According to a new market research report available at Market Research Store, a source for industry reports, telemedicine and telehealth programs will become a $45.4 billion industry by 2021. In 2014, it was estimated to be a $1.5 billion dollar industry. There are a number of reasons why such exponential growth is projected. First and foremost, individuals are taking a more … [Read more...] about Telemedicine expected to grow at faster rate than previously projected
Managing patients
Race and religion are tough. Don’t make them tougher
By Steve M. Cohen bio Let's face it: Race and religion can be difficult topics. Next to gender and sexuality, they often comprise a big part of how we see ourselves and, not surprisingly, how others see us. That's obviously true today. Disagreements, even violent confrontations, are occurring around the world every day over these very topics. Not surprisingly, … [Read more...] about Race and religion are tough. Don’t make them tougher
CMS provides more quality metrics for health care professionals and group practices
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently updated both the Physician Compare and Hospital Compare websites to provide current quality performance data for health care professionals and group practices in order to improve online tools that help consumers choose health care providers. New quality measures have been added to Physician Compare for group … [Read more...] about CMS provides more quality metrics for health care professionals and group practices
Model Tool: Sample patient letters – missed appointment
Why you need this model tool: Missed patient appointments affect scheduling and negatively impact practice revenue. Therefore, you want to let patients know that the practice takes missed appointments seriously – and you want to put it in writing. How this model tool helps you: Here are two sample letters that will help you communicate with patients; the first is for a first … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Sample patient letters – missed appointment
Big issues faced by medical office managers
By Steve M. Cohen bio Although medical office managers face many unique issues, some of the most challenging are those shared with managers of other types of organizations. Take the difficulties of hiring and retaining good staff. Although the professional demands of a medical office are certainly unique, workforce strategies such as developing talent from within … [Read more...] about Big issues faced by medical office managers
Medical practice staffing trends
Effective medical office management requires staying abreast of staffing trends. With this in mind, Medical Office Manager takes a look at the trends most likely to impact your practice. Physician shortage According to projections by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the United States faces a shortage of more than 90,000 physicians by 2020 and 130,000 … [Read more...] about Medical practice staffing trends
Recovering from data corruption or loss
Many businesses, including medical practices, that rely heavily on network data to conduct business operations, interact with customers or patients, process payments, or for remote access for off-site employees believe they are protected from data loss or network failure because they have a "backup and recovery" system in place. Unfortunately, this false sense of security can … [Read more...] about Recovering from data corruption or loss
Predictive analytics and genetic data converge to deliver more effective health care
Health and wellness technologies have the potential to enable the steady growth of novel diagnostic and therapeutic drugs capable of eliminating a plethora of chronic and acute diseases. With the convergence of predictive analytics and mined genetic data, diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities will improve significantly. By upgrading and ingraining the data analytics and … [Read more...] about Predictive analytics and genetic data converge to deliver more effective health care
IOM report targets diagnostic errors, calls for medical offices to help improve process
Estimating that most individuals experience at least one diagnostic error at some point in life, and 5 percent of adults experience an error each year, a report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM), Improving Diagnosis in Health Care," the latest in its Quality Chasm Series, asserts that "[i]mproving the diagnostic process is not only possible, but also represents a moral, … [Read more...] about IOM report targets diagnostic errors, calls for medical offices to help improve process
Will video kill the medical office visit?
In a world of ever-advancing technology, "the doctor will see you now" has taken on new meaning. Video conferencing allows patients to consult with physicians without leaving home. Physicians, meanwhile, have the advantage of treating routine illnesses without involving practice staff or tying up examination rooms and other facilities. For both parties, it seems to be a … [Read more...] about Will video kill the medical office visit?