Most Practice Managers do not consider themselves  to be in the power seat of our healthcare system. Most claim to be overworked and underpaid. If you look at job satisfaction indexes,  Practice Managers are not considered a happy lot. There is plenty to make the job difficult; misbehaving employees, excessive red tape, difficult patients, and demanding doctors. However, ask any medical sales rep and they will tell you that the Practice Managers is the one who wields all the power in our healthcare system.  It is the manager who determines who talks to the doctor and what gets purchased, the technology that gets implemented into the office, and the upgrades to administrative processes. Sure, the doctor rants and raves around the office and thinks he or she is in control, but when push comes to shove, most office managers determine what gets done.

The most radical transformation of the healthcare system is about to take place, and most practice managers are not ready for it. Yes, most are feeling the pinch of declining revenues in their practice, but few have any idea what is about to hit them. …its called “consolidation”, “vertical integration”, “accountable health organization” and numerous other newly minted names. What it means for practice managers is fewer jobs!

What are the traits a Practice Manager must possess to be effective in the upcoming healthcare system? How will healthcare reform change the job of a Practice Manager? Will there be fewer jobs available for Practice Managers?