Dr. Hayes Blog

Jerry Hayes, OD presents a variety of tips and tactics designed to
bring more dollars to your bottom line. You are invited to
comment on the topics we cover.

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Reader Feedback On EMR Podcast

By Jerry Hayes OD | 6/24/2010 - 11:00 am

Dear Jerry,

 

I enjoyed the podcast you did on May 25 with Dr Richard Hom on the future of electronic medical records.  I have utilized a PMS since we opened our office in 1995.

 

Having all patient encounters documented with an EMR since 2000 I can not think of any case where an OD would not benefit from converting from paper records to electronic. 

 

I have helped numerous other Docs implement EMR/PMS and at this point in time can see no downside




Staff Projects For When The Doctor Is On Vacation

By Jerry Hayes OD | 6/16/2010 - 11:00 am

Dear Jerry,

It’s me again. I am going to follow the advice in your June 2 blog and take some personal vacation time when my practice slows down in June.

 

What are some good projects for my staff to work on when I am gone? I am a solo OD and don’t plan to have another doctor in to cover for me.

 

Thanks again,

Megan Sumrall, OD

 

Dear Megan,

 

Good question, as many doctors don’t do a good job planning productive use of staff time while they are out.

 

Here is my favorite staff project when the practice owner is off for a few days. 




3 Keys To Motivating Employees

By Jerry Hayes OD | 6/9/2010 - 11:00 am

Here are some great insights I got from a recent podcast by Jill Geisler of the Poynter Institute on motivating employees. 

One, while the lack of adequate pay is a de-motivator, once an employee hits their personal level of ‘felt need’ for compensation, higher salary is not a motivator for most people.

 

Bonuses are a little different because they identify and target specific objectives.  We’ll talk about that in another blog.

 

Intrinsic Versus Extrinsic Motivation

 

At the point your staff member becomes satisfied with his or her compensation package, intrinsic motivation becomes more important than external motivation such as money.

Three components of intrinsic motivation are:




Should An OD Advertise During Slow Times?

By Jerry Hayes OD | 6/2/2010 - 11:00 am

Dear Jerry,

May and June tend to be slow months in my practice. This year, I am considering spending some money on an ad campaign in effort to stimulate business. Does that make sense?

Or, would you recommend that I take some vacation time during my traditionally slow periods?