Technology & AI

Why spend hours on the phone with payers when you can check online in minutes?

Researchers say physician practices need to brace for the era of “e-power” - patients taking charge of their care management on a daily basis through the availability of smartphone apps, e-mail, and other “disruptive” technology.

Are you nearing contract negotiation time? Make sure you understand what you’re reading before you sign. Here’s a detailed analysis of what should and shouldn’t be in your next binding agreement.

The future of the direct-pay practice model is bright. Here's how it works, the affect on patients, and where it fits with models promoted by healthcare reform.

Don't make unnecessary work for your office, think ahead.

Patient-physician phone tag driving you nuts? Here’s how to make secure e-mail messaging work for your practice.

A little preparation and communication can go a long way toward a smooth-running practice

Should you buy a standalone app or an EHR-integrated module? We review the pros and cons.

When patients demur over paying for care, don't be a soft touch - there are things you can do to collect

Consultant Greg Mertz feels there is a robust future for private practice, even though practice models will have to change.

Patient portals can offer better customer service and care, but only if you can get your patients to use it. We examine the pros and cons of jumping on the portal bandwagon.

Thinking of selling your practice and getting a job with a hospital? Here's some advice for doing it right from experts who negotiate the deals.

Expert Greg Mertz offers tips on how to navigate the process of EHR implementation through needs analysis, vendor selection, and training.

Honesty may be the best policy. But is complete truthfulness the compassionate course in every case? Here's what you need to know about the legal, ethical, and professional issues around withholding information from patients.

Mainstream EHR vendors have gotten better at catering to physicians in specialties outside of primary care, but don't count out niche EHR vendors. We help you examine your purchasing options.

It's been a wild year in healthcare. And you ain't seen nothing yet.

Do you have an emergency plan in place? You should. Our disaster-planning checklist gets you started.

Happy but worried, American physicians are sorting through the many changes their profession is seeing.

Charitable efforts in your office

Here’s what you need to know about the booming medical apps market

The phones never seem to stop ringing in a medical practice. How does your practice manage incoming calls?

Your system crashed and your data is gone. Now what?

Effectively controlling costs in a medical practice essentially means controlling personnel costs.

What can a patient portal do for your practice? Expert Rosemarie Nelson tells you, from reducing phone calls to generating revenue.

Today doctors are competing for patients in a radically changed marketplace. One of the most important emerging technologies in that space is Internet-based social networking.