Medical Office Manager

Working with physicians

Know the signs and risk factors for physician suicide

This week of Sept. 10 through Sept. 16 is National Suicide Prevention Week, and Sunday, Sep. 17, is National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. Physicians are at a higher risk of suicide and suicidal ideation than the general population, says the American Medical Association. Suicidal ideation has been associated with high workload volume  and medical errors. Although previous … [Read more...] about Know the signs and risk factors for physician suicide

Is our wart lady here yet? Respecting patient privacy and dignity

True story: A friend of a staff member here at Medical Office Manager, awaiting treatment at a general practitioner's office for a small but bothersome wart, heard this loud call into the crowded waiting room, "Is our wart lady here yet?" She changed doctors after that embarrassing experience. Calling patients into medical office examination rooms while protecting their … [Read more...] about Is our wart lady here yet? Respecting patient privacy and dignity

What to do when a student forges a note from the doctor

Question: We were contacted by a local school today questioning a doctor's note from the provider. We had the school send a copy of the note and learned that the parent of the patient (the patient is a minor) had created a letter that appeared to come from our practice. It looked like it was on letterhead, sort of, and included the practice information and the doctor's name at … [Read more...] about What to do when a student forges a note from the doctor

Make a good impression with your email closing

How you end a business email can leave a lasting impression on the recipient. The right closing can make your email feel more professional and polished, while a poor closing can detract from the message you're trying to convey. In this article, we'll explore some tips and best practices for concluding your business emails in a way that leaves a positive impression on your … [Read more...] about Make a good impression with your email closing

Before, during and after a flood: Is your medical office prepared?

Flood preparedness is an ongoing process. Regularly review and update your flood preparedness plan to ensure it remains effective and aligned with any changes in your medical office's operations and environment. Pre-Flood Preparedness: Risk Assessment: Identify flood-prone areas near the medical office and assess the likelihood of flooding. Emergency Contacts: Maintain … [Read more...] about Before, during and after a flood: Is your medical office prepared?

Practice the art of active listening

Whether you dealing with a patient at the front desk, a staffer with a problem or a physician partner with instructions for you, you need to practice active listening. The skill of active listening has the power to transform relationships, enhance team collaboration, and drive organizational success. As a manager, honing your active listening skills can lead to a more engaged … [Read more...] about Practice the art of active listening

How to see your last patient on time

Getting the doctor to see the first patient of the day on schedule is no great feat. Seeing the last patient of the day on time can be a struggle. Here are some ways to make that happen: Implement an Effective Scheduling System A well-structured scheduling system is the foundation for keeping appointments on track. Consider using an electronic health record (EHR) or practice … [Read more...] about How to see your last patient on time

You don’t have to have all the answers: Use your team to solve problems

In the dynamic and ever-evolving healthcare landscape, medical offices face an array of challenges that demand efficient and innovative solutions. As the manager of a medical office, one of your most valuable assets is your team. By fostering a collaborative environment and leveraging the diverse skills and knowledge of your staff, you can effectively address specific issues … [Read more...] about You don’t have to have all the answers: Use your team to solve problems

Checklist: Is the office ready for your summer vacation?

Your long-awaited and well-deserved summer vacation is approaching. Is your staff prepared to run the office smoothly in your absence? Use this list to see if you have the bases covered. Vacation Preparation Checklist for Busy Medical Office Managers Delegate Responsibilities: Identify competent staff members to handle key tasks during your absence. Assign … [Read more...] about Checklist: Is the office ready for your summer vacation?