Excellence With an Edge: Practicing Medicine in a Competitive Environment

by Michael T. Harris, MD

In the competitive world of medicine, it’s no longer enough to be a capable and accomplished practitioner. Effectively managing your practice is part of the equation, and staying on top of the various aspects of day-to-day operations requires an expertise all its own. The intricacies related to the business end of your medical practice weren’t included in the medical school curriculum.

That’s why it’s critical, according to Harris, a nationally recognized expert in the field of gastrointestinal surgery, for physicians to familiarize themselves with the business principles that will enable optimal function and return on investment. He provides practical advice and management tools to empower practitioners to streamline their business operations and maximize their income.

Harris focuses on key concepts he finds to be essential to practice management that complements your medical skills and enhances your relationship with patients. He devotes one section of the book to practice basics, including financial analyses, business plans, and accounting. The other section deals with marketing your practice, building relationships, and boosting customer loyalty.

You’ll learn about ways to reduce the number of denials by Medicare or Medicaid as well as ways to analyze accounts receivable, enabling payment collections in a more timely manner.

The author emphasizes the importance of referrals to your practice and the need to acknowledge and cultivate them. He likewise describes the essential nature of personal connections with your patients along with recognizing the efforts of office staff. All are simply aspects of an expertly managed practice.

Its easy-to-read style and well-organized topics make it appealing to readers. The chapter names detail exactly what you’ll find within them, making it easy to brush up on the specific techniques you need to improve your practice’s operation. Harris makes the case that improving your business prowess can’t help improving your ability to provide the best possible clinical care.