Operations

Not ready for an EMR? No problem. Start with baby steps to reduce your paper.

Insurers are slowly figuring out how to pay for online consultations. The time has come to get on the bandwagon.

Yes, there is a way to make more money; by providing better care - and you needn’t wait for some P4P program or “medical home” experiment to get started.

How to make the most of extra services in tough times - and when to cut bait on failing ancillaries.

Building a team takes work, but it’s well worth the effort. Here’s how to avoid the “every-man-for-himself” mentality.

You’ve heard it all from patients who have outstanding accounts. How can you tell a genuine plea for help from a sob story, and when does it matter?

Shake off the cold-weather blahs with these can’t miss spirit warmers.

We like to mix it up at Physicians Practice. So this year, we’ve developed six new columns, a snappy new format, and will feature our fave physician-written essays. Who says practice management can’t be fun? Never fear, your favorite columns will return to provide the expert advice you’ve come to expect from Physicians Practice.

Watch out for these common cross-training missteps.

The economy is deteriorating. And healthcare is no longer “recession proof.” Here’s your guide for getting through the worst of times.

It’s a common problem: How do you find competent administrative staff willing to work part time? We help one practice solve this conundrum.

Got a bad-tempered doc on staff? Don’t let him (or her) ruin a perfectly good practice.

We’ll keep our eyes peeled for trends and changes that may affect your practice. This month: The government is offering incentives to physicians who prescribe electronically. Here’s the lowdown.

Each issue we’ll help you steer clear of hidden pitfalls. This month: Your favorite employee is sweet to you and patients, makes the World’s Best Brownies, and never takes a vacation. But is she robbing you blind?

Patients are looking for ways to cut expenses, just like you. Here’s how to help them balance their health needs with their financial challenges.

Here are six myths about HIPAA that your medical practice may believe, but are actually false.

Pamela Moore, PhD, CPC, editorial director for Physicians Practice, answers your top practice management questions.

Many physicians, sadly, are not as happy with their professional lives as they have a right to be. That’s where Your Best Practice comes in. Read our take on call coverage, professional service agreements, and preventive maintenance for your imaging equipment.

Patients with cancer are scared and confused - there’s so much they need to know. Here’s how to make sure they hear you.

Here’s how to stay on top of requests for up-to-date immunization records, from low-tech solutions to Web-based answers and electronic medical records.

Is your practice deluged with faxed refill reminders from pharmacies and last-minute calls for new scripts from frantic parents? That’s life in pediatrics. Here’s what you can do to better manage the flow, save time and money, and improve patient safety.

Oncology practice-management expert Risë Marie Cleland answers your most common questions.

Radiology groups are feeling pressured to provide 24-hour coverage, or at least extended hours. From groups who have confronted the issue head on, here’s advice on how to make it work - or why you shouldn’t try.

Compensation is a challenging subject for oncologists - more so now than ever. In our second edition of Your Best Practice we address some of the tougher questions on how and why some oncologists are paid more than others. We also give timely advice on reducing denials through technology. As ever, our goal is to help you manage your practice more effectively, one expert tip at a time.

Negotiating with payers is tough for pediatricians. But you have more power than you think. In our second edition of Your Best Practice we share the nitty-gritty on presenting your case for better compensation. We also give timely advice on managing requests for prescriptions and immunization records. As ever, our goal is to help you run your practice more effectively, one expert tip at a time.