Competing for patients against hospitals and health systems, which have substantial marketing budgets, topped the list of problems independent doctors face, according to a new survey out from the Association of Independent Doctors, a national nonprofit trade association. The pay gap between employed and independent doctors ranked a close second. "A variety of market forces … [Read more...] about What are the chief business concerns of independent doctors?
Managing patients
Survey: Patients prefer secure texting over patient portal communication from their physicians
Only 10 percent of patients prefer to receive physician communications via patient portals, whereas twice that many (19.6 percent) favor receiving information via secure text messages when in-person and phone calls are not an option. The new survey, conducted by DrFirst, a provider of e-prescribing and patient medication management solutions, also found that more than 90 … [Read more...] about Survey: Patients prefer secure texting over patient portal communication from their physicians
5 efficiency-draining traps to avoid in your practice
By Karen Mattocks, Vice President of Business Development at RxVantage bio It is a practice manager's worst nightmare. You arrive at work one morning and suddenly realize you no longer have a grip on operational efficiency. Patient wait times are at an all-time high, physicians continue to complain about the electronic health record (EHR), unbilled claims pile up … [Read more...] about 5 efficiency-draining traps to avoid in your practice
4 best practices to help optimize your processes and increase your reimbursements
By Ranadene (Randi) K. Tapio, MBA, CMRS, CMC, Guest Contributor bio Revenue Cycle Management is multi-faceted. There may not be a right or wrong way as far as your process goes, but there are tips, tricks, and best practices that can optimize the process, and in turn, your reimbursements. After years of experience working with varying sized and specialty practices, … [Read more...] about 4 best practices to help optimize your processes and increase your reimbursements
Get personal to get patients to pay faster
Set the expectation of payment before the patient comes in. When the office calls to confirm an appointment, whether it's a live conversation or an automated message, say, "Your co-pay is due when you check in." In other words, "bring your wallet." Some offices go so far as to refuse people who don't have the co-pay at the time of the visit. However, such a strict policy … [Read more...] about Get personal to get patients to pay faster
The healthcare consumer: Using patient online reviews to boost your practice’s business
Patients are making increasing use of physician rating and review sites to comment on their medical experiences the way diners do with restaurants. And as with restaurants, this can be a tremendous boost or drag on your practice's business. Here's how to make effective use of these sites. Top review sites First, become familiar with the top healthcare review sites, which in … [Read more...] about The healthcare consumer: Using patient online reviews to boost your practice’s business
How to determine the order of multiple insurance coverages
By Ranadene (Randi) K. Tapio, MBA, CMRS, CMC, Guest Contributor bio When patients have multiple insurance coverage, at times it can be difficult to determine which one is primary, secondary, and tertiary. Sometimes, the patients don't even know which order they go in! While there are always going to be exceptions, here are some basic guidelines to keep in mind: … [Read more...] about How to determine the order of multiple insurance coverages
8 actions to be an exceptional listener
By Stacey Hanke bio Most people consider themselves to be good listeners, finding it hard to admit otherwise. We know listening is vital to building strong relationships with coworkers, managers, clients, and leadership. In fact, it is considered to be the single most important communication skill necessary, valued more highly than speaking, in the business world. We spend … [Read more...] about 8 actions to be an exceptional listener
Office hours change draws more working patients
A change from traditional office hours has proved popular with patients, staff, and physicians at a family practice in Tifton, GA. It can be difficult for people to get time off work to visit the doctor, and too many such absences can even endanger their jobs. So practice administrator Christy Blanchett of Family Practice Associates came up with a schedule to accommodate … [Read more...] about Office hours change draws more working patients
When you’re about to lose patience with a patient
Working with the public isn't easy. And working in a medical office, where people are often at their worst, can be especially trying. Be that as it may, your role as a medical office manager demands professionalism at all times, even when a patient has pushed you to the limit of your patience. Remember this It sounds like a given, but it helps to remind yourself that the … [Read more...] about When you’re about to lose patience with a patient