5 steps to determine proper staffing levels in a recession

Why This Topic Matters

Staffing changes can affect practice operations, patient access, revenue cycle performance, and legal exposure. The article helps readers understand the main categories of analysis involved in deciding whether reductions are appropriate.

Article Sections

1. Introduction

   Sets up the issue of evaluating staffing levels during an economic downturn and frames the discussion around practice performance rather than the recession alone.

2. Determine empirically whether the recession is affecting your practice

   Discusses reviewing practice data to understand whether changes in volume and payments reflect broader economic conditions or ordinary variation.

3. Get specific in terms of impact and forecasting the future

   Focuses on assessing where financial pressure is coming from and considering local economic conditions when planning for the future.

4. Look at which positions or departments are excessive

   Addresses evaluating staffing by function and department so operational capacity can be matched to current business needs.

5. Talk to your staff and explore alternatives

   Covers communicating with employees about possible alternatives to staffing cuts and considering changes such as reduced hours or salary adjustments.

6. If you do let someone go, don't forget compliance issues

   Highlights the need to consider legal and human resources issues before making final staffing decisions.

7. Every situation is unique

   Summarizes the article's emphasis on tailoring staffing decisions to each practice's circumstances and financial outlook.