Consolidations and mergers have dramatically changed the face of the physician practice. From governance issues to information technology, today's practice managers face a host of new complexities and competing priorities that demand more robust skills and knowledge. Fundamentals of Medical Practice Management is one of the few, if not only, texts that addresses the educational needs of the modern practice manager. Author Stephen L. Wagner, who studied under quality guru W. Edwards Deming, combines a focus on quality and excellence with an important thesis: working together and putting people first is the best way to be successful in healthcare. This book appeals to a wide range of learners, including in organizational programs, MHA and undergraduate health administration programs, and practice management certificate programs. It is also an effective supplement for healthcare management classes. Not only will the book's insights prepare those new to the field, but it will help current practice managers to retool and refocus. Fundamentals of Medical Practice Management covers these areas and more: Information Technology and Management Regulatory Issues, the Law, and Practice Management Third-Party Payers, the Revenue Cycle, and the Medical Practice Leading, Managing, Governance, and Organizational Dynamics Quality Management in the Physician Practice. Although this text delves into many practical topics, its main focus is people. The author argues that win-lose games and quick-fix solutions have begun to deliver diminished returns in healthcare not only economically, but emotionally and societally. He aims to shape the reader's mindset for a new era of people-focused practice management.

This text is designed to meet the needs of programs that offer a group practice or ambulatory care course as well as those that incorporate physician practice management issues into the regular curriculum. Unlike other books on physician practice management, this straightforward text provides enough detail for students to understand the fundamental concepts without getting mired in the complexity of daily operational issues. This book: * Explains how physician practice management differs from management in other settings * Discusses strategic planning, financial management, information systems, and hospital relationships as applied in group practice settings * Provides sufficient background without overwhelming students with detail * Uses a straightforward approach that is appropriate for both graduate and undergraduate courses * Includes a mini case, learning objectives, and discussion questions in each chapter

Health Sciences & Professions

Essentials of Physician Practice Management offers a practical reference for administrators and medical directors and provides a comprehensive text for those preparing for a career in medical administration, practice management, and health plan administration. Essentials of Physician Practice Management is filled with valuable insights into every aspect of medical practice management including operations, financial management, strategic planning, regulation and risk management, human resources, and community relations.

Healthcare is one field that remains a growing industry, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor. As the youngest baby boomers continue to ascend in age, the need to employ qualified health care personnel to both prevent and treat medical issues increases. BLS suggests that there will be substantial growth of people in the healthcare field, from practitioners to operations personnel in administration and technology. Yet, many in the field struggle. This book provides relevant, pertinent, and focused information to aid a new or existing practice. The author, a well-respected international practice management consultant and medical practice coach, offers insights to revive a struggling practice. He provides frameworks, templates, and scripts that practices can immediately use.

This title includes a Foreword by John W Bachman, Professor of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota. Mastering the art of medical practice management requires knowledge that most physicians don't learn in medical school, residency, and fellowship training. Successful practice management in the 21st century requires physicians to understand how to organize and manage a practice, manage their finances, recruit, work with, and manage people within and outside of the practice, improve healthcare delivery and clinical outcomes, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. "Medical Practice Management in the 21st Century: The Handbook" addresses multiple aspects of medical practice management. It offers both background information and practical tools. The workbook format, supported by web-based tools, allows busy physicians to gain a basic understanding of many topics, determine strategies for their practices, and seek additional information when they want it. This guide will be ideal for both physicians who need business guidance as they begin their careers and physicians who are already in practice and want to enhance their business skills. Many physicians can't afford or choose not to hire a professional practice administrator or manager; this book will help them assume managerial responsibilities with the same level of confidence that they bring to clinical care. Physicians in academic medical centers who manage departments, programs, or research studies will also benefit. "This book is essential for any clinician planning to open a new practice or attempting to improve the quality and efficiency of an existing practice. Read and learn." - John Bachman MD, in the Foreword. "Written for the busy practitioner - clear, concise, and practical without any wasted space. I wish I had had this resource when I was starting practice. It's the bible for practice management, just as the "Washington Manual" was in earlier years." - Robert S Galvin, MD, Director of Global Healthcare for General Electric. "Important. Crosses many boundaries, covering a wide variety of topics. Guides physicians in developing the infrastructure that they need to succeed." - John Fallon, MD, Chief Physician Executive, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. "There is no better book or resource to use to develop the necessary proficiency to run a first-class, stellar practice than this. All who read this book will be able to ensure that every patient has a positive experience with your practice and will not only enjoy the experience but will tell other physicians, their family and their friends about you and your practice and thus make your practice thrive and prosper." - Dr Neil Baum, Clinical Associate Professor of Urology, Tulane Medical School, New Orleans, Louisiana. "I love the chapter on financial management. It is very complete and gives a non-business major a good grasp of complicated information." - Allen R. Wenner, MD, family medicine practitioner, West Columbia Family Medicine, South Carolina. "I like the format of the exhibits. In the chapter on financial management, the side-by-side problem/solution approach is easily understandable and lends itself to a solution oriented approach. I can spot my own practice's issues and immediately understand what to do without searching through a lot of text." - Tom Sena, MD, President of Raleigh Children and Adolescents Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina. "Full of good material which I am actively planning to use. Extremely helpful!" - Dr Damian McHugh, President, Raleigh Emergency Medicine Associates, Raleigh, NC.