decisionhealth Newsletters, Part B News - 2005 Issue 10 (October)
A good disaster plan can save your practice time, money
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Article Overview
This article is a practice-management piece for physicians, office managers, and clinical administrators on preparing a medical practice for emergencies and severe weather events. It outlines broad categories of disaster planning, including staff communication, protection of equipment and supplies, handling patient and employee logistics, and safeguarding computer systems and records. The article is relevant to practices that want to reduce disruption, limit damage, and resume operations more quickly after an incident.
Why This Topic Matters
Emergency preparedness can help a practice protect assets, maintain communication, and reduce downtime when weather or other disasters interrupt normal operations. The article provides general planning guidance for healthcare offices that need a workable response framework before an emergency occurs.
Article Sections
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Prepare a comprehensive disaster plan
Introduces the need for a written plan that addresses different emergency scenarios and assigns staff responsibilities. Discusses coordination among practice leadership and preparation timelines.
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Be decisive
Addresses the importance of timely implementation when severe weather or other threats are developing. Emphasizes acting on available information rather than waiting too long.
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Get your equipment out of harm’s way
Covers general steps to protect medical equipment from physical damage during an emergency. Includes planning for safer placement or relocation when possible.
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Remember your employees have home needs as well
Notes that staff members may need time to prepare their own households or evacuate. Discusses workforce planning considerations during office closure or disruption.
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Have cell phone numbers for doctors, patients
Focuses on maintaining emergency contact information for physicians, key staff, and patients. Highlights the role of communication when normal systems are affected.
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Protect your injectable drug supply
Addresses safeguarding temperature-sensitive inventory and preserving supply availability during outages or disruption. Discusses planning around storage conditions and continuity of access.
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Shutting down computer systems takes time
Covers preparation for safe shutdown of billing and record systems and the need to protect electronic data. Mentions off-site backup and equipment protection concerns.
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Practice your disaster plan before it’s time to use it
Stresses reviewing the plan with staff and rehearsing procedures before an actual event. Focuses on readiness and operational coordination.
What You Will Learn
- How emergency preparedness can support continuity of practice operations
- What broad areas a medical office disaster plan should address
- Why staff communication and role assignment matter during disruptions
- How practices can think about protecting equipment, inventory, and computer systems
- Why rehearsal and advance planning are important for office readiness
Who Should Read This
- Physicians
- Practice administrators
- Office managers
- Clinic leadership
- Medical billing and operations staff
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