In an article titled “Take Control of Your Career” originally published in Unique Opportunities magazine, Robert F. Priddy writes “Decreasing independence, not declining dollars, is driving doctors from the profession. By taking control of things you can, you can re-instill pleasure in your practice or create a plan for a new career.”
Here is a brief excerpt from the article:
“How can physicians improve practice and career satisfaction? Much of it has to do with regaining control and a sense of independence. How do you take control of the seemingly uncontrollable? It’s a little like the adage of learning to control what you can, accepting what you can’t, and understanding the difference. While it’s critical to understand the difference, the greatest challenge is recognizing just how much actually can be controlled.
In the practice setting, taking control begins with critically analyzing dissatisfying factors. Here are several ideas you can implement on your own:
• Talk with physicians who’ve “been there, done that,” or with business experts to determine what is and isn’t working. Put measurable processes in place to correct the problem. For example, if revenues are declining, track gross charges, net charges, and net collections, basing net charges on your contractual adjustment, not actual adjustments.
• Think outside the box. Just because everybody else does it one way doesn’t make it right. You might consider giving your hospital work to a hospitalist. And, if you do (or already have), increase your office time by a half hour at each end of the day.
• Reduce barriers to change among your staff. Most staff members base their actions and expectations on past and ongoing work experiences. Encourage them to be creative in proposing solutions to problems and accomplishing goals. Then take their ideas seriously—don’t “kill the messenger.
• Evaluate your personal and professional priorities, and make suitable compromises.”
To read the rest of the article, click here.
