Human Resources

PAs and APRNs: How Do These Midlevels Differ? - 08/30/2023

Physicians interested in hiring a midlevel practitioner for their practice sometimes wonder whether they should hire a physician assistant or an advanced practice registered nurse. Here’s the basic difference between the two.

Top Three Reasons Embezzlement Occurs - 10/11/2022

Medical practices suffer from one of the highest embezzlement rates of all service industries.Several factors can contribute to embezzlement. The top three are opportunity, pressure, and rationalization.

Did That Employee Quit, or Did You Fire Her? - 10/11/2022

The question of whether an employee quit or was fired is very important if the ex-employee files for unemployment benefits. It determines who has the burden of proof in the case. These tips from the Texas Workforce Commission can help you keep the onus of proof off you.

Can I Refuse to Hire a Smoker to Work in My Practice? - 10/11/2022

The Texas Workforce Commission recommends addressing your concerns through policy.

Notice to Patients on the Departure of a Physician - 10/07/2022

When a physician departs a group, the practice should consider the issue of continuity of care for patients. The Texas Medical Board (TMB), in an attempt to address this, adopted regulations that must be followed whenever a physician leaves a group. This applies to physicians who are partners, members, or employees of the group.

Four Bill-Collecting Tips for New (or Any) Practices - 02/01/2022

Starting a practice can be daunting, and one challenge often overlooked is making sure you get paid. Although only a small number of patients will not pay you, or will pay slowly, they can hurt your bottom line. Writing off thousands of dollars in charges should not be an option.

Sixteen Ways to Save Money in Your Practice - 09/23/2021

Looking for ways to trim practice expenses? Here are some easy suggestions for saving a little here and a little there. It can add up.

Why You Should Conduct Background Checks - 09/17/2021

Starbucks does it. The company routinely conducts a background check when it makes a tentative job offer to any candidate for employment. Medical practices should do so, too.

Eight Reasons Your New Employee Didn’t Work Out - 09/17/2021

Hiring the right employee isn’t an easy job, nor a particularly fun one. You don’t want to do it all over again in a couple of months because your recent new hire didn’t work out. If that happened to you, here are some things you may have done wrong.

Interview Candidates the Smart Way - 09/08/2021

When interviewing candidates for your practice staff, it’s a good idea to work from prepared questions. Here’s why.

Try These Budget-Friendly Ways to Motivate Your Staff - 09/08/2021

Employees value many things as much as — maybe even more than — the amount of money you pay them. Respect, recognition, and pride in what they do are basic but powerful motivators. Here are some no-cost, low-cost ways to help your staff bloom.

Paying Employees for Lunch Break - 09/08/2021

Does your practice have clear policies regarding rest and meal breaks for hourly (nonexempt) employees?

Relief Package Extends Employee Health Insurance Benefits: What You Should Know - 04/21/2021

If your practice has had to terminate or reduce staff hours – causing them to lose their health insurance benefits – the latest federal COVID-19 relief package includes an extension of COBRA benefits that allows employees to stay on a company-sponsored health plan through September.

Ask the Expert About: Human Resources Issues During the Pandemic - 04/01/2021

Don’t miss the next edition of the Texas Medical Association’s “Ask the Expert” virtual series – Human Resources and Employment Issues in the COVID Era – scheduled for 6 pm (CT) Thursday, April 8.

Tips and Strategies for Managing Remote Staff - 07/31/2020

If your practice is considering letting staff work remotely – or if it already has employees who do – the Texas Medical Association has created a course that provides tips and strategies to successfully manage those employees.

Don’t Hold Patient Credit Balances Past 30 Days - 12/11/2019

Have lingering patient credit balances on your books? Here’s how the law says to handle them.

Working Through the Generation Gap - 09/29/2017

The differences between the millennial generation and older generations isn’t black and white. The nuances are important to understand if you are looking to hire millennials for your office or to work with them on your health care team.

Practice Staff: The More You Give, the More You Get - 05/26/2017

As a small practice, your competition for good employees is stiff, and your need for highly productive, stable staff is great. To succeed on both fronts comes down to an important factor: You have to offer a salary and benefits that are competitive in your market.

Tips for Selecting a Quality Employee - 05/24/2017

Hiring the right people for your medical practice office staff can be challenging, but careful preparation for the interviews and evaluation helps. Follow these tips for successful hiring.

What Makes a Good Boss? - 05/17/2017

Answer the questions in this infographic to see if you’re great, good — or need to work on your leadership and management skills — plus, pick up a few good tips.

How Physicians Can Help With Collections - 04/20/2017

Even if you have a business manager or office manager to “handle the money” for your practice, you, the physician, have an important role in billing and collections.

Use Telephone Scripts for Best First Impression and Efficiency - 12/20/2016

One way to ensure a consistent experience for callers to your practice is the use of standard telephone scripts, or outlines for more complex calls.

What’s Your Policy for Unused Paid Time Off? - 12/20/2016

Do any state laws govern how to handle unused paid time off when an employee leaves our practice?

Nine Do’s and Don’ts for Enforcing Office Policies - 12/07/2016

Having office policies is one thing. Enforcing them fairly and consistently is another. By failing to do the latter, you risk losing unemployment claims.

Staff Training: Opportunities Abound - 12/07/2016

Staffing costs typically are the largest expense in a practice. To protect your investment and build a strong team, you need to help staff members learn and grow. Consider these ready sources for staff training.