As the end of the year looms, November is a perfect month to dive into key tasks that will set your medical office up for a productive finish and an even better start to next year. With the holidays around the corner, it's all about checking off high-impact items before things get even busier. Here are some essential areas to tackle this month. 1. Year-End Financial … [Read more...] about CHECKLIST: 7 November Tasks for a Smooth Medical Office Finish
Managing the office
How to improve your office team with cross-training
Cross-training in a medical office is a powerful strategy to boost your team's capabilities, enhance operations, and provide top-notch patient care. By broadening the skill sets of your staff, you create a more versatile workforce capable of handling diverse responsibilities. Advantages of Cross-Training Enhanced Flexibility: Example: A medical receptionist … [Read more...] about How to improve your office team with cross-training
Why your medical practice needs job descriptions
Small businesses, including medical practices, often try to get by without formal job descriptions. The thinking is the manager knows what each position requires, and she or he can share this information with job candidates and new hires. Another argument is that because job tasks tend to change, job descriptions quickly become outdated. Neither of these arguments takes … [Read more...] about Why your medical practice needs job descriptions
Check this! Your essential staff management checklist
Managing staff effectively is one of the key responsibilities of a medical office manager. Ensuring that your team is organized, well-trained, and supported can significantly improve both patient care and office efficiency. Below is a checklist to help guide you through essential tasks in staff management. Conduct Regular Staff Meetings Schedule consistent meetings … [Read more...] about Check this! Your essential staff management checklist
Recovering from hurricanes, floods and other weather disasters
As back-to-back hurricane disasters have affected a large swath of the Southeast, many medical practices are struggling to recover and resume operations. Recovering from a disaster caused by extreme weather events can be particularly challenging for medical offices, as it directly impacts patient care and staff safety. Consider these guidelines for preparing for and recovering … [Read more...] about Recovering from hurricanes, floods and other weather disasters
Here’s a simple sample cancellation policy
Last-minute cancellations can turn an orderly day at the office into chaos as you scramble to reach patients to fill unexpected openings in the schedule. Unfilled appointment slots are costly in terms of clinician time, staff time and office overhead. That's why you need to have an appointment cancellation policy and convey it to your patients. Here's a short and simple … [Read more...] about Here’s a simple sample cancellation policy
8 proven ways to totally destroy your credibility as a manager
A manager can have great knowledge and great skills, but without credibility with both doctors and staff, don't expect success. What is credibility? It can be defined as "what we do and how we do it that causes others to respect and believe us." The "what-we-do" is the tangible things – the work and its results. The "how-we-do-it" is the behavior that demonstrates a person's … [Read more...] about 8 proven ways to totally destroy your credibility as a manager
10 questions to ask the retiring medical office manager
Taking over the role of medical office manager can feel like stepping into big shoes. The retiring office manager has accumulated years of knowledge and insights that you won’t find in a manual or job description. Before they leave, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure a smooth transition and set yourself up for success. Here are some key areas to focus on when … [Read more...] about 10 questions to ask the retiring medical office manager
Medical office inventory and asset control checklist
Keeping track of assets in a medical office is essential for maintaining efficiency, compliance, and safety. With the constant flow of supplies, medications, and equipment, it’s easy for things to slip through the cracks. That’s why having a structured approach to inventory and asset management can save time, reduce costs, and prevent potential shortages or oversights. By … [Read more...] about Medical office inventory and asset control checklist
5 quick ways to make your waiting room more welcoming
A full office makeover may not be possible, but every medical practice can make improvements to its patient waiting room. 1 Keep it clean All places of business should be clean, but arguably none more than a medical practice waiting room as it speaks to the quality of care. Take a look around. Are the windows and doors clean? Is there dust on the tables? Does the … [Read more...] about 5 quick ways to make your waiting room more welcoming