Equally as important as regulations, revenue, coding, and Medicare are the day-to-day issues of running the office and managing people. Here are solutions to many of the ongoing and aggravating issues managers face every day. They don't come from management school. They are the wisdom of consultants and of managers in medical offices. And they are all simple, workable … [Read more...] about The plain and practical side of medical office managing
Workplace Safety
New EPA laws ban flushing of opioids & other hazardous pharmaceuticals
On Aug. 21, a new federal rule took effect banning physican offices and other healthcare facilities from flushing hazardous waste pharmaceuticals into the sewer system. If you haven't already done so, you'll need to establish protocols and procedures to ensure compliance and avoid stiff penalties. The new anti-flushing law The new rule is part of an existing piece of federal … [Read more...] about New EPA laws ban flushing of opioids & other hazardous pharmaceuticals
What you need to know when a bully takes you on
By Lynne Curry bio You've met bullies who play a win/lose game, even as you aim for a win/win solution. Guess who loses when they take you on? You do. Would you like to win, or at least not lose? Here's what you need to know: Fail the bully's test We believe or like to believe the best of everyone. When a bully first tests us with a demeaning slam, we often … [Read more...] about What you need to know when a bully takes you on
Trap to avoid: Asking employees about their latex allergies
"Are you allergic to latex?" It seems like a perfectly legitimate thing to ask, especially to an employee who's expected to wear latex gloves on the job. The problem is that asking the question may expose you to risk of liability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Risk The ADA bans employers from discriminating against individuals with disabilities. EEOC … [Read more...] about Trap to avoid: Asking employees about their latex allergies
Is your medical office prepared to accommodate an aging population?
Talk of an aging population isn't idle chatter. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 2030 will mark a significant turning point in the nation's history. By then, all baby boomers will be older than 65. This means that one in every five residents will be retirement age. An aging population presents increasing challenges from the standpoint of health care and related patient … [Read more...] about Is your medical office prepared to accommodate an aging population?
These 7 ergonomic basics can make your staff healthier and happier
Ergonomics is good economics. When the work areas are in sync with the people spending their days in them, there's no time lost to sick days and no money lost to low productivity, says Hayley Kaye, a certified professional ergonomist with HLK Consulting in New York City. Achieving that calls for attention to the desks, telephones, and chairs. But it also calls for teaching … [Read more...] about These 7 ergonomic basics can make your staff healthier and happier
How employers can help break the stigma of mental health in the workplace?
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! With approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experiencing mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, it is imperative that today's employers focus on breaking the stigma around mental health in the workplace. Why is it important to employers? By addressing this taboo topic, employees can educate themselves and … [Read more...] about How employers can help break the stigma of mental health in the workplace?
How to beat the workplace bully in your medical office
Loss of good employees, low morale, and communication breakdowns caused by office bullies are costing your medical practice plenty, says Dr. Lynne Curry, Regional Director of Training and Business Consulting for Avitus, a national firm with offices coast to coast According to Curry, more than 65 million American workers have either been bullied on the job or seen their … [Read more...] about How to beat the workplace bully in your medical office
Do your patients know how to properly dispose of medications?
According to a recently released Patient Safety Report, Americans are confident that the medical care they receive is safe and follows proper protocols. In fact, nearly all Americans surveyed (91 percent) who sought medical attention at a doctor's office, hospital, urgent care or other medical facility in the last year agree that their medical professional followed protocols … [Read more...] about Do your patients know how to properly dispose of medications?
The 10 assumptions NOT to make when doing your OSHA 300s
December is here and it's time for the logs. No, not the yule logs—the OSHA 300 logs! It's time to get the year's injury and illness records in order and start getting the OSHA 300A ready for the Feb. 1 filing deadline. As you set about your task, here are 10 OSHA 300 assumptions you want to avoid at all costs. Bad assumption #1: We should record everything just to be … [Read more...] about The 10 assumptions NOT to make when doing your OSHA 300s