Q: I don't know how to say this delicately, so I'll get right to the point. A staffer at our practice has terrible body odor. Her B.O. is so bad that several other staffers have approached me, saying they don't want to work with her. Also, they have asked me to do something about the situation. I'm usually good at counseling employees, but this particular problem has me … [Read more...] about When an employee has body odor
Federal
Practices recognize that health care compliance management must be addressed, despite challenges
A nationwide survey finds health care organizations and businesses, including medical practices, confront time and staffing challenges when it comes to health care compliance management. Expertise is also an issue, as is keeping up with changes. Nevertheless, medical practices and other health care providers recognize the importance of health care compliance management. The … [Read more...] about Practices recognize that health care compliance management must be addressed, despite challenges
Management really does matter
By Steve M. Cohen bio Although most of us assume the obvious, it's worth stressing the underlining need for good management and "mess management" in any organization. There is much that you can do to anticipate the potholes and to navigate around them if you are savvy and prepared. It helps if you have formal education in leadership and management, but even if you don't, … [Read more...] about Management really does matter
IOM report targets diagnostic errors, calls for medical offices to help improve process
Estimating that most individuals experience at least one diagnostic error at some point in life, and 5 percent of adults experience an error each year, a report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM), Improving Diagnosis in Health Care," the latest in its Quality Chasm Series, asserts that "[i]mproving the diagnostic process is not only possible, but also represents a moral, … [Read more...] about IOM report targets diagnostic errors, calls for medical offices to help improve process
Massachusetts doctor indicted in Anti-Kickback case
A Massachusetts gynecologist was arrested in connection with allegedly accepting free meals and speaker fees from a pharmaceutical company in return for prescribing its osteoporosis drugs, allowing pharmaceutical sales representatives to access patient records, and lying to federal investigators. The physician was indicted on one count of violating the Anti-Kickback Statute, … [Read more...] about Massachusetts doctor indicted in Anti-Kickback case
Expect more concerted HIPAA enforcement due to OIG reports
The protection of individuals' private health information isn't being adequately enforced, according to the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG). The OIG issued two reports criticizing the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) for failing to proactively enforce privacy rules under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and follow … [Read more...] about Expect more concerted HIPAA enforcement due to OIG reports
Health care providers optimistic but losing confidence in ACA according to study
While more than three-quarters of health care providers express optimism about the future of U.S. health care overall, support for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has lessened according to a new study by Mortenson, one of the leading health care contractors in the United States. The number of health care providers who feel positive about the ACA has fallen significantly in … [Read more...] about Health care providers optimistic but losing confidence in ACA according to study
Easy answers to 5 tough questions managers often face
Here are the answers to five individual questions managers often encounter. They are outlined by attorney Shari L. Lane of Northwest Employment Law in Portland, OR. Changing the face of the job 1. Can the office require an employee to take on a different work schedule or move to another location? What if it affects the employee's child care or family responsibility … [Read more...] about Easy answers to 5 tough questions managers often face
Good managers avoid termination disasters
By Steve M. Cohen bio Letting an employee go is rarely easy. Even when the decision is inescapable or the party in question so obviously a negative for the office, the act of termination is usually unpleasant. Most managers will wonder if they've made the right decision. They'll wonder, "Perhaps I should give this person just one more chance," or "Do the bad … [Read more...] about Good managers avoid termination disasters
How to keep the office safe from the lawyers when a staffer gets fired
Terminations are what spark the vast majority of today’s employment law claims, says employment defense attorney Shari Lane. That’s one area where managers can’t afford to make mistakes. Step back before pulling the trigger Safety starts with two obvious precautions, Lane says. First, review the record. Make sure it explains what has led to the decision. If there’s not … [Read more...] about How to keep the office safe from the lawyers when a staffer gets fired