Successful practice management creates a working environment that is more relaxing for the doctor and staff, and conducive to good doctor-patient relations. Successful practice management is consistent and routine.
Managing the practice begins when everyone on the team understands his or her position's responsibilities. Office manuals may be purchased and customized for each office. The doctor or office manager may choose to write the manual from scratch. Ask a lawyer who is an expert in employment regulation to review the draft. The manual should include information ranging from vacation policy to specific job descriptions for each position. Ask each team member to read the manual and sign a statement that he or she has read and understands it.
Creating a smooth work day begins days prior. The business manager, or the person who performs that role, must examine each appointment and know that there is enough time for the procedures and how much to expect the patient to pay that day. Some offices use a form for each appointment that specifies the co-payment for the next appointment and ask the patient to sign and take a copy home. Some offices may choose to combine this procedure with informed consent. Call each patient to confirm their appointment and their co-payment. Before calling to confirm lab cases, confirm with the clinical staff that the case is in the office; if it is not, call the lab to confirm delivery on time.
The morning huddle is an important way to begin each day. The doctor and staff should meet before the first patient arrives to discuss each appointment. Staff members create a plan for the day's schedule. Dental assistants note which patients require radiography and which kind of exposures. Discuss the preferences of patients - who arrives in a wheelchair and needs extra time, which children may be upset, which adults require extra time. Be sure that the front desk staff knows how much to collect from each patient and when to call the dental lab for pickup.
At the end of the day, someone at the front desk must balance the collections with the day sheet. Each doctor and hygienist must review the day sheet to confirm that all procedures were entered correctly.
Sources:
www.massdental.org
www.ada.org
Author: Dr. David Leader
© 2008 Associated Content