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
Managing the office
Life of the ‘office’ party: Managers’ most embarrassing holiday party gaffes revealed
Falling into a pool, sleeping under a table, fighting with the boss and screaming like a werewolf – scenes from a rough weekend or a corporate event? Unfortunately, for those involved, it's the latter. A recent Robert Half survey of executives found these were just a few of managers' worst moments at holiday parties. Participants were asked about the most embarrassing thing … [Read more...] about Life of the ‘office’ party: Managers’ most embarrassing holiday party gaffes revealed
Looking to hire a millennial doctor? Don’t advertise on LinkedIn
With the physician shortage being a top concern for healthcare providers, CompHealth, a healthcare staffing company, conducted a survey to better understand the processes by which young physicians search for jobs, and gain insights into their plans for post-training life. The company recently revealed the results of their survey, which was administered to nearly 600 young … [Read more...] about Looking to hire a millennial doctor? Don’t advertise on LinkedIn
Can your employee’s mouth pull you into a defamation lawsuit?
By Lynne Curry, Ph.D., SPHR bio "J.J." is a hard-working, talented manager who makes caustic statements when he stresses out. Although he initially offended you when you first started supervising him, you learned not to take his comments to heart. When others come to you upset, you tell them, "That's just J.J. being J.J." Some coworkers even appreciate J.J.'s … [Read more...] about Can your employee’s mouth pull you into a defamation lawsuit?
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
Creating a project plan that works
By Cheryl Toth, MBA bio A wise friend of mine once said, "Ideas are a dime a dozen." I agree. Ideas are little more than creative puffs of air if you don't do anything to implement them. Brainstorming and strategic discussions can birth a bunch of possibilities for improving patient collections or reenergizing referral streams. But in order to successfully execute … [Read more...] about Creating a project plan that works
Can you require your medical office workers to get a flu shot?
Vaccination is the most effective defense against flu viruses. So it behooves you to ensure that your medical office workers get flu shots every year at the start of every flu season. But what if your staff members neglect or just plain refuse to be vaccinated? Can you require them to get a flu shot? Bottom Line: Yes, a mandatory flu vaccination policy is legally justifiable … [Read more...] about Can you require your medical office workers to get a flu shot?
Holiday season dos and don’ts for the medical office
The holiday season is an ideal time of year to show goodwill toward all, including your staff. Here are some dos and don’ts to help make your workplace holiday friendly. Do Try to be flexible when it comes to time off during the holiday season. Yes, employees should have saved their vacation time. And yes, maybe seniority should prevail when it comes to the days off … [Read more...] about Holiday season dos and don’ts for the medical office
Happy Thanksgiving: Here are four good ways to get your work done before the long weekend
Many managers will agree that the most difficult part of their job is finding time to get all the work done. And, while everyone loves a day off or a long weekend, it's hard to make up for any lost workdays. So here are four good time management recommendations from workflow advisor Jason Womack, leadership speaker and author of "Your Best Just Got Better: Work Smarter, Think … [Read more...] about Happy Thanksgiving: Here are four good ways to get your work done before the long weekend
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