Practice Management

Advance care planning is the process of planning for future medical treatment in the event that patients are unable to make their own decisions. It ensures that patients receive healthcare services that are consistent with their personal wishes, culture, goals, and values. Read Article ›

At one time or another, we have all found ourselves on the phone with a customer service representative, trying to resolve an issue. Unfortunately, it seems as though no matter what we say, the person on the other end of the line offers the typical “scripted” response and does not address our problem. We continue trying to get our point across, hoping that the representative will eventually understand and provide some type of real assistance. Read Article ›

There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic required practice managers and staff to rapidly develop and adopt innovative solutions to ensure the continuation of care for their patients. Like so many providers, I am certain that you and your colleagues rose to the challenge, and I applaud you for all that you have done! As you move forward, it is critical to remain up to date on important guideline changes and legislative updates to help your practice operate as smoothly as possible. Read Article ›

“Why?” That is the question that parents of toddlers hear countless times a day. It is a word that may elicit an internal—or perhaps an external—groan because it is the start of a litany of “whys” that will not cease until a satisfactory answer is given. What causes toddlers to ask “why?” so frequently? According to a study conducted at the University of Michigan, it is because they really do want an explanation. Read Article ›

As we continue to navigate through today’s evolving healthcare landscape, the need for thoughtful innovation is at an all-time high. As oncology administrators, we are responsible for leading our teams through change, which requires engagement, buy in, and input from our front-line workers. One strategy for navigating meaningful change, which has been gaining momentum in many industries, is the process of design thinking. Although the term “design” may create the impression that this process would be best served in engineering or product design, it adds a sense of creation and innovation that is critical to the process. Read Article ›

In the following interview, Ms Hayes discusses Epic Care’s commitment to excellence and its positive experience with the CMOM-HEM/ONC program. Read Article ›

Medical practices across the United States have undergone major transformations in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and administrators alike have been required to adapt rapidly to shifting protocols and unprecedented demands. These healthcare workers are facing multiple stressors, serious safety concerns, and economic upheavals, which put them at risk for anxiety, depression, and burnout as they work tirelessly to provide services for their patients. Leaders play an important role in supporting their employees during these particularly difficult times. Read Article ›

When I was a medical student, one of the attending physicians told me a story about a 25-year veteran nurse known as “Nurse Patty,” who he had worked with when he was a resident. Although most of the employees at the hospital were outstanding, this particular nurse had a reputation for making decisions that were not always medically sound. All of the residents at the hospital knew that when Nurse Patty was on duty, they needed to keep a careful eye on their patients. However, because this nurse had been employed at the hospital for many years, no one—including her—thought she could ever be fired. Read Article ›

Helping patients with cancer achieve optimal health status can present special challenges when their basic needs such as food security, housing, and transportation are not being met. If patients are experiencing such social influencers to health, they will often forgo healthcare or become noncompliant with treatment due to lack of resources. Implementing a community health worker program to complement clinical care can help provide compassionate care for the most vulnerable patients and lead to improved outcomes. Read Article ›

When it comes to your company, there is no greater asset than a healthy team culture. As it has been said many times, “Team culture eats company strategy for breakfast.” You can have the best strategy, the strongest marketing, and the greatest profitability. However, if you do not also have a healthy team culture, your long-term success is doomed to failure. Read Article ›