By Dr. Steve M. Cohen bio Although workforce disasters usually make the headlines, there are a number of "basic" human resource tasks that should not be discounted. One is the job candidate interview. Theoretically, interviews should not be a problem. They're a common occurrence, with no possible traps, right? After all, the candidate just wants the job and you are … [Read more...] about Your interview notes could get you in trouble
Risk management
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
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
Physicians behaving badly: what to do when it affects patients
Poor physician behavior. It can run the gamut from rudeness to actions that invite malpractice claims. When does it cross the line from unpleasant to necessitating action from the practice? The answer is when it impacts the patient or has potential legal significance. And sometimes it does both. Patient losses, court losses The first concern is the patients. Whenever a … [Read more...] about Physicians behaving badly: what to do when it affects patients
Model Policy: Medications error reporting
Establishing a written Policy for dealing with medication errors is crucial. Although each practice will handle things differently, that policy should, like the Model Policy below, define “medication errors,” describe how those errors must be reported and to whom, and set out a procedure for assessment and analysis of medications error data generated by reporting. … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Medications error reporting
Background checks: better safe than sorry
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen You might think it unnecessary for your medical office, but I consistently recommend that my clients conduct background checks on all employees they intend to hire. Some of my clients are required to conduct background checks by state or federal statutes. This is especially widespread when employees will provide services to frail or vulnerable … [Read more...] about Background checks: better safe than sorry
21 easy ways to boost practice profitability fast
Simple changes to billing procedures, hiring policies, purchasing, patient relations, and other daily activities can have a positive impact on your practice's bottom line. Here are 21 ways you can quickly boost practice profitability. 1. Name a reimbursement coordinator To get all the reimbursement possible, hire or appoint someone to be a reimbursement coordinator. It … [Read more...] about 21 easy ways to boost practice profitability fast
4 immediate steps to take when an office romance blossoms
To meet that one special guy or gal. . . it's the stuff dreams are made of. But when that love connection takes place within a workplace, it can be an employer's worst nightmare. Couples who live happily ever after are manageable. But when a workplace romance ends in breakup, it usually creates big problems at work. This has not changed in the era of remote work. Surveys have … [Read more...] about 4 immediate steps to take when an office romance blossoms
5 tested ways to make your billing and coding more profitable
The health of your medical practice depends on good quality coding and billing work. One of the most important roles in the medical office that impacts compliance—and your bottom line—is the coding and billing function. "Coding and billing is the lifeblood of the practice; it's the income," says Michael J. Sacopulos, JD, founder and president of Medical Risk … [Read more...] about 5 tested ways to make your billing and coding more profitable
3 things to know about background checks
“No, we didn’t do a background check on her before we hired her. She seemed like such a nice person.” “Well, I just ‘Googled’ him, and it looks like he has some sort of criminal record, but I can’t see what it is.” These are things we occasionally hear from our members on the topic of background checks. Although nobody wants to think the worst of every applicant, it just … [Read more...] about 3 things to know about background checks