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
Working with physicians
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
How to set up your successor for success as you retire
As you approach retirement, you've probably been reflecting on your journey as a medical office manager—the challenges you've overcome, the systems you've refined, and the relationships you've built. Leaving all of that behind can be bittersweet, but one of the most important things you can do before you retire is to ensure a smooth transition for your successor. Setting them … [Read more...] about How to set up your successor for success as you retire
How to curb office gossip in your medical practice
Office gossip can quickly create a toxic environment, especially in a medical practice where teamwork and trust are essential for patient care. As a medical office manager, it’s your responsibility to maintain a professional atmosphere where everyone feels respected and focused on their work. Gossip undermines that environment, breeding negativity, reducing productivity, and … [Read more...] about How to curb office gossip in your medical practice
Flex-retirement: A win-win strategy for staff retention
Staff retention is not only a cost-effective strategy, but it also helps maintain institutional knowledge and ensures a smoother transition when team members retire. One innovative approach that can facilitate this transition and keep experienced staff on board is “flex-retirement.” What Is Flex-Retirement? Flex-retirement, also known as flexible retirement, is a workplace … [Read more...] about Flex-retirement: A win-win strategy for staff retention
Physicians behaving badly: what to do when it affects patients
Poor physician behavior. It can run the gamut from rudeness to actions that invite malpractice claims. When does it cross the line from unpleasant to necessitating action from the practice? The answer is when it impacts the patient or has potential legal significance. And sometimes it does both. Patient losses, court losses The first concern is the patients. Whenever a … [Read more...] about Physicians behaving badly: what to do when it affects patients
How to outsmart manipulators in the workplace
By Lynne Curry If you’re locked in a work relationship with a manipulative boss or coworkers who learn you’re an easy mark, they’ll manipulate you until you recognize their games and find ways to outsmart them. Here’s what you need to understand and do to stop manipulators in their tracks. Start by understanding who and what manipulators are. Next, realize how you’re … [Read more...] about How to outsmart manipulators in the workplace
Benefits of telehealth and how to integrate it into your practice
You're always looking for ways to improve patient care and streamline operations. One game-changer is telehealth, which offers benefits for both your patients and your clinical and office team. First off, telehealth is incredibly convenient. Patients love it because they can have appointments without leaving the comfort of their homes. This is especially great for those with … [Read more...] about Benefits of telehealth and how to integrate it into your practice
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
Sample policy on domestic abuse
Domestic abuse is a serious issue that affects individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. It can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and psychological abuse. Medical offices have a unique role in addressing and preventing domestic abuse, as patients may disclose abuse during a medical appointment or seek medical attention as a result of … [Read more...] about Sample policy on domestic abuse