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Conference attendance is so important for practice managers
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Conference attendance is so important for practice managers

career skills, continuing education, medical practice business, productivity, training

Conference attendance is so important for practice managers

Just back from speaking at the wonderful Association of Otolaryngology Administrators (AOA) annual conference -- what a valuable event. It's such a great experience as a speaker to participate in such a well-attended, well-run event. In both of my sessions, attendees were so attentive, taking notes, asking great questions, and making great comments and sharing anecdotes about their own practices. The attendees were helping each other as well as benefiting from content from all of us speakers. I have no doubt all attendees will go home with dozens of ideas to improve their practices' profitability. I was just one of dozens of qualified presenters -- what a download of information for the attendees. And they were clearly so motivated to soak up as much information as possible. (For example, I tried to sneak into the talk before mine -- which started at 7:30 AM! -- on the Affordable Care Act. Standing room only, despite the early hour.) Physicians may sometimes doubt the value of sending a manager off to a conference like this. The cost may be in the neighborhood of $2,000 when travel and downtime are figured in, so it's not a trivial expense. But just one coding tip that brings more revenue or marketing tip that brings more patients -- or compliance tip that avoids an audit -- would pay for that expense many times over. And the network that attendees can form is absolutely priceless. This is especially true when your specialty has a dedicated practice administrators association like the AOA -- but, even at the larger/general practice management events like MGMA, medical office managers will meet like-minded professionals they can bounce ideas off of and gain advice from in the future. In tight times, cutting out conference attendance may seem like an easy choice. However, you may be unknowingly hurting your practice's chances to grow new revenues, stay ahead of regulatory issues, or nip costly problems in the bud. It's useful to be picky about attending events -- make sure they'll have a variety of relevant subject matter that is important to your practice. But don't

By Morgan|2022-01-01T22:52:13-08:00October 26th, 2013|

A taste of MBA training for doctors — without the hassle and cost

If you follow this space, you may already know that I'm dubious about the value to physicians of stopping out for an MBA. As an MBA-holder myself, I think the coursework can be overkill for independent physicians who just want to run their practices better (this is less the case for those that intend on corporate careers, of course). So much of modern MBA training focuses on things that aren't generally relevant to the small/medium business owner (and, therefore, the typical private practice physician partner). Even worse, some of the business basics that doctors need most usually aren't well covered by MBA programs -- managing people; the minutia of local, state and federal regulations; the marketing of a small, local business; real estate finance; negotiations, etc. The other issue facing physicians (and sometimes practice managers, too) is the opportunity cost -- and actual cost. The opportunity cost is the income lost by taking time off from practicing/working to attend an MBA program, and the actual cost is the (often very high) tuition at business schools. For many, perhaps most, private practice owners and managers, it just may not 'pencil out' to take the time and invest the money*. One solution that can work well as a substitute is taking local classes (e.g., nights and weekends) that focus just on what you really need and want to learn. This can be a reasonable approach -- and even a trial to see if further investment in MBA education is of interest. But, there is also the issue of having to attend class at set times -- not always convenient ones. Now, though, there is a better alternative: MOOCs, massively open online courses. Incredibly, some of the most prestigious business programs in the country, including Stanford, Wharton and Columbia, are making some of their most valuable content available through the free platforms like Coursera and EdX. And it's not only self-directed -- i.e., you take the classes at your convenience -- it's FREE! (Yes, unbelievable.) Lest you think this is just throw-away content, Business Insider has kindly assembled a list of some of

By Morgan|2022-01-01T22:52:14-08:00October 16th, 2013|

The Three A Strategy to Growing Your Practice

Here are three simple strategies your practice can take to attract more referrals, gain visibility and be the doctor of choice in your specialty. Forge Alliances: You can't build your network of referrals by sitting in your office, so get out and meet the other health care providers and potential referral sources. You can maximize the time spent and the gains in this endeavor by hiring a marketing director or consultant to go out and meet people of interest on your behalf. And remember, your competition is not the enemy - So forge relationships with other physicians in your specialty, as well. Build Allegiance: By providing the best service, you can to both the referring sources and the patients that are referred you will strengthen their allegiance to you. Feedback is an important part of the process so it is wise to develop an on-line survey to send to your referring sources to be sure you are on the mark and meeting their needs. It also keeps your name in front of them - and this is a very good thing! Express Appreciation: Honor your referrals by sending a thank you note and offering value add services. For example, you can offer a lunch and learn program at their practice to educate the entire staff about your specialty and your commitment to their patients. It is another opportunity to thank them for their allegiance. You'll want to thank both staff and physicians and this is a good way to do it. The three A's will have a powerful impact on building the kind of practice you want and gaining an enviable reputation as the "go to" doctor in your specialty. Capko & Company - your source for building a practice that shines. www.capko.com

By Judy Capko|2011-07-23T07:29:12-08:00July 7th, 2011|

Our Mission

Our mission is to make your practice shine.Our vision to achieve this: 1) Support business principles that drive a medical practice's success.2) Offer management continuing education presentations, articles and books.3) Foster the value of job training and enrichment programs.4) Coach physicians and administrators in mastering their leadership skills.5) Be the go to person for practices that seek to be top performers.Judy Capko is one of America's leading practice management and marketing consultants and author of the runaway top-selling book Secrets of The Best-Run Practices now in its second edition. Check it out by clicking on the book icon at www.capko.com

By Judy Capko|2022-01-01T22:52:58-08:00May 26th, 2010|