Check the data to see how your practice compares. If you find that you are overstaffed, Mr. Connelly said, consider attrition or even layoffs. But you don't necessarily have to pay more to increase staff efficiency. For example, if the office is slow, the receptionist works the front desk while the front desk coordinator, who is paid more, works on patient referrals, said Susan Genrich, the practice's office manager. In addition, the practice keeps its X-ray technologist on call instead of paying her to sit around the office with nothing to do.
Overtime is another good place to look for savings.
In Frederick, Md., Internal Medicine Associates cut its overtime last year by staggering shifts for receptionists and nurses. The idea was to have fewer people working during the practice's slow times and to make staff available when physicians worked late without having to pay costly overtime wages. The practice also began requiring employees to clock in and out. Our goal is zero overtime. You might not want to change your benefits package for fear of angering and losing your employees, but saving money on benefits doesn't have to mean cutting back.