Part I - Emergency Preparedness

Why This Topic Matters

Emergency events can disrupt patient care, staffing, data access, and practice operations. This article is relevant to managers seeking a high-level framework for preparedness and continuity planning.

Article Sections

1. Back to Basics

   An introductory overview of the article’s emergency-preparedness theme for medical office management.

2. Disaster planning and staff readiness

   General guidance on maintaining an actionable disaster plan, staff review, drills, and access to planning materials.

3. Financial continuity during an emergency

   Broad discussion of planning for funding, payroll, overhead, and operating through a period of disrupted revenue.

4. Data, EHR, and contingency planning

   High-level coverage of protecting data, planning for system interruptions, and maintaining operations when technology is affected.

5. Decision-making and staffing adjustments

   General discussion of using decision frameworks to determine staffing priorities and support practice operations during an emergency.

6. Inventory control and PPE readiness

   Overview of inventory planning, supply coordination, and maintaining readiness for protective equipment and related materials.

7. Policy, procedures, and training exercises

   Discussion of writing clear disaster-plan procedures and using training exercises to support preparedness.

8. FEMA tabletop training and plan review

   Broad description of using external emergency resources, planning training modules, and reviewing preparedness efforts over time.