The New Year is always a great moment to pause and evaluate yourself. A great way for practice managers to start the year right is by asking: how has this year been for me as a medical practice manager? Do I need to improve on the efficiency and quality of my work? By taking concrete steps, you can be a better practice manager in your hospital or clinic. This can make your job less overwhelming and more enjoyable.
So whether you are about to wrap up your personal New Year’s resolutions list or are not planning on making one at all, read on. We've got something interesting and helpful for you.
1. Go back to time management basics
You may find yourself
multitasking, but not being really productive. Billings, appointments for patients, inventory from stethoscopes to treatment chairs, staff supervision, and other office operation work all demand your attention. Do you feel like you need to manage your time better and make your day-to-day work more organized and more productive? Organization and productivity are things which can always be improved on. Perhaps it's time you need to rethink your
time management skills to perform better next year.
Try spending 15 to 30 minutes of your mornings planning your day. Take out a calendar, a to-do list, or your organizer to list down the tasks you need to accomplish. You can organize your list according to priority. Perhaps you also need to be on time or early for work. This not only makes you a good example to the medical staff you're supervising but also allows you to accomplish what needs to be done for that day. It also prevents you from working late too often.
These are just some practices that help you manage your time better and finish important tasks on time. Remember, busy people like you need to be experts in time management so you don't end up burned-out and frustrated.
2. Be an expert in your practice management software
Practice management software plays a vital role in the business operations of every modern hospital or clinic. It should be your partner in billing, monitoring revenue, recording patients’ demographics, and producing reports, among others. It is a vital tool, so if you don’t know how to make the best use of it, you will be far behind the curve.
All of this means if you've forgotten to spend some time learning what your software can and can't do this year, now's the time! You might not have discovered all the other tasks that your software can perform to make things easier for you.
You might also need to switch to a better-performing software if you think your existing software is quite inadequate. Just be sure any changes are discussed with your staff first Some of the most recommended ones this year are iSalus, Eclipse, PrognoCIS, MediTouch, Kareo, NueMD, and WRS Health.
3. Don’t stop learning
Practice management is evolving. The preferences, expectations, behaviour, and
needs of patients are changing. There are a lot of new opportunities in the industry which have opened this year, and there will be more next year. That means it’s time to think outside the box. Your education, training, and experience are all helpful in the industry, but you need to adapt to the changes around you to stay efficient and outstanding in what you do every day.
Moreover, make sure you’re always informed about the changing rules and guidelines in your practice. You should also know the shifting trends in healthcare practice, business management, and keep an eye for the best places to shop for
medical equipment and supplies. Stay updated. One way you can do this is by monitoring the news in your industry and keeping connected with other practice managers.
You also need to have a good grasp of the medical field. Understanding the needs of the people you are working with is essential to someone like you who manages the operations in your medical office.
4. Shift to a better perspective
You may not expect this to appear in this list but looking at the brighter side actually makes a difference in how you approach your job. Your responsibilities as a medical practice manager can be overwhelming. But there's a great sense of fulfillment in the importance of your job. Don't forget, you're helping people. You help them get medical assistance. You help them set up an appointment. You help them by making sure that the hospital or clinic always gives them the best service.
If you feel exhausted, stressed or unhappy being a practice manager, maybe all it takes to find joy in your practice again is a change of perspective. It could make all the difference in the world.
5. Make time for relaxation
Since there are often a lot of things going on around you, you need to make room for relaxation. This is to avoid fatigue and
keep your stress manageable. If you want to be more effective in your practice, you can’t afford to be exhausted all the time. You’ve got to do something to make work lighter and more enjoyable.
Meditation helps you manage stress better. Spend at least 10 to 15 minutes each day doing just that. You can turn on a calming music or use an app on your smartphone to make it even easier.
Another thing that can help you manage stress and pressure is exercise or workout. Though you don't have to do intense workouts. A simple jog or walk in the morning or late afternoon can do wonders on your overall well-being and make you feel rejuvenated.
Laughing out loud can also help you relax. Science tells us that laughing reduces our stress hormones and boost our endorphins at the same time. So if you feel like things are getting too overwhelming at work, take a quick break and watch funny videos on YouTube or be with someone you enjoy being with.
Everyone needs a break, right?
There are several other things you can do to be a better medical practice manager next year. But you can use our list to kick start the improvements you need to make.
So, what is it you think you need to improve on the most to become a better practice manager next year? Do you find the New Year’s resolutions listed here helpful? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
