Physicians Practice Pearls®

How physicians can protect themselves from unethical testimony by an ‘expert’ witness.

The number of things we do in the business of medicine that have no direct bearing on patient health or well-being is astounding.

Three ways medical practices can manage opportunities for bundled episodes of care.

The drivers of burnout are too numerous and complex for any individual physician to address alone. But there are steps physicians can take to reduce their stress levels and improve their cognitive functioning and well-being.

Valentine’s Day-a day both revered and reviled-is a good time to reflect on how to make medical relationships not only work but thrive.

Here are three simple adjustments that can help you ensure others understand what you're trying to convey. 

If we are not smart about how we implement digital health, we may have results similar to the EHR.

Five questions managers and physicians should ask and answer before jumping into acquisition. 

Think about what you want to accomplish this year, then list how you can achieve your goals.

You cannot avoid employee mistakes, but you can make sure the same mistake isn't made twice.

The only thing certain in life is change. Learn how one physician is coping with the transition back to solo practice following her associate’s departure.

We all want to help alleviate our patients’ pain. However, the word pain should not produce a knee-jerk reaction of prescribing pain medication.

Computerized records are not going away, so it is imperative to develop strategies to mitigate and cope with the stress EHRs are causing-for physicians and for patients.

Here are six things you can do to enhance the experience patients have when they arrive to see you.

Credentialing a new provider is a tedious and slow process in which every false step or delay can cost you money. These seven tips can expedite the process.

A recap of our readers' top 10 favorite Pearls of the year

The treatment needed by many patients need cannot be packaged in a pill form. True treatment of the person involves so much more.

As the saying goes, it’s not what you said but how you make them feel. Being more conscientious of your delivery can improve communication with patients, staff, and colleagues.

If your profit is suddenly on a lower trajectory, resist the instinct to attempt a quick fix. Here’s what to do instead. 

Medical practitioners follow a standardized protocol to diagnose and treat patients. What if the same system could be applied to diagnose and treat problems within practices?  

Some deny that it is really an issue while others acknowledge it but don’t think it’s a problem. But it is a real issue that affects everyone. 

How do you post charges, payments, and adjustments in value-based payment models?

When we plow through our work despite our bodies and our minds flashing in alarm, our problems do not go away. Sometimes, they even get worse, like an engine running without oil.

Jennifer Frank, MD, reflects on how taking breaks helps her improve her productivity in all parts of her life.

Developing the mindset of a best-run practice can help your team address current challenges-and roll more easily with the ones that come your way in the future.

A payer contract is more than a mere fee schedule. There are several other factors to consider when deciding to keep or terminate a payer contract.

In order to foster high-performing teams, organizations need both coaches and mentors.

While we strive to heal patients and rid them of their diseases, those very efforts can be very traumatizing to patients. As doctors, we should take steps to minimize their ordeal.