FOR YOUR PRACTICE
Educational Conferences : Does My Office Staff Really Need to Attend ?
BY TEREASA HOMES , CMPE DIRECTOR OF PRACTICE AND HEALTH POLICY
It ’ s no surprise to any of us how much the health care arena is rapidly evolving . With new guidelines , protocols , policy updates , carrier requirements , referrals , and designated ancillary service , it can be difficult to integrate education and training goals into an already overworked clinic staff schedule . The traditional educational conferences are now making a comeback after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic , but even now as things return to a new normal , there are some factors to consider before signing up .
A successful physician practice staff requires staff roles of receptionist , appointment scheduler , patient advocate , front office coordinator , and clinic administrator . Some clinics may have a person for each responsibility , while other clinics have a smaller staff that perform all the duties . Providing the most up-to-date training improves the staff ’ s knowledge , leading to better service for the patients . In addition , education improves greater productivity , which increases morale and self-worth among the team . Investing in training can also be a great benefit to add to an employee or potential employee ’ s compensation package .
Professional development is another component of attending conferences . Interaction among the attendees is a great opportunity for health care professionals to learn from each other , but also to build relationships that can be developed throughout the year . Brainstorming and sharing best practices with others is hard to do in a virtual setting , and staff hearing in-person presentations from different points of view can improve how a practice operates .
Understanding the numerous training opportunities available , clinics must decide which is best for the individual type of practice . Knowing the challenges of the daily practice schedule and staffing concerns , here are some questions to consider :
• Is the information relevant to the practice and to the staff ?
• Will it improve the staff ’ s ability to better assist patients ?
• Is the timing of the conference convenient ?
• Is this information available in a virtual format allowing staff to still be at work or is the conference in-person ?
• Are there continuing education hours available , and does your staff need the CEUs to obtain or maintain their certification ?
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Providing the most up-to-date training improves the staff ’ s knowledge , leading to better service for the patients .
FALL 2022 | VOLUME 119 | NUMBER 2 45