Medical Office Manager

Managing staff

Majority of U.S. physicians say they’re burned out or depressed

Nearly two-thirds of U.S. physicians report feeling burned out, depressed—or both—with one in three physicians admitting that their feelings of depression have an impact on how they relate to patients and colleagues, according to the first Medscape National Report on Physician Burnout and Depression. With more than 15,000 practicing physicians responding across 29 … [Read more...] about Majority of U.S. physicians say they’re burned out or depressed

Sexual harassment in the workplace: how your practice’s policy can make a difference

Employees are more likely to report sexual harassment they witness at work when there is a zero-tolerance policy in place, according to a new study conducted by Florida International University (FIU). The study's findings show that companies where zero-tolerance policies are a top-priority are particularly effective in increasing the reporting of the most common forms of … [Read more...] about Sexual harassment in the workplace: how your practice’s policy can make a difference

Boost staff performance by communicating more clearly

Not pleased with what staff are doing? It may not be their fault. Look at the directions they are getting – from the manager. Whenever a staffer who is capable of doing a job doesn't get that job right, chances are it's because the manager didn't explain what needed to be done. A manager should assign projects via a written form that describes it all: the date of the … [Read more...] about Boost staff performance by communicating more clearly

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?

Model Flu Vaccination Policy
(Mandatory and Voluntary)

Why you need this policy: Vaccination is the most effective defense against flu viruses. So it behooves you to ensure that your staff members get flu shots every year at the start of every flu season. But what if someone neglects or just plain refuses to be vaccinated? How this policy helps you: If someone neglects or just plain refuses to be vaccinated, you have two … [Read more...] about Model Flu Vaccination Policy
(Mandatory and Voluntary)

The predatory patient and your workplace environment

By Lynne Curry  bio You've met the predatory patient and possibly even tangled with him. He or she makes life difficult for your staff, particularly your front desk employees, and possibly even for you because his status as a patient enables him to do so. Often he represents hundreds of thousands of dollars in billings. Do medical practices have a responsibility to … [Read more...] about The predatory patient and your workplace environment

Are 5 common, but undiscussable, workplace behaviors putting your patients at risk?

A new study by VitalSmarts suggests that slackers, timid supervisors, toxic peers, and arrogant doctors are common in healthcare. But, while frustrating, these behavior problems aren't the real problem. The real problem in healthcare is silence. VitalSmarts’ study of workplace drama in healthcare found that while most employees and physicians frequently witness these … [Read more...] about Are 5 common, but undiscussable, workplace behaviors putting your patients at risk?

Set aside two hours for staff and keep interruptions in check

Some of the most annoying problems are often solved with the simplest of solutions. Such was the case at an internal medicine practice in Macon, GA. The practice has eight physicians and nearly 75 staff, but only one administrator dealing with constant interruptions that made getting her work done difficult. Most of the interruptions were from staff with small, but necessary, … [Read more...] about Set aside two hours for staff and keep interruptions in check

7 employee benefits you can give to your staff at little or no cost

A question readers often ask Medical Office Manager is what benefits can they give staff that won't break the budget. In response, we researched the benefits medical offices and other types of businesses offer. Some are unusual. Google, for example, provides free haircuts. A Japanese company even gives a one-day "heartache leave" each year to female employees who lose at … [Read more...] about 7 employee benefits you can give to your staff at little or no cost