By Steve M. Cohen bio First it was labeled a schoolyard problem, then a big issue throughout schools and colleges. Then bullying was discovered in the workplace. First it was overbearing owners and managers. Then we discovered that it was also possible for employees to bully other employees. Don't misunderstand me; these are serious and ongoing problems. Bullying in … [Read more...] about Office bullies are bad, really
Technology
Get ready for HIPAA breach before it happens
HIPAA requires you have breach notification policies and procedures to ensure proper handling of a breach of unsecured protected health information (PHI). Do you have breach notification policies and procedures that comply with HIPAA, including the most recent changes that went into effect in 2013? Are you training your staff about how to handle suspected breaches? If not, you … [Read more...] about Get ready for HIPAA breach before it happens
How technology is going to affect HR processes in 2016
Imagine software that runs on a phone, delivers on-the-job skills training via video, and integrates with a learning management system that shows a manager how well employees have mastered new skills. This is just one example of the innovations emerging to help improve productivity at work, according to Josh Bersin, principal at Bersin by Deloitte, Deloitte Consulting LLP. … [Read more...] about How technology is going to affect HR processes in 2016
CMS provides more quality metrics for health care professionals and group practices
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently updated both the Physician Compare and Hospital Compare websites to provide current quality performance data for health care professionals and group practices in order to improve online tools that help consumers choose health care providers. New quality measures have been added to Physician Compare for group … [Read more...] about CMS provides more quality metrics for health care professionals and group practices
Big issues faced by medical office managers
By Steve M. Cohen bio Although medical office managers face many unique issues, some of the most challenging are those shared with managers of other types of organizations. Take the difficulties of hiring and retaining good staff. Although the professional demands of a medical office are certainly unique, workforce strategies such as developing talent from within … [Read more...] about Big issues faced by medical office managers
Colorado practice cuts costs by hiring IT staffer
Manager Arlene Zimmerman had an IT cost awakening when the computer went down. She called in the vendor's tech support and paid $100 to find out the computer was simply unplugged. "I told myself 'never again!'" says Zimmerman, who manages four-physician Colorado Springs Family Practice in Colorado Springs, CO. So she started on a path of building up as much IT support as … [Read more...] about Colorado practice cuts costs by hiring IT staffer
Recovering from data corruption or loss
Many businesses, including medical practices, that rely heavily on network data to conduct business operations, interact with customers or patients, process payments, or for remote access for off-site employees believe they are protected from data loss or network failure because they have a "backup and recovery" system in place. Unfortunately, this false sense of security can … [Read more...] about Recovering from data corruption or loss
What your staff is doing on the Internet and why you may want to allow it
It's a temptation too great for many people to resist—using the Internet to check their Facebook page, watch those cat videos or check on the Fantasy League while at work. And according to a survey from FindLaw.com, a provider of business development solutions for law firms, about half of staff members are surfing the Internet when they should be working. What are they … [Read more...] about What your staff is doing on the Internet and why you may want to allow it
9 important dos and don’ts for using social media to promote your practice
Federal and state laws are implicated when a medical office decides to promote its services, whether through establishing a website for the medical office or participating in forums such as Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter. This article focuses on the do's and don'ts arising from federal and state laws on advertising and privacy. 1 Do be truthful When a medical office establishes … [Read more...] about 9 important dos and don’ts for using social media to promote your practice
Predictive analytics and genetic data converge to deliver more effective health care
Health and wellness technologies have the potential to enable the steady growth of novel diagnostic and therapeutic drugs capable of eliminating a plethora of chronic and acute diseases. With the convergence of predictive analytics and mined genetic data, diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities will improve significantly. By upgrading and ingraining the data analytics and … [Read more...] about Predictive analytics and genetic data converge to deliver more effective health care