Patient Relations

When developing a concierge approach for your medical practice, there are six things I recommend doing first.

Author and demographics expert Cam Marston describes how your medical practice must adapt to treat patients of all generations.

Walgreen's, Target, and other retail outlets are selling flu shots, physicals, and an ever expanding list of minor healthcare services traditionally provided in physician offices.

Why physician Katharina Scharruhn thinks about the public's view of doctors and the image she wishes they would see as diametrically opposed.

We surveyed hundreds of American physicians on everything from their views on politics and public policy to their sense of professional satisfaction to how well they’re taking care of themselves physically and emotionally. You’re juggling so many demands on your time. How are you holding up?

Recently, as part of our virtual trade show, Physicians Practice Live!, I gathered some of healthcare's more perceptive thinkers for an in-depth talk about the future of private-practice medicine.

A conversation about best practices physicians can take when treating patients with chronic pain prescriptions.

Poor layout and cramped quarters can decrease efficiency and patient well-being - here are some simple, low-cost solutions.

Where do you stand on exchanging medical services for something other than a direct payment?

The results of medical misunderstandings can be inconvenient at best, disastrous at worst. Here's how to make sure your patients really understand you.

How much of a connection do you think there is between happy patients and favorable finances at your office?

Here's a quick video to get you started with conducting Medicare's Annual Wellness Visit at your medical practice.

What patient-related behavior is hurting your practice the most?

A negative comment online about you or your practice isn’t something to cheer about. But it may not be as bad for you as you think.

Which do you find is the least effective way to deliver information to your patients?

How often are physicians recommending mobile apps to their patients as tools for improving their health?

Here's a recap of our June 1 Twitter chat with patient advocate Trisha Torrey (@trishatorrey).

We have all taken the Hippocratic Oath, which admonishes us "To do no harm." I believe this dictum refers to more than just clinical harm to the patient, but also to psychological harm.

Here are six ways you can maximize your time and improve practice performance.

Does a lie to a patient's family member really protect the patient? You decide.

It used to be that you examined the patient. But from your credentials to your use of technology, patients are increasingly examining you. Here's how to deal with this new generation of engaged, informed, and demanding patients.

Both physicians and patients enter a practice visit with certain expectations. Sometimes they are the same but sometimes, they differ and the relationship can get strained.

Here's the data from our 2011 Staff Salary Survey.

From "Tweeting" a link to a great article or blogging about a hot issue, to suggesting patients “like” your practice on Facebook, using the right online tools can enhance your career. But there are also dangers to spending time as a social doctor on the Internet.

It isn't easy for practices to become accredited as a patient centered medical home. To help you assess your readiness and make the transition, here are a few guidelines to get you started.

The cost of patient noncompliance, for patient outcomes, your bottom line, and the healthcare system, has been well documented. But when nagging fails, what can you do? A lot, actually. Check out these strategies for increasing patient adherence and outcomes.

With an increased drive to empower patients, the healthcare industry is turning to many new initiatives, including the personal health record, or PHR. The online tool allows patients to access information, such as test results, while also taking action on their own care, such as scheduling an appointment with their physician or placing a prescription refill request.

Medical practices have been slow to embrace the "customer comes first" mentality that defines corporate America - an operational oversight they can no longer ignore.

More and more patients are using complementary and alternative methodologies to supplement their healthcare, so it's time for docs to learn more about this growing field. Here's what you need to know about CAM and the role it can play in your practice and patient care.