Key clinical and administrative information technology systems include:
- Electronic health records;
- Electronic prescribing;
- Practice management system; and
- Website.
Making the decision to manage a practice does not come lightly. There are a multitude of risks involved, and day-to-day operations must be handled carefully. Managing a practice is an ongoing business—although there can be a lot of burnout with micromanaging, you must keep in mind that no one will care for your business as much as you do.
For long-term success, be an effective leader and manage according to the needs of the practice. There are many resources that are available to physicians on proper management of a business. Now more than ever, it is important for you and your managers to examine specific areas of your practice to measure its profitability and understand your practice’s position, identify irregularities, and guide future decisions.
Practices can increase profitability through education and hands-on training. The ACR Practice Management department provides a wealth of valuable tools on the ACR website to assist with both office and clinical support.
From letter templates and clinical forms to coding information and audit services, start with www.rheumatology.org/practice when you have a practice management question.
Practice Management Tools and Education
Download your free copy of the ACR’s The Business Side of Rheumatology Practice manual for practical business information on starting, selling, or redesigning a rheumatology practice.
Visit www.rheumatology.org/publications to get your copy today.
Attending the ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.? The ACR is offering a premeeting course designed to assist you and your staff in practice management. Join us Saturday, Nov. 10, for the “CORC Pre-meeting Course for Practice Managers: Helping You Manage a Profitable Practice.”
This premier educational event offers innovative ideas and techniques you can incorporate in your practice as well as strategies for success from leading experts in the field on areas such as:
- Practice management process and workflow;
- Medical office accounting, physician reimbursement, and revenue cycle management;
- Marketing and business relationships;
- Contract negotiations; and
- Health IT, EMRs, and health information exchange.
For more information about the course and registration, visit www.ACRannualmeeting.org and check out the registration brochure.
