Archive for the ‘Miscellaneous’ Category
The Many “Hats” Your Business Office Team Wears
August 10th, 2010 at 7:03 am by Livvie
August has been designated Dental Office Managers Appreciation Month by the American Association of Dental Office Managers (AADOM). A sincere “Thank You” to all Dental Office Managers and front desk teams, I truly appreciate YOU!!
Having been in the dental profession – in the business office - around 30 years, I thought I’d give you a glimpse into our day. So on a lighter note let’s talk about hats! I’m talking about the MANY different hats the business team wears as we travel through our day!
***(1) Turban: Because….You’re a Mind Reader!
~“You sent my insurance to the wrong carrier. I know I hadn’t been in to see you in quite sometime….I’d changed jobs 3 times… and I gave you the wrong insurance card…. but that’s immaterial… YOU should have…. known who my insurance carrier was!”
*** (2) Wizard’s Magic Wand: Because….You’re an Absolute Scheduling Wizard!
~“I realize I am a few minutes late, 35 minutes to be exact, but I was going right be the Dry Cleaners, so I popped in there to drop off my cleaning. I knew it wouldn’t matter, after all It’s “just a CLEANING appointment”!
~ “Oh come on now, your schedule can’t be that full, all I need to do is just run in, let him take a quick look and zip right out. It won’t take…. 5 minutes!”
~“I just spoke to your hygiene coordinator, I told her I wanted to see VICKY, it has to be a Wednesday….no earlier than 4:15 ….and my insurance runs out in 3 weeks. I mean how much more flexible can I be? I gave her a date, a time and a hygienist?? Come on work with me here!??”
- You’ve heard of a MALOX moment? Well…. this is a METAMUSL MOMENT! You just want to say….“Mr or Ms PAYNE take some Metamusl and loosen up!”
*** (3) Top Hat: Because…You’re A Magician ~You make it ALL work out!
~Dr InRoll-em walks the patient to the front desk and says: ….Livvie, I looked at tomorrows schedule and saw that 30 minute open spot at 10:30. John is going to come back for that little MODFL on # 2 …..AND we’ll just go ahead and do those other two restorations he needs on #3 and #4 since we will be right there….. Oh John, I see you are overdue for your cleaning, but our hygiene schedule is full tomorrow… Oh well, while you are getting numb, why don’t we just clean your teeth and take that panorex and that way, John, you won’t have to make but one trip!! That will work just fine in that 30 min spot!!
~Dr Bring-em-in …..What? We have an emergency NEW patient on the phone? Well sure…..tell them to come right on over ….What? Sure we can take a look at the neighbor that’s bringing them, not a problem….. Lunch? Not a problem either…we’ll just work right on through…..
** ALL TEAM MEMBERS ARE MAGICIANS….YOU ALL WORK MAGIC !
*** (4) Construction Helmet: Because…You’re Constantly Building Relationships!
Emotions are everywhere….Moods and Attitudes! I ‘m the one the patient talks to first and it’s my smiling face that they see when they walk in, so….let me get this straight… No matter how frustrating MY day is…I still need to be able to build those bridges to better relationships?!!
*** (5) Fireman’s Helmet: Because….You Put Out Fires All Day Long!
Sniff Sniff……Does it smell like smoke to you… Well, no need to worry, I do this every day. You see its up to me to put out the fire when:
- A Patient Cancels at the last minute
- The Patients shows up 20 Minutes Late and we Reschedule
- The Patients Insurance check is late or didn’t pay as expected
- The Patient says “My insurance company said your fees are too high
NOTE: ***I have yet to have a patient call me and say “My insurance company said THEIR R & C fees are TOO LOW!”
- Its up to your front desk people to keep the flames down…I know it it gets hot in the Treatment Rooms….But try calming down some of the patients on the phone or at check out….. By the end of the day not only are you exhausted and feeling a little singed…..You’re also starting to think about HAZARDOUS DUTY PAY…..
*** (6) Combat Helmet: Because….Sometimes it’s like a Combat Zone
- Whew…I feel like I’ve been dodging bullets since I got here
- Insurance claims were mis-filed and statements went out late
- Patients are calling angry because their insurance should have covered their last procedures
- Production is DOWN….. Broken Appointments are UP
- Collections are OFF….. And the PRESSURE is ON! (Sound Familiar? )
*** (7) Bunny Ears: Because….. (This is My Favorite!)
“Wow…
- I’ve put out the fire with that account call,
- I worked out scheduling that big case,
- Smoothed that conversation with Mr. Payne and
- Insurance is reconsidering Ms. Diamonds case….Whew! ….~ OOPS there goes my phone again!…
With your EARS on…COME WHAT MAY…….You just keep going and going and going!
How about it dental team, how many of these “hats” have you worn? Do you have a favorite Metamusl moment to share or a “hat” I’ve missed, I’d like to hear about it.
Posted in General, Miscellaneous | 
Tags: dental front desk, Dental Office Managers Appreciation Month, Livvie Matthews | 
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Identify Theft Or Will The Real Me Please Stand Up!
June 9th, 2009 at 6:47 pm by Livvie
There is a new thief on the block. An identity thief and YOU are at risk!
Identity theft is the fastest growing crime today and is effecting approximately 900,000 NEW victims each year!
Everyday transactions such as writing a check, using your cell phone, making a charge purchase, applying for a credit card, mailing your tax returns, even simply placing your outgoing mail in your mail box may put you at risk.
Can identity theft be completely prevented—No, but there are steps you can take to minimize your risk by managing your personal information better.
1. Protect Your Social Security Number
Don’t carry your Social Security card with you or in your wallet. Leave your drivers license, social security and home telephone numbers off your personal checks.
2. Shop Online at Secure Web Sites
Always make sure you are dealing with a secure web site. Look for https:// displayed in your web address bar located near the top of your screen. The “s” after “http” stands for “secure”. https://
3. Destroy Information and Papers You Throw Away
Shred (crosscut shredders are best) bank information, credit card information, offers for credit and payments made with receipts given.
4. Know Your Credit Accounts Billing Cycles
In case your bills are late coming in, you can call the company and request a duplicate copy. This will help you see right away if there is a problem on your account.
5. Check Your Credit Report
Once a year check your credit report with the three major credit reporting agencies. Don’t overlook the Inquiries” section of the report. This will give you an overview of creditors, accounts and inquiries made on your report.
Even though you can’t totally prevent identity theft from occurring, following these few steps will help you lower your risk. When the time (credit report) comes….The Real You IS Standing Up!
