In the ever-evolving healthcare industry, medical office managers play a pivotal role in ensuring that their practices not only adhere to current healthcare regulations but also anticipate and adapt to forthcoming changes. Compliance and regulatory updates are not merely legal obligations but cornerstones of patient safety, quality care, and operational success. In this … [Read more...] about How to navigate compliance and regulatory updates
Compliance
Creating a safe and healthy work environment for your staff
One of your top priorities is ensuring a safe and healthy work environment for both your administrative and clinical staff. This not only enhances productivity and morale but also ensures compliance with relevant regulations. Here’s a guide on how to create a safe and healthy workspace for everyone in your practice, including information on common types of … [Read more...] about Creating a safe and healthy work environment for your staff
Best practices for managing medical billing and coding
Managing medical billing and coding can be quite the juggling act, but getting it right is crucial for the financial health of your practice and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Here are some best practices to help you streamline your billing and coding processes, complete with examples to show how it all works. First off, hire and train the right staff. … [Read more...] about Best practices for managing medical billing and coding
5 strategies for safeguarding patient confidentiality
In the healthcare industry, protecting patient confidentiality and safeguarding sensitive medical information are paramount responsibilities. As a medical office manager, fostering a robust workplace security culture is essential to ensure compliance with regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and to maintain the trust and confidence of … [Read more...] about 5 strategies for safeguarding patient confidentiality
HIPAA compliance checklist
Having a complete HIPAA compliance program is important to your organization. Run through this HIPAA compliance checklist to see if you have your foundation of HIPAA compliance in place and easily retrievable. HIPAA Policies and Procedures HIPAA privacy policies, procedures, and forms HIPAA security policies, procedures, and forms HIPAA Breach Notification policy and … [Read more...] about HIPAA compliance checklist
Manager briefing: Extreme heat emergency protocols
Objective: To ensure the safety and well-being of staff and patients during extreme heat weather conditions through proactive planning, immediate response measures, and ongoing monitoring. Key Points Preparation Emergency Plan Review and update the office’s emergency plan to include specific protocols for extreme heat. Ensure all staff are familiar with the … [Read more...] about Manager briefing: Extreme heat emergency protocols
EEOC releases workplace guidance to prevent harassment
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has published final guidance on harassment in the workplace, “Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace.” By providing this resource on the legal standards and employer liability applicable to harassment claims under the federal employment discrimination laws enforced by the EEOC, the guidance will help people … [Read more...] about EEOC releases workplace guidance to prevent harassment
Avoid common medical billing mistakes to maintain revenue and ensure compliance
Medical billing is a critical component of a healthcare practice’s revenue cycle. However, it's an area rife with potential errors that can lead to delayed payments, denied claims, and lost revenue. As a medical office manager, ensuring accuracy in billing processes is paramount. Here’s a guide to common medical billing mistakes and strategies to avoid them. Common Medical … [Read more...] about Avoid common medical billing mistakes to maintain revenue and ensure compliance
Why and how to review vendor contracts annually
As a medical office manager, ensuring the smooth operation of your practice involves a multitude of responsibilities. One crucial yet often overlooked task is the annual review of purchasing vendor contracts. This process is vital not only for maintaining cost efficiency but also for ensuring compliance, service quality, and adaptability to changing needs. Here’s why and how to … [Read more...] about Why and how to review vendor contracts annually
Model HIPAA Privacy Reminder to Reception and Other Staff
Why you need this memo: Your medical office staff understands the imperative of safeguarding personal health information (PHI) and wouldn't let strangers roam about the facilities freely. But it's easy for them to lower their guard when a former employee comes back to the practice, e.g., to pick up a final paycheck or just make a social call. How this memo helps you: This … [Read more...] about Model HIPAA Privacy Reminder to Reception and Other Staff