Getting Your Medical Practice to Run More Efficiently

Most people get into the medical profession out of a desire to help people—but for a busy medical practice, it can feel like most of your chaotic day is spent on paperwork and prep.

Physicians spend less than one-third of their time with patients, with many of them spending significant time on clerical work and taking data entry work home with them.

But when it feels like you and your team are run ragged each day, it’s time to make a change to more efficient strategies. Here are a few tips to reduce the burden as you run your health business.

1. Opt for Online Scheduling

This measure streamlines your business in two ways. First, it lessens the workload of your administrative team, allowing them to focus their attention on the patients present in your office. Second, it makes it more convenient for patients who’d like to book appointments online through on-demand, 24/7 scheduling.

2. Confirm Appointments by Text and Email

To reduce the amount of time wasted, most medical practices confirm appointments or provide reminders. Automating these efforts can help your team save valuable time, getting your front desk staff off the phone.

3. Go Digital With Patient Paperwork

When a new patient comes in for the first time, do you still hand them a clipboard weighed down by reams of paper to fill out? If so, you should consider putting those forms on your website or emailing them to your patients in advance. This means more convenience for patients and less time for your team to waste on entering their handwritten data later.

The same is true for things like test results: try opting for secure messaging to let you share patient charts, test results, and more.

4. Cross-Train Your Team

Through cross-training, your team will be better able to tackle unforeseen difficulties. When your front desk administrator is sick, for example, another employee can step in for the day without any wasted time.

5. Update Your Inventory Process

If your team is constantly hunting down medical equipment and filling out spreadsheets to track it all, your practice operations could run a little more smoothly. Try using simple inventory apps for ease and convenience. Most apps will remind you when you’re running low on certain supplies, and they’ll even sync from any device.

6. Try a Morning Standup Meeting

The quick morning standup first started with engineering teams, but it’s no less effective in a medical practice—especially if your team has little time to communicate during your busy day. Take time to prioritize tasks, delegate unfinished work, decide who will prep procedures and appointments, and look ahead to the rest of the week.

7. Consult With a Medical Practice Management Expert

If you’re struggling to improve your team’s performance and want a head start on streamlining your business, you may want to opt for personalized help. A medical practice management company can help you understand your team’s specific needs and challenges, working with you to find the best way to increase productivity and reduce stress.

Work Smarter, Not Harder

When it comes to the work efficiency of a busy medical practice, “working smarter” may feel easier said than done. However, the strategies above can help you take small steps in the right direction, easing your team’s workload and freeing them up to spend more time on the patients you’re dedicated to serving. Even implementing one or two of these practices can help you move the needle.

Looking for more of the health tips you need? Check out our other posts for helpful insights.

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