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
Hiring & firing
How to tackle staff shortages and turnover
Managing staffing shortages and turnover is one of the most pressing challenges in healthcare today. As a medical office manager, you know firsthand how critical it is to maintain a full, skilled staff to ensure your practice runs smoothly. However, the healthcare industry is facing a widespread shortage of qualified professionals, which makes hiring and retaining the right … [Read more...] about How to tackle staff shortages and turnover
The temp is gunning for my job
By Lynne Curry Question: I love my job as a midsize medical clinic’s administrative manager. That’s why my husband and I agreed I’d take only a short six-week maternity leave, and he’d take the full two months his employer offered. When I told the managing physician, he thanked me profusely for my commitment. I diligently searched for the best temporary replacement, … [Read more...] about The temp is gunning for my job
What’s it going to take for me to rise to this challenge?
By Lynne Curry Question: I’m an easygoing, accommodating supervisor. Not only does it take a lot to upset me, but I hate conflict. As a result, some employees take advantage. This can create messy situations as the employees with strong work ethic have to pick up the slack. Soon after I hired “Sam,” he scheduled a private meeting with me and let me know Bekah was … [Read more...] about What’s it going to take for me to rise to this challenge?
Don’t let wage and hour complaint lead to costly retaliation claim
A retaliation claim is expensive to defend and even more expensive to lose. And now it's easier for employees to file one in matters related to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which covers wage and hour law. In the past, a retaliation claim for complaining about pay and hours was valid only if the employee put the complaint in writing. However, a U.S. Supreme Court ruling … [Read more...] about Don’t let wage and hour complaint lead to costly retaliation claim
When to call an HR expert for help
As a medical office manager, you typically handle day-to-day human resources responsibilities and likely feel comfortable in this role, at least most of the time. Yet, there are times when expert assistance would be welcomed or even seems required. The question is: How do you know when you need the help of an expert? Going it alone Among the various HR responsibilities, several … [Read more...] about When to call an HR expert for help