Practice Operations

COVID-19: Practice Management Considerations

Practical Answers to COVID-19 Questions for Your Practice

COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control for Outpatient Clinics Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Immediate Changes Needed for Physicians to Stay in Business During the Pandemic

Dedicated Cellular Network Open to Physicians Responding to COVID-19

New Coronavirus Law Mandates Paid Leave for Certain Employees (Vinson & Elkins March 19, 2020)

One of the biggest challenges physicians have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic is keeping themselves, their staff, and their patients safe while still providing the best possible care. 
Unfortunately, demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) is exceeding supply because of an extreme surge in patients at health care facilities.

Small businesses in Texas – including health care clinics and practices – can now apply for long-term, low-interest working capital loans to meet their financial obligations during the time of a disaster. 

If you’re concerned or uncertain about expanded medical leave, paid sick leave, or complying with other regulations regarding personnel, Texas Medical Association Practice Management Services experts have created a frequently asked questions (FAQ) to help guide your practice during the pandemic.

What happens to your practice when COVID-19 walks through the door?

That's no longer a rhetorical question for Houston's Village Medical. The 100-physician family practice has had two unexpected COVID-19 patients since Feb. 26.

If you haven’t already posted a sign on your practice or facility door advising patients what to if they might have been exposed to COVID-19, the Texas Medical Association Covid-19 Task Force has created one for you.

It takes more than great patient care to operate a successful medical practice.

As a physician you know the ins and outs of medicine, but for a small practice to thrive, you also need a solid understanding of the fundamentals of running a business.

The law carries mandates most physician practices must follow to make their offices accessible so as to not discriminate against patients with disabilities when providing care. And five years ago, the government raised the penalties for failing to do so. So it might be time to educate, or re-educate, yourself on what the ADA requires.

Whether you own your medical practice or are a partner in a group, your business absolutely must have clear financial policies and procedures in place.

Financial policies aren’t the most fun to read or write, but they can make or break your practice. Without them, you’re essentially enabling patients to set policies for you, and that de facto policy might involve chasing down patient balances and tolerating high accounts receivable. 

Because state laws and insurer billing requirements governing physician delegation and supervision can be tricky to navigate, practices must stay up to date to avoid potential penalties.

Most of you will encounter a “difficult” patient at some point in your career.

Difficult patients come in many forms, from those who are noncompliant or have complex health issues, to patients who are angry or manipulative.

Whatever the case may be, these three tips can make caring for and working with these patients a little less difficult.