Category: Leadership

  • Patient Satisfaction: What Is It Really Worth?

    Patient Satisfaction: What Is It Really Worth?

    In previous years, patient satisfaction discussions pertained only to patient surveys and results. Some managers believe surveys are utilized by specialties, such as plastic surgery practices that primarily operate on a cash basis. However, consumerism is here to stay! Cost and quality will create a level playing field in health care and increase the importance…

  • Manpower Shortage Task Force Continues Work through Subcommittees

    Manpower Shortage Task Force Continues Work through Subcommittees

    When the Association’s Manpower Shortage Subcommittee met formally in August, the group discussed a number of issues but focused on the importance of fully funding the Board of Medical Scholarship Awards, scope of practice, physician pipeline programs, education and the possibility of GME expansion, recruitment and retention of physicians through meaningful tax credits and rural…

  • A Good Leader’s Sphere of Influence Expands in Every Area of Contact

    A Good Leader’s Sphere of Influence Expands in Every Area of Contact

    In Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, seven behaviors are examined in relation to how they contribute to being effective in achieving goals. The first of these behaviors is being proactive. Covey explains that proactive people focus their efforts on their Circles of Influence, meaning they proactively seek out opportunities to…

  • Plan While You Still Can

    Plan While You Still Can

    In our work with hundreds of medical practices, and in our Firm’s medical practice manager roundtable meetings, a common issue among medical practitioners is the uncertainty about the economic future of their medical practices. Reimbursement levels may drop, many patients may choose medical coverage offered by a state-sponsored exchange, and the burden of changing technology…

  • Lead From Where You Are

    Lead From Where You Are

    After mastering self-leadership, the next step is to lead your physician partners and your office staff. Contrary to common belief, some aspects of this role should be filled by all physicians in the group. Yes, there may be a designated single leader for the practice, but that should not enable the others in the group…

  • “Physician Leadership” Must Never be an Oxymoron

    “Physician Leadership” Must Never be an Oxymoron

    If there has ever been a time in the practice of medicine when leadership was needed, it is certainly now. Just a few of the challenges facing practices include: Payer encroachment on medical decision making is increasing; Payments for health care services are declining; Utilization review processes question the extent of treatment provided; Aging physicians…