An effective practice manager is vital to the success of the modern medical practice, but most practice managers learn their jobs “on their feet” and struggle to locate training that fits their busy schedules and limited budgets. The NC AHEC Practice Management Academy offers cost-effective and relevant training for practice managers, as well as opportunities for updating their knowledge and connection with their peers.

The academy’s first offering, Practice Manager Bootcamp, is designed to answer this basic question: “what basic knowledge and skills does a practice manager need to make their practice thrive?” Endorsed by the North Carolina Medical Group Management Association (NCMGMA), those who complete the bootcamp will receive formal recognition of their accomplishment and CEU credits that can be applied to the continuing education requirement of the MGMA Certified Medical Practice Administrator certification.

This course is designed to help novice practice managers gain the essential knowledge and skills necessary to support a successful practice. By the end of the course participants will be able to:

Ensure accurate and efficient financial management

• Differentiate between insurance payment models
• Handle insurance credentialing
• Manage accounts receivable, accounts payable
• Understand the basics of claim filing and the management of denials, appeals and audits
• Write effective policies and procedures
• Describe the relationship between coding practices and efficient billing

Manage human resources

• Describe the components of an accurate job description
• Recruit, interview and hire effective employees
• Create an effective plan for onboarding new employees
• Write a comprehensive employee handbook
• Discuss best practices for regulatory and continuing education
• Describe strategies for handling dysfunctional employee behaviors
• Prepare comprehensive employee evaluations
• Handle terminations and resignations in a manner consistent with labor laws.

Demonstrate confident leadership

• Create a practice strategic plan
• Promote a positive environment through conflict management, communication, appreciation and team building.
• Define cultural competence and how it affects patient care
• Plan for the unexpected with a disaster plan
• Identify methods for discovering emerging trends in practice management
• Collaborate with providers to improve practice and patient outcomes.

Select, implement, and manage technology

• Describe how electronic health records systems can be used to optimize patient care
• Select office technology that enhances efficiency and minimizes costs
• Enumerate best practices for implementing and administrating patient portals
• Discuss how a practice can establish a digital presence
• Articulate the standards of privacy and security management.

Employ effective quality improvement strategies

• Identify and instill effective customer service attitudes and behaviors
• Analyze and adjust workflows for maximum efficiency
• Differentiate between several continuous improvement methodologies
• Define “evidence-based medicine and its implications for practice management
• Explain how social determinants of health care affect the health care environment

Delivery

This program includes 40 sessions that will take place virtually once a week and may include occasional

special virtual and in-person activities.

Cost

$250 per participant

For More Information

Contact Jane Moran at practicemanagement@sr-ahec.org or (910) 678-0113