Think 3 - 4 weeks back, before the chaos of COVID-19 went into full force: day-in-day-out you were likely busy with clinical and administrative tasks. Some easily accomplished and smooth sailing. But what about the lingering tasks, the ones collecting dust that were continually pushed off "until tomorrow" or "next week". Those are the tasks we are encouraging offices to take care of during this clinical downtime.
We understand that the outlook isn't sunshine and rainbows but it also doesn't have to be an absolute halt to productivity. It starts with changing the way we think about being productive, right now it's not going to be the clinical side of business but rather the administrative work-load. Setting small but achievable goals in the meantime to keep yourself busy and looking toward the future.
DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START? HERE ARE A FEW JUMPING OFF POINTS:
- Working your accounts receivables and any denied claims.
- Create a structure for what employees will come back to work first, next and then what positions you may need to hire for.
- Update practice policies, i.e. financial, staff handbooks.
- Improve office organization or rearrange cabinets and desks.
- Take an inventory of your equipment; what needs to be updated or is no longer being used.
- Make a move to switch patient software.
- Transition patient files from paper to digital.
- Review/boost your marketing activities for when the office is reopened; website, print materials, logo/brand, online presence including reviews and social media.
- Prospect for new employees, to replace those that may not return to the office.
- Meet with your staff via remote resources like Zoom, Skype, Facetime or phone. Check in on their well-being.
There is no play-book for what is happening in our world with COVID-19 but we know that we will recover faster and be resilient if we keep moving forward with a plan and goals in our sight-lines. Please stay safe and well. We will get through this together.
Economic Injury Disaster Loan
This is a challenging time for small businesses. The U.S. Small Business Administration is committed to help bring relief to small businesses suffering because of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the halt it has caused to business operations.
On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the CARES Act, which provided additional assistance for small business owners and non-profits, including the opportunity to get up to a $10,000 Advance on an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). This Advance may be available even if your EIDL application was declined or is still pending, and will be forgiven. https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/