Manager Arlene Zimmerman had an IT cost awakening when the computer went down. She called in the vendor's tech support and paid $100 to find out the computer was simply unplugged. "I told myself 'never again!'" says Zimmerman, who manages four-physician Colorado Springs Family Practice in Colorado Springs, CO. So she started on a path of building up as much IT support as … [Read more...] about Colorado practice cuts costs by hiring IT staffer
General
Award program motivates employees all year
In a New York state office, the employee-of-the-month award goes beyond cursory congratulations. It is a recognition that lasts all year with seven reward components. Staff take the award seriously. When it is announced at the staff meeting each month, employees are supportive of each other. They cry and hug and congratulate the winner, says the manager of the 21-staff medical … [Read more...] about Award program motivates employees all year
9 important dos and don’ts for using social media to promote your practice
Federal and state laws are implicated when a medical office decides to promote its services, whether through establishing a website for the medical office or participating in forums such as Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter. This article focuses on the do's and don'ts arising from federal and state laws on advertising and privacy. 1 Do be truthful When a medical office establishes … [Read more...] about 9 important dos and don’ts for using social media to promote your practice
For payment plans, credit cards on file mean payments on time
For any patients on a payment plan, having a credit card on file is just good business, says a New Jersey practice administrator. Automatic card payments are the only way an office can be assured of getting the agreed-upon amount at the agreed-upon time. The practice administrator uses that approach for a dermatology practice and also for a second practice she manages as a … [Read more...] about For payment plans, credit cards on file mean payments on time
Compliance checklist
Use this checklist to make sure you have complied with all the new and modified requirements in the HIPAA final rule: Notice of privacy practices Addresses breach notification rules Discusses uses for which authorization is required Advises patients they can request nondisclosure to health plan if they pay out-of-pocket Addresses sale of PHI Advises patients they can opt out … [Read more...] about Compliance checklist
Important guidelines for your medical practice website
When your medical office establishes a website, be sure to set some boundaries and limits for individuals using that website, and give careful attention to the individuals referenced at the site. To set boundaries for individuals using the site, you should have a terms-of-use policy available on the website which includes disclaimers about the purpose of the site and what … [Read more...] about Important guidelines for your medical practice website
Do your patients need medication reminders?
When prescribing medication, physicians provide patients with dosage information. Pharmacies also provide this information when filling prescriptions. Nevertheless, patients often have a difficult time remembering what and how much medication to take when. The situation can be especially problematic when a patient takes multiple prescription drugs. With this mind, your … [Read more...] about Do your patients need medication reminders?
Survey finds medical facilities reluctant to promote from within
As the healthcare sector prepares for 29.4 percent growth by 2022, many medical facilities are faced with deciding whether they should promote from within or recruit externally to fill open positions. The HealthCare Initiative (THC), an affiliate of MRINetwork, which specializes in recruitment of healthcare management professionals, recently surveyed 400 hospital leaders on … [Read more...] about Survey finds medical facilities reluctant to promote from within
Illinois manager develops unique staff review system that does it all
An Illinois manager has developed a review system that, besides determining raises, increases communication throughout the office and also promotes teamwork. The process is referred to as a 360-degree evaluation, and everybody reviews everybody – she and the doctors review the staff, and the staff turn around and review them plus their peers plus themselves. And to keep the … [Read more...] about Illinois manager develops unique staff review system that does it all
The why, when, and how of a severance agreement and what it needs to cover
A severance agreement can benefit both employer and employee. On the employer side, it’s an insurance policy against employee litigation. “It thwarts claims by former employees,” says employment law attorney Jonathan B. Orleans of Pullman & Comley in Bridgeport, CT. And on the employee side, it softens the blow of being without work and tides people over until they can … [Read more...] about The why, when, and how of a severance agreement and what it needs to cover