The Practice Management Consultation

We have identified nine areas of a practice that need to be coordinated and functioning in order to provide maximum utilization of resources and maximum profit. In this outline, we indicate those areas and some of the particulars in each.

In some cases, all nine areas need to be examined for weakness/strength and changed appropriately. In other cases, the client will focus on areas he/she feels are in need of change.

In our work, we prefer to sit down with a client, determine the felt needs of the practice and address them appropriately.

It has been our experience that too much change is as bad as too little, and finding the right balance is part of what we do.

Typically, our Practice Management Consultation proceeds as follows:

1. Initial interview with owner to select the two or three major areas of concern. It has been our experience that, in order to cover all nine areas, four to five sessions are necessary over an extended period of time.
2. Office visitation during working day, staff interviews, observations, fact gathering.
3. Second meeting with owner to review our written report on areas addressed, and proposals made with specific "how to's."
4. If appropriate, a half-day meeting with staff to explain changes and begin implementation.
5. A half-day follow-up visit three months later to evaluate changes with staff and review implementation.

Evaluation Criteria

1. Patient flow
2. Recall/Recare
3. Financials
4. Appointment Controls
5. Records and Documentation Controls
6. Laboratory Support Functions
7. Electronic Equipment
8. Marketing
9. Miscellaneous