Signs it's time to let an employee go

Hey there folks, my name is Keith Reynolds, I’m the editor of Physicians Practice and for this P2 Management Minute let’s rap about three red-flag behaviors that mean it’s time to let an employee go.

1. Repeated compliance violations

Snooping in EHRs, sharing passwords—any privacy breach invites six-figure HIPAA fines and lost hospital contracts. If someone ignores written policies after counseling, your duty to protect patient data outweighs a second chance.

2. Toxic, disruptive behavior

Gossip, chronic negativity, outright defiance drain productivity and chase good staff away. Patients feel the tension, too. Document every incident and coaching attempt; if the attitude persists, swift termination protects your culture.

3. Dishonesty or suspected theft

Missing deposits or altered ledgers signal embezzlement. Practices have lost hundreds of thousands to trusted insiders. Theft warrants immediate dismissal—and usually a call to your attorney, insurer, and possibly law enforcement.
Protect patients, team morale, and your bottom line by acting on these warning signs. For more bite-size practice tips make sure you visit PhysiciansPractice.com.

Thanks for watching I’ll see you tomorrow on the P2 Management Minute!

About the P2 Management Minute

The P2 Management Minute is a fast-paced video micro-series from Physicians Practice that distills proven management strategies into bite-size, one-minute episodes for busy medical practice administrators and lead physicians. Each installment spotlights high-impact tactics—drawn from real-world best practices and expert insights—that administrators can apply the same day to boost efficiency, strengthen patient satisfaction, or elevate staff engagement. No theory, no fluff; just concise, actionable guidance that respects tight schedules and delivers measurable results between appointments.

Record your own!

Interested in stepping in front of the camera to share a quick tip of your own, or have a suggestion for a topic we should spotlight in an upcoming P² Management Minute? We’d love to hear from you. Whether it’s a proven strategy for streamlining workflows, a clever morale-booster, or a hard-won lesson on patient engagement, your insight could help peers across the country elevate their practices in just 60 seconds. Drop Keith a note at kreynolds@mjhlifesciences.com with your idea—or, better yet, a brief outline or smartphone video sample—and we’ll walk you through the simple submission process. Let’s collaborate to make every minute count for the medical community.

Keith A. Reynolds is the editor of Physicians Practice and wants to know what practice issues are keeping you up at night. You can let him know at kreynolds@mjhlifesciences.com.