Happy New Year! There is so many things exciting about the start of a new year. This is the time to reflect on the year we just had and a chance to apply the lessons of the past going forward. If one of your 2023 goals is to improve the operational, administrative, and financial aspects of your medical practice, here are some ideas you might be able to incorporate in your list of New Year’s resolutions.

Review Current Patient Service Approaches

The delivery of superior patient service takes leadership and commitment to patient needs. You can resolve to use staff meetings and personal example in the coming year to reinforce your practice’s values concerning patient treatment and care.

Superior care translates into high rates of patient satisfaction. Patient surveys have been found to be a particularly effective tool in providing feedback regarding a wide range of patient care and customer service issues.

Monitor Financial Performance Regularly

Tracking your practice’s financial results during the year allows you to identify trends and make changes as needed.

You may want to put a dedicated staff member in charge of focusing on several key indicators or metrics, such as your practice’s collection rate, overhead percentage, and number of office visits. These indicators should be reviewed at regular intervals as the year progresses.

We can help you interpret what the numbers are saying and see the big picture. Staying on top of performance throughout the year can enhance your practice’s financial management.

Improve Collections and Billing

Finding a way to streamline and simplify payment for services rendered may be a goal for your practice in the coming year. One approach that can work to reduce both billing expenses and collection difficulties: Have your receptionist ask for copays before your patients leave your office – or even better, when they arrive.

Ensuring that you bill for all of your hospital services in the coming year is another worthwhile resolution. When you are seeing patients at a hospital, be sure to make a record of your work promptly and transmit the information to your billing staff. Though it’s more efficient to call your billing office immediately after you complete procedures, if that’s not feasible, create electronic or written notes for later use by your billing staff.

Establish a process for following up on unpaid accounts. Make follow-up calls within a certain number of days of when services were provided or when the original bill was due.

Establish a Training Plan

Staff training can pay off in increased productivity, improved morale, and a more efficient operation. Look into what ways your support and administrative staff could benefit from training, seminars, and other educational opportunities. Budget for a specific dollar amount to be spent on staff development each year. Online seminars and training sessions can be a cost-effective alternative.

Plan for Capital Expenditures

As you prepare your budget, identify the equipment you intend to replace and set priorities for the systems and technologies your practice will need going forward. Determine what, if any, areas in your current facility need to be remodeled or expanded.

Preparing a detailed plan with a very specific timetable for achieving goals can help you clarify what needs to be done to keep your practice competitive.

We can help identify and prioritize the measures that will help your practice run more efficiently in the coming year. Please contact us for assistance.

Finding a way to streamline and simplify payment for services rendered may be a goal for your practice in the coming year.