Practice Management Matters

Your receptionists, telephone operators, schedulers and other staff members – historically called “the front office” – are critical to your practice’s success. Here, practice management advisor Elizabeth Woodcock says it might be time to think about these critical employees in a new light--as directors of high-profile, business-critical functions. Find out why.

Collecting from patients at the time of service can be stressful to medical practice staff. Historically, asking for money seemed almost inappropriate, if not distasteful –a job for the business office, not the front office. Fortunately, staff can learn to take collections more seriously.

Appointment confirmations are a necessity in today’s fast-paced environment. Not only does the process help forgetful patients (or their parents) to stay on time, but it can reduce your appointment no-show rate. Every no-show you eliminate improves your practice’s bottom line. To be effective, follow these nine tips:

Is running out of supplies plaguing your efficiency? Is an overabundance of supplies harming your bottom line? Maybe it’s time to evaluate a just-in-time (JIT) inventory control system.