By Lynne Curry If you love working from home, and dread returning to the office, here’s the stark question you may face this year—are you willing to lose your job? This crossroads looms large for millions of workers. After tasting the benefits of remote work—zero commutes and better work-life balance—many employees feel reluctant to trade that freedom for fluorescent … [Read more...] about HR UPDATE: Who will win the return to office fight?
Productivity
9 Ways to Build an Environment of Continuous Learning for Your Staff
As a medical office manager, you know the value of having a well-trained, motivated administrative team. But keeping your staff sharp and engaged requires more than just a good onboarding program. It’s about creating an environment of continuous learning—one where your team feels empowered to grow their skills and stay ahead of industry trends. Here’s how you can foster that … [Read more...] about 9 Ways to Build an Environment of Continuous Learning for Your Staff
January To-Do List for a Busy Medical Office Manager
The start of a new year is the perfect time to set the tone for success in your medical practice. January often brings a mix of wrapping up the previous year’s tasks, setting goals, and preparing for the months ahead. To help you stay organized, here’s a comprehensive to-do list to keep your office running smoothly and efficiently as you head into the new year. 1. … [Read more...] about January To-Do List for a Busy Medical Office Manager
Taking Care of Yourself as the Work Pace Ramps Up
January can feel like being thrust into a race after a peaceful stroll. The holidays are over, the inbox is full, and deadlines seem to stack up faster than you can tackle them. As the manager of a busy office, you're often the one holding it all together, but who’s holding you together? Let’s be honest: you can’t take care of your team, your patients, or your office if … [Read more...] about Taking Care of Yourself as the Work Pace Ramps Up
Why Your Patients Want You to Text Them (And How to Do It Right)
Texting has become an increasingly popular mode of communication, not just for personal interactions but also for professional ones—including healthcare. Patients of all ages, from tech-savvy Millennials to older generations growing more comfortable with smartphones, are embracing text messaging for its convenience and accessibility. As a medical office manager, incorporating … [Read more...] about Why Your Patients Want You to Text Them (And How to Do It Right)
Exploring the Four-Day Workweek: A Map for Medical Office Managers
As discussions around workplace flexibility continue to grow, the idea of a four-day workweek has gained significant attention in the United States. From pilot programs in the private sector to proposed legislation, such as the Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act introduced in 2024, the potential shift to a shorter workweek is becoming more than just a trending topic. For medical … [Read more...] about Exploring the Four-Day Workweek: A Map for Medical Office Managers
How to Schedule Physician-Patient Phone Appointments Efficiently
Scheduling physician-patient phone appointments may seem straightforward, but without a thoughtful approach, it can become chaotic for both your team and patients. By putting the right systems in place, you can ensure these appointments are scheduled efficiently, with minimal confusion and maximum patient satisfaction. 1. Understand the Need for Phone Appointments Determine … [Read more...] about How to Schedule Physician-Patient Phone Appointments Efficiently
Payroll Part 2: How to Hire a Payroll Specialist for Your Medical Office
Hiring a payroll specialist for your medical office is a big decision. Payroll isn’t just about cutting checks—it’s about ensuring compliance with labor laws, maintaining employee satisfaction, and keeping the financial operations of your practice running smoothly. Here’s how you can find the right person for the job. Define the Role Clearly Before you … [Read more...] about Payroll Part 2: How to Hire a Payroll Specialist for Your Medical Office
Cheat Sheet: Common Medical Office Software Functions
This cheat sheet provides a quick guide to understanding the essential functions of commonly used medical office software systems, including Electronic Health Records (EHR), practice management software, and billing systems. Use this to ensure efficient, accurate, and streamlined processes. 1. How to Search for and Update Patient Records Search Patient … [Read more...] about Cheat Sheet: Common Medical Office Software Functions
Payroll Part 1: Deciding Between In-House and Outsourced Payroll
As a medical office manager, one of your critical responsibilities is ensuring payroll runs smoothly and accurately. It’s not just about paying your team on time—it’s also about compliance with tax laws, handling deductions, and ensuring employee satisfaction. Deciding whether to manage payroll in-house or outsource it is a significant decision that can impact your office’s … [Read more...] about Payroll Part 1: Deciding Between In-House and Outsourced Payroll