Resolutions - Networking For All Staff

We all know networking is important. Most of you reading this blog found out about it through LinkedIn, proving that to some extent our readers are currently trying to network.  Being as we are already networking, I don’t need to explain the benefits of networking. However, have you thought of how much your practice would grow and improve by having your employees network too?

Start by thinking of all your staff who has credentials or is part of a professional organization.  Being part of a professional association can have many advantages.  Most associations are great conduits of information.  When an industry standard changes, or congress passes a new law, a reputable association is going to make sure its members are aware of the changes.   Getting email updates and printed publications of changes and tips that apply to your business is great.  The next step is to make sure each employee that receives updates from their association shares the information (at your staff meetings).

In addition to sharing changes and updates, many associations have chapters or meetings.  These meetings give a great opportunity to learn more and meet other professionals in the same industry.  By hearing what other medical offices have implemented, or learning from other medical offices trials and errors can help your own practice.  If chapter meetings are not logistically possible, have the employee check the association website, and other social media that the association may be on.  Many times the association has posting boards that any member can read and post on.  Should your biller be unsure of a coding change, they could log in to their association website and post a question for other members.  I can personally attest as a member of American Academy of Professional Coders, I have used the message boards asking for advice as well as sharing information with other members.

What other networking groups are you or your staff a part of?  The chamber of commerce can be a good place to start.  Many chambers have other groups or meetings that chamber members and their employees can attend.  The business owner should attend most meetings so they can be the face of their own business.  There may be a “women in business” group that one of your employees wants to attend.  Be supportive, she may meet another woman who will become your patient, or she may learn about the new doctor coming to town that you weren’t aware of.  In any business its good to have “feelers” out in the public eye, to promote your business as well as looking ahead for changes and challenges.

The bottom line is to encourage your staff to network, just as you should be doing yourself.  When your staff is out networking your business will reap many benefits.  Advertising your office to many different groups can get bring in more patients as well as make connections for business and referral partners.  Being involved in networking groups and associations will also keep you informed of what is going on in your industry, as well as your location.  Of course it is important to have you and your staff, share their experiences with each other so that everyone can be educated.  This sharing would be a good discussion topic at your office meetings.

There are many variables that determine the success of a medical practice.  Having a background in coding, billing and compliance I chose to share easy tips that most medical practices are not doing.  If these tips are implemented in your office, I guarantee an improvement in the nonclinical side of your practice.