Directing patient ‘traffic’ can be a full-time job

During medical office hours, an empty medical exam room or a physician left without a patient to see represents lost revenue. Think about patient flow as a restaurant would: An empty seat represents lost money never to be recaptured.

Preventing such holes can be well worth the cost. Your practice may benefit from the same concept by having a “floor manager” or “maitre d’”—one staff member who oversees all staff as they process patients during office hours. The desired result is having as much “product” as possible (in your case, appointed patients) flow smoothly through the practice.

A floor manager is an on-site operating officer who manages patient visits for optimal customer service and maximum group productivity. Generally, an office needs one floor manager for approximately each seven physicians, though the ratio will vary by specialty, facility size and patient volume. If you have fewer than seven doctors, consider carving the function out of a full-timer’s job just for the office’s busiest hours.

About the Author

Reed Tinsley CPA

This article is written by Reed Tinsley, a Houston, TX-based CPA with over 30 years of experience advising physicians and medical practices across Texas and the United States. Reed holds certifications as a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), Certified Healthcare Business Consultant (CHBC), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP), specializing exclusively in the healthcare sector. He is a published author, nationally recognized speaker, and trusted advisor to physicians on accounting & tax, practice management, and financial planning. Schedule a Free Consultation.