the computer, entering data, while you’re talking on the phone. A staff member comes to your office door, stack of papers in hand, and you motion for her to come in and put the papers on your desk. You continue your phone conversation, momentarily removing your hands from the keyboard in order look through the papers. You’re a multitasking … [Read more...] about Forget multitasking! Here are 4 ways to improve your focus and get more done
6 tips for getting your physicians onto the speaker circuit
One impactful way to promote your physicians' expertise, foster professional growth, and enhance your practice's reputation is by encouraging them to speak at live conferences and web events. Consider these benefits of physician presentations and outline how you, as a medical office manager, can assist in securing these valuable speaking engagements. Establishing Thought … [Read more...] about 6 tips for getting your physicians onto the speaker circuit
Model Policy: Medications error reporting
Establishing a written Policy for dealing with medication errors is crucial. Although each practice will handle things differently, that policy should, like the Model Policy below, define “medication errors,” describe how those errors must be reported and to whom, and set out a procedure for assessment and analysis of medications error data generated by reporting. … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Medications error reporting
Think long and hard before friending work colleagues on Facebook
By Lynne Curry I get it. You love Facebook and when individuals you work with requested you add them as friends, you did. At first, you didn’t have any trouble. Instead, you had the fun of seeing your coworkers’ interesting endeavors and the reinforcing experience of so many colleagues wanting to be your friends and then liking your posts. But then it happened. Perhaps … [Read more...] about Think long and hard before friending work colleagues on Facebook