Comments on: Are Doctors Too Cheap to Hire Competent Staff?

By: emt training

emt training — Sun, 30 May 2010 20:58:07 +0000

Terrific work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the web. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher!

By: CNA License

CNA License — Tue, 11 May 2010 10:30:18 +0000

Keep posting stuff like this i really like it

By: Andrea

Andrea — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 01:48:54 +0000

I have enjoyed reading all your comments. I am not a MD but spent the past 2 years as a MA. When I started out in the field as a intern, my first day a drug rep brought us lunch. I was not aware that they did this (wasn’t told during my time of schooling). It was insane to see the staff along with the MD’s, NP’s and MAA’s , stopped what they were doing just to give attention to the reps because of their gifts. During my whole internship there were drug reps stopping by at least 3 to 4 times a week. While on internship, I talk to the staff about their jobs and responsibilities and it always came up about being underpaid. I understood while entering school that I was going to make the same when I got out. I really enjoyed being a MA and after 2 years I’m not taking my break from it. There was a lot of things that they don’t tell you while in school or on internship. And like I tell everyone I meet when I tell them I’m a med. asst. everywhere I have worked including my internship, I would never want to be their patient.

By: Marilyn O

Marilyn O — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:54:53 +0000

It’s unfortunate but I have worked the circuit… front desk, medical assisting, now coder biller and my doctor makes a fortune & not willing to pay the staff to stay….. Can I tell you he will be sorry. They don’t realize what they have till its gone and then they are up a creek

By: Dennis R Flores MD

Dennis R Flores MD — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:16:38 +0000

The success of a physician in today’s economy requires him to be knowledgeable not only of relentless changes in medicine but in business as well. I have been in solo practice for 28 years. The changes in work ethics over the years have been unbelievable. This coupled with the reductions in reimbursement from third party payers have made it very difficult to find competent staff much less afford them especially in a rural setting. I do see the “infamous” drug reps who are simply trying to retain their jobs. As a caring physician who is intersted in all aspects of his patients, I will not prescribe a medication the patient cannot afford no matter what is brought to the office. I am aware of the $4 generic medications at Walmart and other pharmacies and use them frequently, but honestly some of the name brand meds ARE better with less side effects. On a side note, it is a sad situation for physicians whose time and expertise is under valued and continues to be undermined by third party payors and the media. The uninformed on Capitol Hill continue to make “changes” that will drastically affect our future. All we can do is pray!

By: Sherry Krueger

Sherry Krueger — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 18:19:07 +0000

Dr. Lauber this comment is to you specifically. I think you are an inspiration! I will quote you often! I am in the thinking stages of a book that would include opinions and stories of doctors just like you. Can I keep your information on file to interview for publishing?

Sherry L. Krueger
http://www.hna-net.com

By: Sherry Krueger

Sherry Krueger — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 18:16:43 +0000

I will concur on several points here: Money is not always linked to quality employees, and it is VERY difficult to find an employee in todays society that does actually care. With that said IF you are lucky enough to find one DO NOT LET THEM GO! I have worked in the Healthcare field for years and found it to be a very cut throat industry at best. if you can get a good employee that you trust in your corner it could be the difference in success!

Sherry L. Krueger
http://www.hna-net.com

By: Linda

Linda — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:48:16 +0000

In a small town we have to try to be fair to all companies. I don’t have a problem with the pharmaceutical reps. It doesn’t matter what they bring the staff or the provider, our providers prescribe what medicine works for our patients. On DME and Home Health companies we have some that bring drinks, cookies, lunches and such but it doesn’t matter. They know we are fair in our referrals, we have one person doing all the referrals and they are instructed to do it in alphabetical order according to the name of the DME or Home Health company unless the patient request a specific one. That way everyone gets a piece of a very small and finanacial insufficient pie.

By: Linda

Linda — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:49:02 +0000

The problem does not lie with the doctors or the salaries they pay. The problem is the lack of any kind of work ethic in people today. High salaries do not guarantee good employees, and I speak from experience. There is no sense of pride in a job well done anymore, it’s all about “what’s in it for me”. That’s the American way, work is a four letter word.

By: Martha

Martha — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:38:19 +0000

I’m right here, Ray. If your manager doesn’t care about the practice, how can she/he manage properly? I value the practice because I value my job and what I can do to make my doctor successful. With reimbursements low, it is imperative to bill and collect for the maximum reimbursement. A knowledgeable coder is a must. A diligent collection person is also a must. Every time your vendor raises their prices, shop around. Someone is always ready to offer you a better deal (free delivery, quantity discounts, etc) I have been with my doc for nine years, and every year end financial statement shows an increased revenue from the year before. Free cookies are great, but they don’t increase my docs revenue or my paycheck!