Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell have announced an unprecedented nationwide sweep led by the Medicare Fraud Strike Force in 36 federal districts, resulting in criminal and civil charges against 301 individuals, including 61 doctors, nurses, and other licensed medical professionals, for their … [Read more...] about $900 million in false billing results in charges against medical practices throughout the U.S.
Managing staff
What we have here should never be a failure to communicate
By Steve M. Cohen bio I may be showing my age, but it's likely you've at least heard the line from "Cool Hand Luke": "What we have here is a failure to communicate." A prison boss first uses the phrase, then the hero, Luke, repeats it at the end of the film. Moments later, Luke is killed in dramatic Hollywood fashion. If you need to update this mentally, picture … [Read more...] about What we have here should never be a failure to communicate
Avoid these 5 deadly personality traits when hiring staff
Just as important as being able to do the work and being willing to do the work is having a personality that fits the job. Five traits can spell disaster in medical office staffing. Those five traits can cause severe friction within the staff. They can stymie the work. And they can undermine the manager. Here's a definition of each plus the detection questions to ask and … [Read more...] about Avoid these 5 deadly personality traits when hiring staff
Can’t they just get along?
By Lynne Curry bio We think personality clashes are inevitable. But are they? After 36 years spent unraveling people dynamics in the workplace, I've learned that while we give lip service to the idea others do things differently than us, we continue to hope that if they would instead do things the right way, our way, everything would run smoother. It helps to realize … [Read more...] about Can’t they just get along?
Are you stifling your staff’s enthusiasm?
Many articles have been written about motivating staff. Medical Office Manager has published many of these, which are usually how-to articles, aimed at increasing productivity. These pieces often share tried-and-true ways to engage employees more fully. Sometimes rewards and recognition are the hooks for motivation and greater engagement. Such techniques work, and can … [Read more...] about Are you stifling your staff’s enthusiasm?
Employee conflict: fighters vs. flighters
By Steve M. Cohen bio It's solid management to address the internal climate of your medical office. No doubt, you are aware of this and have put time and effort into teambuilding, empowering, and creating a positive climate for your office staff. It's important to you, and it's important to your staff. So, why are people fighting on occasion or even more … [Read more...] about Employee conflict: fighters vs. flighters
Use contract employees and temporary workers to solve difficult staffing issues
If your medical practice is like most, it's difficult to make a case for adding full-time office staff. And it's no wonder. The benefits associated with a full-time employee in the health care industry — including Social Security, 401k/403b contribution, disability insurance, health insurance, pension plan, and paid time off — add approximately 40 percent to an employee's … [Read more...] about Use contract employees and temporary workers to solve difficult staffing issues
Go nuclear: gain critical mass for your office
By Steve M. Cohen bio Nuclear reactions are a big deal, and in a sense you can gain some of that power in your office with a little planning. In case physics wasn't your favorite course, nuclear reactions involve what is called "critical mass," the presence of enough fissionable material to creation a reaction. If you can create critical mass, then things start to … [Read more...] about Go nuclear: gain critical mass for your office
Less than half of U.S. workers believe their employer supports a healthy lifestyle
Despite the prevalence of workplace wellness efforts, only one-third of American workers say they regularly participate in the health promotion programs provided by their employer, according to a new survey by the American Psychological Association (APA), the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. Additionally, less than … [Read more...] about Less than half of U.S. workers believe their employer supports a healthy lifestyle
Exempt employee salary rules just changed: are you ready?
By Paul Edwards bio Medical practice owners and office managers are about to face a tough transition. The minimum salary at which an employee may qualify as "exempt" from overtime pay has just been changed to $47,476 per year by the Department of Labor—and by December 1, 2016, all businesses must comply. What's changing, and why? Under the old Fair Labor Standards … [Read more...] about Exempt employee salary rules just changed: are you ready?