Last-minute cancellations can turn an orderly day at the office into chaos as you scramble to reach patients to fill unexpected openings in the schedule. Unfilled appointment slots are costly in terms of clinician time, staff time and office overhead. That's why you need to have an appointment cancellation policy and convey it to your patients. Here's a short and simple … [Read more...] about Here’s a simple sample cancellation policy
Managing the office
8 proven ways to totally destroy your credibility as a manager
A manager can have great knowledge and great skills, but without credibility with both doctors and staff, don't expect success. What is credibility? It can be defined as "what we do and how we do it that causes others to respect and believe us." The "what-we-do" is the tangible things – the work and its results. The "how-we-do-it" is the behavior that demonstrates a person's … [Read more...] about 8 proven ways to totally destroy your credibility as a manager
10 questions to ask the retiring medical office manager
Taking over the role of medical office manager can feel like stepping into big shoes. The retiring office manager has accumulated years of knowledge and insights that you won’t find in a manual or job description. Before they leave, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure a smooth transition and set yourself up for success. Here are some key areas to focus on when … [Read more...] about 10 questions to ask the retiring medical office manager
How to set up your successor for success as you retire
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
Medical office inventory and asset control checklist
Keeping track of assets in a medical office is essential for maintaining efficiency, compliance, and safety. With the constant flow of supplies, medications, and equipment, it’s easy for things to slip through the cracks. That’s why having a structured approach to inventory and asset management can save time, reduce costs, and prevent potential shortages or oversights. By … [Read more...] about Medical office inventory and asset control checklist
The breakroom saga: a true story with a surprise ending
By Lynne Curry Stay tuned for this week’s exciting episode of The Breakroom Saga. If your office’s breakroom is a hotbed of unresolved conflict, you’ll recognize these characters and their dramas. . At 3 p.m., “Harry” exploded into the manager’s office because someone swiped his turkey and cheese sandwich. According to Harry, one bite would have convinced anyone … [Read more...] about The breakroom saga: a true story with a surprise ending
5 quick ways to make your waiting room more welcoming
A full office makeover may not be possible, but every medical practice can make improvements to its patient waiting room. 1 Keep it clean All places of business should be clean, but arguably none more than a medical practice waiting room as it speaks to the quality of care. Take a look around. Are the windows and doors clean? Is there dust on the tables? Does the … [Read more...] about 5 quick ways to make your waiting room more welcoming
7 terms to include in your patient debt collection agency services contract
Outsourcing patient collections enables medical practices to generate needed cash flow and concentrate on clinical operations. That, at least, is the theory. But the strategy does not always work. One of the key factors of success is the actual services contract the medical practice signs with the agency. Many a medical practice has seen the anticipated benefits of outsourcing … [Read more...] about 7 terms to include in your patient debt collection agency services contract
Keep those payables paid with efficient procedures
Managing your medical office's financial obligations effectively not only ensures the smooth operation of your practice but also upholds its financial integrity. Here are the steps to establish efficient accounts payable procedures that help maintain financial stability, ensure compliance, and build strong vendor relationships. 1. Develop a Clear Accounts Payable Policy: … [Read more...] about Keep those payables paid with efficient procedures
7 ways to communicate power when you write and speak
As a medical office manager, the way you communicate can significantly impact how your team, patients, and colleagues perceive your leadership. Whether you're writing an email or speaking in a meeting, your words can convey authority and confidence. Here are seven ways to communicate power when you write and speak. 1. Be Clear and Concise Powerful communication starts with … [Read more...] about 7 ways to communicate power when you write and speak