One of the biggest complaints from patients is long wait times. Improving wait times can make your patients happier and your office more efficient. Here are some simple steps you can take to make a big difference. First, it's essential to schedule smartly. Avoid overbooking your schedule to prevent long wait times and rushed appointments. Adding short breaks between … [Read more...] about Use smarter scheduling for shorter waits
Managing the office
How to deal with difficult patients and resolve conflicts
Dealing with difficult patients and resolving conflicts is an important part of working in a medical office. Sometimes, patients might be upset, anxious, or frustrated, and it's crucial to handle these situations calmly and professionally. Here are some tips and examples on how to manage these challenges effectively. First, it's important to listen carefully. When a patient … [Read more...] about How to deal with difficult patients and resolve conflicts
How to navigate insurance contracts
Reviewing and negotiating insurance contracts and ensuring compliance with regulations are indispensable tasks for medical office managers. These efforts not only impact the financial stability of the practice but also contribute to the quality of patient care. By approaching these strategically, medical office managers can secure favorable terms, optimize provider networks, … [Read more...] about How to navigate insurance contracts
The October Theory: An Easy Strategy for Improving Your Work Life
By Lynne Curry Question: When I returned to my job last week from my annual three-week vacation, I stopped in the breakroom for coffee. To my surprise, my colleagues’ conversations didn’t center on the election like they had before I left. Instead, my coworkers buzzed with excitement about “goals” and “results.” I asked one coworker, “What’s up?” and he told me he and … [Read more...] about The October Theory: An Easy Strategy for Improving Your Work Life
CHECKLIST: 7 November Tasks for a Smooth Medical Office Finish
As the end of the year looms, November is a perfect month to dive into key tasks that will set your medical office up for a productive finish and an even better start to next year. With the holidays around the corner, it's all about checking off high-impact items before things get even busier. Here are some essential areas to tackle this month. 1. Year-End Financial … [Read more...] about CHECKLIST: 7 November Tasks for a Smooth Medical Office Finish
Patient Experience Checklist
Here's a Patient Experience Checklist tailored for a medical office manager to ensure a positive patient experience: Welcoming Patients Greet patients promptly and courteously as they arrive. Ensure front desk staff maintains a friendly and professional demeanor. Provide any necessary forms or information efficiently. Waiting Area Management Confirm … [Read more...] about Patient Experience Checklist
Why your medical practice needs job descriptions
Small businesses, including medical practices, often try to get by without formal job descriptions. The thinking is the manager knows what each position requires, and she or he can share this information with job candidates and new hires. Another argument is that because job tasks tend to change, job descriptions quickly become outdated. Neither of these arguments takes … [Read more...] about Why your medical practice needs job descriptions
7 jobs to start in October for year-end
October is the perfect time to get a head start on the end-of-year rush. By handling key tasks now, you can ensure a smooth transition into the holiday season and avoid last-minute chaos. Here are the essential jobs you should focus on in October to set your office up for success as the year wraps up. 1. Year-End Financial Review October is an ideal time to start reviewing … [Read more...] about 7 jobs to start in October for year-end
Engaging patients in Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October presents a unique opportunity to engage your patients in meaningful ways. Not only can you raise awareness about the importance of early detection, but you can also encourage patients to prioritize their health by promoting screenings and providing educational resources. Here are some actionable ways to get your patients involved and … [Read more...] about Engaging patients in Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Recovering from hurricanes, floods and other weather disasters
As back-to-back hurricane disasters have affected a large swath of the Southeast, many medical practices are struggling to recover and resume operations. Recovering from a disaster caused by extreme weather events can be particularly challenging for medical offices, as it directly impacts patient care and staff safety. Consider these guidelines for preparing for and recovering … [Read more...] about Recovering from hurricanes, floods and other weather disasters