Practice Management

Urologists are expected to spend more money on building a solid infrastructure and expanding technology at a time when many are concerned about practice economics. Fortunately, there are some actions you can take to improve practice finances.

Urologists say they average around 10 to 15 minutes with each patient.

The issues surrounding running a urology practice are much more complicated today, and having business/administrative knowledge as well as a medical degree may be one option that can help us through the labyrinth of medical practice.

Marketing to men can be particularly challenging for a medical practice, since the traits that men often aspire to embody-independence, virility, strength, control-can be the very things that keep them from seeing a doctor.

Simultaneously giving patients added contact with their physician while also allowing them to talk about their condition with others, group shared appointments are applicable to a number of urologic conditions.

It can make sense to add a midlevel provider to a practice, but midlevels aren't for everyone.

Most urologists point to an excellent staff as the key to a successful practice.

Urology has undergone an evolution in both the way clinicians approach surgical and nonsurgical procedures and the settings in which they perform them.

Urologists and other physicians who treat Medicare patients have again escaped a steep reimbursement reduction as President Obama on Dec. 15 signed legislation passed by the lame-duck Congress providing a 12-month reprieve.

While it is tempting to look only at "the bottom line," the contemporary physician manager/owner needs to have a more thorough understanding of the numbers that contribute to that bottom line and how to use that information to quickly discover problems and solutions.

Let's look at the simple things urologists can do to ensure the entire staff focuses on being patient-centered and keeping patients happy.

This article will help you understand the dynamics of selling your practice and explain how to accomplish this once-in-a-lifetime transaction.

When it comes to medical practices, proper investment in the staffing and technology related to day-to-day operations can improve the impression your practice conveys and help insulate the business from economic downturns and other events beyond your control.

Motivating staff members to give their best isn't always easy, but it's definitely worth the effort.

How do you increase the number of new patients you see? One way is to implement a same-day appointment policy in your practice.

Urology Times wanted to learn more about urologists' current use of nonphysician providers and whether these providers' numbers and responsibilities are expanding, especially given growing concerns about a work force shortage in urology.

Peter Bretan, MD, a urologist in private practice in Novato, CA, is the sole urologist for a company specializing in telemedicine-in this case, the use of robots to connect with computers at great distance from the bedside of the patient.

As employers (and individuals) select health insurance plans with higher deductibles that place more financial responsibility on the patient, it's more important than ever that medical practices revamp front office collection procedures and place more responsibility on the front office staff.

With real-time claims adjudication, a patient receives a service in your office and then in real time, while the patient is in the office, she receives an explanation of benefits that details her charges, what the insurance company allows, the amount of the co-pay, and the status of the patient's deductible.

"Lean management" is the latest buzz phrase among savvy medical practices that are trying to reduce costs while improving quality.

The owners of most medical practices feel confident in the service they provide and believe they are both meeting their patients' needs and making a good first impression. But are they? Taking a critical look at the average practice, I'm not so sure.

Urologists share how EMRs, recycling and reducing waste help make their practices reduce their environmental impact.

When an official acting on behalf of a government agency contacts a medical practice, it can be a daunting, even frightening experience-one that requires knowledge of your rights and what you must and should do.

Most urologists' professional conduct is impeccable, but there is an occasional physician whose attitude and behavior make life at work difficult for everyone.

Concerns about regulations and time have changed the way urologists work with drug and device reps.