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+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + + +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PRACTICE MANAGEMENT +++ +++ Keeping the Focus on Your Patients By Aaron Seaman hardest-working physicians and manag- ers. You want your primary focus to be on the well-being of your patients; however, managing the ever-changing human resource functions of a success- ful practice has become daunting and increasingly complex. While you entered the medical fi eld M to help people, your practice is still a business, and to be successful, you have to generate income. As a business owner, it can become frustrating when you have to spend time away from your patients and focus on the non-revenue-generating side of the business. Engaging the services of a professional employer organization (PEO) to handle these non-revenue-producing activities can improve your practice's opportunities for success and profi t, while allowing you to do what you do best — practice medicine. A PEO is a staffing company that specializes in providing a cost-effective approach to the management of admin- istrative and human resource functions of a business, helping to alleviate the burden for the business owner. Some of the service options include: ORE OFTEN THAN not, the administrative aspects of running a medical practice can overwhelm even the + human resource management + payroll services + employee benefi ts + workers' compensation + risk management A PEO enters into a contractual rela- tionship — called a "co-employment" relationship — with a practice. The PEO acts as a full-service, off-site human resources department, while you remain in charge. Your practice recruits and hires staff members and handles the day-to-day management of the employees. The staff become "shared employees" or "co-employees" of both your practice and the PEO, and the PEO specialists take care of the paperwork and human resource functions. PEOs help tens of thousands of com- panies provide benefi ts such as health care plans, 401(k) plans and other perks to working Americans. PEO-sponsored benefi t programs can include major and supplemental health care choices, includ- ing vision and dental care and employee assistance programs. PEOs can also improve the work envi- ronment and enhance safety. They focus on workplace risk management, safety programs and good human resource practices. PEOs arrange workers' com- pensation coverage with major insurance carriers and manage the claims. They also deliver additional human resource ser- vices, including payroll, unemployment taxes, customized employee handbooks, pre-employment screenings, wage and compensation planning, and customized training. Most any size practice can fi nd value in a PEO relationship, even those with just a few employees on staff. PEO clients include a range of professionals, from specialist groups to full-scale medical practices, all benefi tting from PEO services. Assess your practice to determine your human resource and risk management needs. Then, look for a strategic business partner that will listen to you, review your needs and suggest business solutions to best fi t your practice. You want to fi nd a company with strength, stability and a dedication to customer service. You need to feel that you and your staff will be well taken care of and that your needs and goals will be met. Aaron Seaman is Director of Business Development for SWBC Employee Benefi ts Consulting, Insurance Services and Professional Employer Services. He can be reached at (210) 525-1241 or www.swbcpeo.com. n 14 | San Antonio MD NEWS MDNEWS.COM