The Journal of medical practice management : MPM
-
Diversity in age and culture-medical practices and healthcare entities mirror the business world in the diversity of culture and age groups among their employees and patients. Differences create challenges, but with understanding and skillful communication, distinctions become opportunities for growth and excellence. ⋯ The objective of this article is to identify characteristics of various age groups and to present ways to promote harmony and to maximize performance through practical management techniques. The goal is to better understand ourselves and each other so that our work is more productive and rewarding.
-
Buy-ins and buy-outs provide an opportunity for both existing owners of medical practices and prospective new physicians. For physicians, buy-ins represent the chance to have a financial stake in the practice, under the physician control and direction. This article explores helpful guidelines for valuing the practice and provides perspective in viewing the situations of buy-in and buy-out.
-
The new patient's experience of your practice from th very first time he or she calls your office can influence the kind of relationship you will have as well as the patient's satisfaction and loyalty. This article suggests specific techniques hat turn new patients into loyal, established ones. ⋯ This article also offers strategies for following up with new patients and provides sample text for letters to send to new patients and for developing a new-patient get-acquainted checklist. Finally, this article includes strategies for turning new patients into strong referral sources.
-
This two-part article deals with the role of the physician when disaster strikes. This second part expands on the role of the physician andpractice in the community and details how the physician and staff can work within the network of the medical societies, hospital systems, government agencies, and others in the event of a far-reaching disaster such as Hurricane Katrina or September 11. It also discusses what the physician can do to educate patients as to how to prepare to meet a disaster.
-
Each member of the medical practice staff has the responsibility to develop positive relationships with his or her colleagues. Getting along is part of the job. Many employees do not realize this or they lack the tools to build strong co-worker relationships. ⋯ It describes ways each member of the team can improve communication skills and foster an atmosphere of respect. This article also suggests specific language employees can use with one another and several communication don'ts that can foil positive co-worker relationships. The 25 tips offered in this article can be the subject ofa staff meeting, used for new employee training, and printed in the medical practice's employee handbook.