Every medical office manager knows that keeping patients waiting in long, slow-moving lines is a recipe for poor service. Not only can long waits cause patients to become extremely upset and agitated, they can also result in lost opportunities in the form of walk-outs and poor patient reviews. This is especially the case in today's world of instant information … [Read more...] about Line management systems help manage practice waiting rooms
Productivity
Managers, are you creating a community or an organization?
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen There is a managerial question that is often overlooked: Is your office a community or an organization? A community is, by definition, inclusive. An organization is, by definition, exclusive. Let's use the military as an example of an exclusive organization. When people enlist, there are ranks to climb with each level being more selective and more … [Read more...] about Managers, are you creating a community or an organization?
Consider an employee complaint line
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen A client told me that they eliminated their 800 number complaint line. When I asked why, they said, "All we got were complaints!" I disagreed. Whether they are from employees or customers, complaints are invaluable because the feedback provides an opportunity for examination. I realize the protocol might be slightly different for a medical office, but … [Read more...] about Consider an employee complaint line
Nurses’ work-related injuries and physical discomfort impact patient care
Findings of an independent survey conducted by Ergotron, a Nortek company that manufactures ergonomic workplace products, highlights many of the day-to-day difficulties nurses face with medical equipment, clinical workflow, electronic health records (EHRs), physical strain or injury and how these factors impact the delivery of quality patient care. Of note, 60 percent of nurses … [Read more...] about Nurses’ work-related injuries and physical discomfort impact patient care
Curing the common code: 4 small shifts will help you move in a positive direction
By Dale Henry bio OK, I'll admit it. I am a sci-fi junkie. I love all the action and far-reaching technology of a good science fiction feature. I am a child of the '60s and "Star Trek" was my favorite. I remember that all of the Enterprise's doors opened automatically. (When I was growing up, that had not been invented yet.) Everyone talked on tricorders and communicated … [Read more...] about Curing the common code: 4 small shifts will help you move in a positive direction
Virginia manager uses contests to help turn staff into a team
A new manager set building staff teamwork as her first goal. And she decided that the best way to reach that goal was to make it fun. So she set up contests that require the staff to work and think together and come up with ideas that will benefit the office. The neurological practice in Virginia has eight physicians and 36 staff. The first contest was held in a restaurant … [Read more...] about Virginia manager uses contests to help turn staff into a team
Maintaining an HPO: employees make the difference
By Steve M. Cohen bio Among the goals of any organization is to become an HPO — a high performance organization. That means you have created a lean, mean running machine that operates at top efficiency, and your employees are engaged. Some organizations don't believe this really applies to them. But look at it this way: Research by the Gallagher Organization has suggested … [Read more...] about Maintaining an HPO: employees make the difference