Patient Relations

This is the year Obamacare becomes real for the general public. The day of reckoning with their employers comes later. Physicians are in the middle.

Religion, politics, sports, patient information, and personal lives are topics best avoided by staff members. Here's why and how it can affect your business.

I am now nearly a year out from opening a direct-pay practice. I have not gone bankrupt or crazy. Here are some important things I've learned.

Here's a look back on what, technology-wise, made physicians' "hot" lists this year.

Price transparency, once virtually taboo, is now a source of trust between physicians and patients. It's important to meet patient expectations for care and cost.

Having plans in place for ICD-10 and patient engagement are the final steps in creating a medical practice survival plan for 2014.

A recent court case in Texas looks at what defines a "serious" attempt at collecting copays before forgiving the debt. Here's what your practice should do.

In looking at reforming healthcare, we need to increase the productivity of all members of the care team, including physician assistants.

With the Affordable Care Act will likely come increased patient copays, co-insurance, and deductibles. Here's how to understand what's coming and be proactive.

It's nine times more expensive to acquire new patients than it is to retain the current ones. A few ways to ensure you'll keep yours.

The Affordable Care Act seeks to reduce the number of uninsured Americans. That means new patients for your medical practice to attract and retain. Here's how.

One of the biggest changes medical practices face is how they market themselves to new patients. Here's some guidance to help you for the future.

Patients expect more transparency for the cost of their healthcare, but I wonder if sharing my practice's fees and contracted rates will violate RICO.

With greater regularity, physicians and hospitals are receiving letters requesting proof of collection, or a sufficient attempt to collect, patient fees.

Making the holiday spirit the norm at your medical practice can result in more satisfied patients, happier families, and an increase in referrals.

Don't wait until the New Year to put some of these great medical practice marketing techniques into effect.

As peak flu season quickly approaches, so do potential malpractice pitfalls associated with it. Here's how to mitigate those risks.

You work hard to earn the respect of your patients and colleagues. Don't let errant virtual communications tarnish your image.

An interesting patient-satisfaction survey comment prompts this physician to re-examine office responsibilities.

Here are 10 time-saving apps and technology tips that can make your personal and professional life easier.

Text messages between medical practices and patients are a great way to violate HIPAA - unless you take very specific precautions.

Here are five best practices for your medical practice to get patients to embrace and fully utilize their personal health record through a patient portal.

Spending a few extra minutes sharing key information about health insurance exchanges may benefit you and your practice in the long run.

In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday, here's how to breathe new life into your medical practice by embracing gratitude.

Physicians without proper opioid prescribing policies may unknowingly help patients engage in illegal activities, and they could face liability issues.

Dismissing a patient from your medical practice without taking the proper precautions can raise ethical and legal problems.

Technology can create communication barriers between doctors and patients. It can also improve communications if used correctly.

With so much upheaval going on, it can look like a bad time to be a medical biller. Why this isn't always the case.

Primary-care practices are unfairly blamed for not providing enough care and advice to patients.

Here are some small ways to boost customer service at your practice.