Front Desk

Does your medical practice have a Web site? If so, you are on your way to building a patient portal.

Social networking is all the rage, but be wary if your staff are posting updates to Facebook. Setting a few ground rules can help avoid damage to your practice.

New technology is supposed to reduce your staffing needs. But how do you get staff on board with a change that may end up costing some of them their jobs?

Want to know how to boost your scores on those seemingly arbitrary online physician-rating sites? The sites aren’t going away, so you’ll need to know how to make the best of them.

In the market for an EHR? Here’s a step-by-step selection guide by internist and pediatrician Rob Lamberts, who’s been through the process himself.

An internal medicine specialist was fleeced badly by the Mother of all Embezzlers. Don’t think it can’t happen to you until you read what happened to her.

Plastic surgeon Suzanne Kim Doud Galli on how an ordinary nose job turned into the worst case of her career.

Patients want more from your Web site than a photo of you and directions to your office. They’re demanding interactivity and utility: They want to get stuff done online, like setting up appointments and making payments. Here’s how to have the coolest Web site in town.

Payers have been investing heavily in technology to help manage data and keep their costs to a minimum.

The worsening economy is taking its toll even on the best practices.

You’ve got questions - lots of ’em. And we’ve got the answers. We compiled some of the most common practice management questions we hear - from collections issues to dealing with staff problems and so much more - in one place, and got answers from some of the top experts in the business.

Healthy referral relationships are vital to a thriving practice - whether you’re a specialist or in primary care. Here’s how a few small gestures and clear communication can keep you and your patients happy.

Last week I asked one of our pediatric clients how many plans they participated with.

Deciding how much to dole out to support staff can be tricky, especially in a difficult economy. But our survey of more than 1,000 practices nationwide will help guide you.

The traditional practice of primary care is complex - let’s face it, you could more accurately predict the likelihood of a patient presenting with a subdural hematoma based on his or her symptoms than you might Blue Cross’ likelihood of accepting a preauthorization for the CT scan.

Say goodbye to photocopies: Machine-readable cards could make billing and collections easier. When will payers make them widely available?

Which payers should you deal with and which should you drop? PayerView uses real claims data to rank them first to worst.

Tired of the same-old office decor but can’t afford a makeover? No problem: Here’s how to make your space shine without spending a bundle.

Patient Information Form

Patient Information Form -- Spanish

In the current economic stimulus bill, large financial incentives are put in place for medical practices that use an approved EMR product.

Using the front desk to improve collections