By Lynne Curry bio You've met the predatory patient and possibly even tangled with him. He or she makes life difficult for your staff, particularly your front desk employees, and possibly even for you because his status as a patient enables him to do so. Often he represents hundreds of thousands of dollars in billings. Do medical practices have a responsibility to … [Read more...] about The predatory patient and your workplace environment
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Are 5 common, but undiscussable, workplace behaviors putting your patients at risk?
A new study by VitalSmarts suggests that slackers, timid supervisors, toxic peers, and arrogant doctors are common in healthcare. But, while frustrating, these behavior problems aren't the real problem. The real problem in healthcare is silence. VitalSmarts’ study of workplace drama in healthcare found that while most employees and physicians frequently witness these … [Read more...] about Are 5 common, but undiscussable, workplace behaviors putting your patients at risk?
Set aside two hours for staff and keep interruptions in check
Some of the most annoying problems are often solved with the simplest of solutions. Such was the case at an internal medicine practice in Macon, GA. The practice has eight physicians and nearly 75 staff, but only one administrator dealing with constant interruptions that made getting her work done difficult. Most of the interruptions were from staff with small, but necessary, … [Read more...] about Set aside two hours for staff and keep interruptions in check
7 employee benefits you can give to your staff at little or no cost
A question readers often ask Medical Office Manager is what benefits can they give staff that won't break the budget. In response, we researched the benefits medical offices and other types of businesses offer. Some are unusual. Google, for example, provides free haircuts. A Japanese company even gives a one-day "heartache leave" each year to female employees who lose at … [Read more...] about 7 employee benefits you can give to your staff at little or no cost
HIPAA data breaches in 2017: Another record breaking year!
By Danika Brinda bio Unfortunately as promised, 2017 brought many challenges to properly protecting patient information in healthcare. We saw a record number of data breaches in 2016 with cybersecurity being on a fast and furious rise. In 2017, the trend continued with many healthcare organizations being hit with different cybersecurity attacks, resulting in data … [Read more...] about HIPAA data breaches in 2017: Another record breaking year!
5 blind spots in sexual harassment policies and how to fix them
Recent months have witnessed the morphing of workplace sexual harassment prevention from legal requirement to moral imperative. And while the current fervor is a bit unnerving for employers, to the extent it shatters complacency, it's a positive and even necessary development. Sexual harassment has evolved dramatically in the past two decades—in terms of not just conduct but … [Read more...] about 5 blind spots in sexual harassment policies and how to fix them
4 steps to hit the reset button with your team in 2020
By Audrey Epstein bio The New Year brings with it the opportunity for change, growth, and renewal. We commit to accomplish new goals or resolve to finally complete old ambitions. Most of us feel more optimistic at the beginning of the year. New Year's Resolutions are expected. Gym memberships go through the roof in January. The "fresh start" feel of each new year is … [Read more...] about 4 steps to hit the reset button with your team in 2020
Is ACA employer reporting still required for 2017 tax year? Are you sure?
Ever since it was signed into law in 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been the subject of much concern—and confusion—for employers. This past year has been no exception, due to a handful of attempts by GOP lawmakers to overhaul the controversial legislation. At this time, however, the ACA remains the law of the land, and employers must prepare and report in January … [Read more...] about Is ACA employer reporting still required for 2017 tax year? Are you sure?
Focus on employee health and see an increase in productivity
A survey of executives at large corporations, conducted by CoreNet Global and CBRE Group, Inc., has found that when a company focuses on employee health and wellness, there is an increase in engagement and retention rates and a decline in absenteeism. "Corporations that take an active role in managing health and wellness programs for employees are seeing positive returns on … [Read more...] about Focus on employee health and see an increase in productivity
No one’s immune to workplace stress
Editor's picks: The heat is on: Six in 10 employees report increased work stress Why taking your vacation is worth the hassle Stress should be recognized and dealt with quickly … [Read more...] about No one’s immune to workplace stress