This week of Sept. 10 through Sept. 16 is National Suicide Prevention Week, and Sunday, Sep. 17, is National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. Physicians are at a higher risk of suicide and suicidal ideation than the general population, says the American Medical Association. Suicidal ideation has been associated with high workload volume and medical errors. Although previous … [Read more...] about Know the signs and risk factors for physician suicide
Is our wart lady here yet? Respecting patient privacy and dignity
True story: A friend of a staff member here at Medical Office Manager, awaiting treatment at a general practitioner's office for a small but bothersome wart, heard this loud call into the crowded waiting room, "Is our wart lady here yet?" She changed doctors after that embarrassing experience. Calling patients into medical office examination rooms while protecting their … [Read more...] about Is our wart lady here yet? Respecting patient privacy and dignity
What to do when a student forges a note from the doctor
Question: We were contacted by a local school today questioning a doctor's note from the provider. We had the school send a copy of the note and learned that the parent of the patient (the patient is a minor) had created a letter that appeared to come from our practice. It looked like it was on letterhead, sort of, and included the practice information and the doctor's name at … [Read more...] about What to do when a student forges a note from the doctor
Should I take a ‘dry’ promotion (without a raise)?
By Lynne Curry Question: An email with the subject line “good news” arrived in my inbox from my supervisor this morning. The good news I hoped for flashed across my mind as I imagined him saying he was moving to another state, and I’d be getting a new supervisor. He didn’t like me, and I didn’t like him. Instead, he told me I was being offered a promotion. He didn’t look … [Read more...] about Should I take a ‘dry’ promotion (without a raise)?
Make a good impression with your email closing
How you end a business email can leave a lasting impression on the recipient. The right closing can make your email feel more professional and polished, while a poor closing can detract from the message you're trying to convey. In this article, we'll explore some tips and best practices for concluding your business emails in a way that leaves a positive impression on your … [Read more...] about Make a good impression with your email closing
And you are … ? How to prepare your elevator speech
Do you have an elevator speech prepared? An elevator speech, also known as an elevator pitch, is a concise and well-prepared verbal summary or introduction that you can deliver in the time it takes to ride an elevator, typically around 30 seconds to 2 minutes. The goal of an elevator speech is to effectively communicate who you are, what you do, and what you or your … [Read more...] about And you are … ? How to prepare your elevator speech
Second job or side hustle: How to work with moonlighting employees
Dealing with moonlighting employees can be a delicate situation for an office manager. Moonlighting refers to employees holding a second job or pursuing other sources of income outside of their primary employment. While moonlighting itself might not be inherently negative, it can potentially impact an employee's performance and commitment to their primary job. Here's how an … [Read more...] about Second job or side hustle: How to work with moonlighting employees
How to make your medical office a little greener
In today's world, environmental sustainability is not just a buzzword; it's a responsibility that every industry must shoulder, including healthcare. Medical offices play a vital role in the well-being of patients, but they also have a significant impact on the environment. As a medical office manager, you have the power to lead the charge in reducing your office's … [Read more...] about How to make your medical office a little greener
3 top tech trends in healthcare administration for efficiency and patient care
In an era of rapid technological advancements, medical office managers find themselves at the crossroads of adopting innovative solutions to streamline operations, enhance patient care, and ensure compliance. Here are three top trends revolutionizing medical office operations. AI-Powered Scheduling: A Precision Approach to Appointment Management One of the most … [Read more...] about 3 top tech trends in healthcare administration for efficiency and patient care
Team building that goes beyond rah-rah to real
By Lynne Curry Question: We have lousy morale at our office. Our senior leaders like to say the problem started during the pandemic, but that’s just a lie they tell themselves. The problem started long before that, when they got so focused on the money they were making and the bonuses they were getting, they forgot employees mattered. Their bubble burst when the pandemic … [Read more...] about Team building that goes beyond rah-rah to real