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Published ARTICLES by Dental Practice Management Consultant Jan Keller
Forensic hiring: put applicants under the microscope and solve the mystery of the revolving door once and for all!
Hiring new staff members can be a daunting process, especially as the consequences of making a mistake are costly – in time, money, and stress. It doesn't have to be that way. There are ways to put candidates "under the microscope" to make sure you choose the right person every time, and finally put an end to the mystery of the personnel revolving door with which most practices are familiar. Read "Forensic hiring: put applicants under the microscope and solve the mystery of the revolving door once and for all".
Is your practice embezzlement-proof?
Everyone thinks it won't happen to them. Believe me, it happens more often than you think, and often from the person you trusted the most. That's right – embezzlement! In the past 17 years as a software trainer and practice management consultant, I have seen at least one office a year that has discovered embezzlement. Too often, doctors are shocked because they trusted their teams and did not feel it was necessary to have individual team members sign into their software with individual names and passwords. Click here to read "Is your practice embezzlement-proof?"
Eight easy steps to conducting successful, less stressful payment arrangements
Money has a strong emotional tie for all of us, and discussing it, especially when you're the one asking to be paid for something, can be downright stressful. But it doesn't have to be that way. In fact, the best outcome, in which both parties feel they have an agreement that is fair and reasonable, is absolutely achievable. In addition, communication regarding fees can actually help build trust in patient relationships, if done correctly. Click here to read "Eight easy steps to conducting successful, less stressful, payment arrangements".
Bad Economy, Good Opportunity?
Times are tough. We all know someone who is struggling to make ends meet, and when consumers, including patients, feel this kind of economic pinch, they naturally start looking for places to cut costs. So what should your practice be doing to make sure this cost-cutting does not include needed and recommended dental treatment? How do you and your practice continue to prosper, even turn a struggling economy into a good opportunity? Click here to read "Bad Economy, Good Opportunity".
Accountability in the dental office: the secret to an efficient, effective team
Have you ever wondered why your colleagues seem to have great teams, in which everyone is happy and pleasant, and everyone gets along? And then wondered … what am I doing wrong? Why isn't my staff as happy and pleasant as theirs? If this sounds familiar, ask yourself this fundamental question: Am I accountable for the decisions I make, not only in the hiring process, but in evaluation of job performance? Do I hold my staff accountable as well? Read the entire article here: Accountability in the dental office: the secret to an efficient, effective team
Uncovering the hidden treasure in your patient charts
Have you ever participated in a treasure hunt? Enjoyed the challenge of uncovering what is right in front of you, or hidden in a drawer or closet? Today is the day you should start a treasure hunt in your office. Here's why. In today's economy, many dental practices are looking for ways to increase, or just maintain, previous levels of production and collection. One answer may be "hiding" under their noses … literally. Click here to read "Uncovering the hidden treasure in your patient charts".
An easy 4-step process to negotiating successful payment arrangements every time with every patient
Wouldn't it be nice if every payment arrangement interaction between your office and your patients went smoothly, with no awkwardness, misunderstandings, or embarrassment? Bottom line, you can make that happen. "Perfect" payment arrangements are possible if you follow these four easy steps... Click here to read "An easy 4-step process to negotiating successful payment arrangements every time, with every patient".
Credit Guidelines: the "secret weapon" successful practices use to reduce stress and increase collections
When was the last time you and your team had a meeting to review and collaborate on your expectations regarding collections? If you're like many, the honest answer is "never." No surprise, then, that most administrative team members are frustrated. Their doctor wants them to "collect the money" and "make sure the patients pay," but that is the only guidance they are given. Even worse, doctors often sabotage the efforts of the financial team by making special arrangements with the patient in the treatment room, putting them in an uncomfortable position when the patient informs them:
"Oh, the doctor said I only have to pay X." Or "The doctor said I can make payments whenever I can afford them."
If this sounds like your practice, now is the time to sit down and discuss how your current payment arrangement system is working, and what you can do to improve it, especially with the economy making treatment acceptance more challenging than ever. Click here to read "Credit Guidelines: the "secret weapon" successful practices use to decrease stress and increase collections".
Articles published in Carestream Dental's Consultants Corner:
Negotiating Successful Payment Arrangements - 4 Steps to Succeed Every Time with Every Patient
Wouldn't it be nice if every payment arrangement interaction between your office and your patients went smoothly, with no awkwardness or misunderstandings? The bottom line is you can make that happen. (Click on the link above to read the entire article.)
Uncovering the "Hidden Treasure" in Your Patient Charts
Have you ever participated in a treasure hunt? Enjoy the challenge of discovering hidden valuables? Today you should start a treasure hunt in your office. Here's why: in today's economy, many dental practices are looking for ways to increase or maintain previous levels of production and collection. One answer may be literally hiding under their noses. (Click on the link above to read the entire article.)
Credit Guidelines: The Secret Weapon Successful Practices Use to Reduce Stress and Increase Collections
When was the last time you and your team had a meeting to discuss your expectations regarding collections? If you're like folks from many offices, the honest answer is "never." This often causes frustration for many administrative team members. (Click on the link above to read the entire article.)
Doctor, do you have your staff in the right seats on the 'bus'?
What does a bus have to do with practicing dentistry, you might be wondering? And why does it matter where your staff members 'sit', as long as they're on board? Think about it. How many times have you hired someone to fill a seat on the bus only to be disappointed in their performance, or their failure to meet your expectations. Read the entire article: Doctor, do you have your staff on the right seats on the bus?
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