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
Managing the office
Employee morale and your practice’s productivity: 5 easy ways to boost both
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio Employees' attitudes have changed over the years. Good, loyal employees want more than a paycheck and health benefits. Studies have shown that compensation does not even rate in the top 5 of what makes an employee happy with their job. I believe happy employees are productive employees and anyone who believes otherwise is overlooking the … [Read more...] about Employee morale and your practice’s productivity: 5 easy ways to boost both
Keep those payables paid with efficient procedures
Managing your medical office's financial obligations effectively not only ensures the smooth operation of your practice but also upholds its financial integrity. Here are the steps to establish efficient accounts payable procedures that help maintain financial stability, ensure compliance, and build strong vendor relationships. 1. Develop a Clear Accounts Payable Policy: … [Read more...] about Keep those payables paid with efficient procedures
Model Tool: Job description template
Why you need this model tool: Job descriptions are critical management documents. A medical office manager should make sure there is a formal, written job description for every position. How this model tool helps you: This template provides the major categories that you should include in your job descriptions along with an explanation of what to include in each … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Job description template
3 steps to success for a new medical office manager
Dear Medical Office Manager: I've just been promoted to manager of a medical office. What should I do now to ensure success? Congratulations on your promotion! Here are three steps you can take to ensure success in your new role as a medical office manager: Get to know your team: Take the time to meet and build relationships with your staff. This will help you … [Read more...] about 3 steps to success for a new medical office manager
Model Tool: Catastrophic leave program donation form
Why you need this form: Leave-sharing programs must meet certain criteria in order to be valid under the Internal Revenue Service's general tax rules and under various state laws. How this form helps you: A leave-sharing program must be in writing and created as a "leave bank" into which employees may deposit donated leave. How to use this form: Check with your state law … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Catastrophic leave program donation form
14 tips for improving your training content
Training is an ongoing process for your medical office staff, and your training content needs regular updates and improvements. Here are some tips to keep materials up to date and relevant: You have to make someone responsible for keeping content current. Use titles and not names in your documentation, so you don’t have to update when people leave your firm. Find a … [Read more...] about 14 tips for improving your training content
How to negotiate the best possible purchasing agreements
Smart purchasing decisions help a medical practice run more efficiently, improve the practice's bottom line, and make your job easier. But what should you include in purchasing contracts and lease agreements? As important, how do you negotiate the best possible deal for the practice? Determining requirements Before you solicit bids or attempt to negotiate a contract, … [Read more...] about How to negotiate the best possible purchasing agreements
Six key areas for successful physician partnerships
By Nick Hernandez bio Physicians should take a measured approach to the future of their practice. Physician partnerships require much pre-planning, careful structuring, and a whole lot of continued communication in order for them to be successful. I am often asked to help a practice facilitate the undertaking of physician partnerships. It is certainly not a process that … [Read more...] about Six key areas for successful physician partnerships
COMPLIANCE: A 10-step compliance strategy for OSHA Recordkeeping Rules
January is the season when employers must compile their OSHA logs for the previous year. Here’s an overview of the OSHA Recordkeeping Standard and a 10-step strategy to ensure compliance. Step 1: Figure out if your office is covered Physician offices are among the industries listed by North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) as being partially exempt from the … [Read more...] about COMPLIANCE: A 10-step compliance strategy for OSHA Recordkeeping Rules