The Journal of medical practice management : MPM
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Whether you are a large, multi-practitioner operation, or a small, solo practice, the question is the same: What can you do now that will ensure greater success for you in 2008? There is so much to look at when strategizing for the future, that it's easy to overlook key areas that might need attention. Even the most organized, well-staffed practices often miss crucial areas where a small intervention would yield a significant increase in their success. In this article, you'll discover the five critical steps to take to move your medical practice from where you are to where you want to be.
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The telephone is usually the first contact a prospective or new patient has with a medical practice. It is also the method that existing patients and others commonly use to ask questions or convey information. At the same time, a telephone that rings off the hook can be one of the biggest drains on staff time and a source of tremendous frustration. ⋯ It also describes the fine points for taking accurate and complete telephone messages without turning off callers or misleading them. This article further explores practical strategies for using and not abusing the hold button and offers additional tips for telephone equipment and accessories readers may find helpful. Finally, this article suggests guidelines for using an answering machine or voicemail system and provides a 25-question quiz to help readers assess their own telephone technique.
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There is a growing number of practitioners who find that the busier they get, the less successful they are. They report that they are working harder, seeing more patients, and taking home less money. They have minimal connection with their fellow clinicians, staff members, or patients. ⋯ The solution is to exact a culture change by implementing a strategic operational plan in which your large practice is managed as if it were a small one. A Culture of Intimacy streamlines communications so that interactions are cleaner, more effective, and less time consuming. The benefits are measurable and palpable, ranging from enhanced patient, employee, and partner relations to increased referrals and bottom-line profitability.
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Practice management can be both challenging and frustrating. In today's world of high turnover, decreased numbers of skilled workers, and increased regulatory requirements, it is more important than ever that practice managers understand the dynamics of creating a climate of motivation. ⋯ These are: (1) communica-tion breakdown; (2) lack of collaboration between employees and managers; and (3) the inability to prevent, manage, and/or resolve conflict. This article will present strategies to streamline communication, explore ideas on how to collaborate more effectively, and provide insight into the five styles of conflict management.