Healthcare Practice Managers play a crucial role in ensuring that operations and facilities are streamlined, efficient and evolving, but when was the last time you used your skills to assess the trajectory of your own career?

As the holiday season approaches and a new year is on the horizon, it is a great time for Practice Managers to reflect and make plans for the future.

Here's a guide to help you evaluate your practice management career and take action in 2024 to achieve your goals:

Assess Your Environment & Experience: 

• Align with Your Interest - Evaluate whether your current practice management role is in the specialist or generalist area that aligns with your professional interests. Do your daily tasks and responsibilities resonate with your passion and career goals?

• Assess Career Progression - Reflect on your career growth within your current organisation, and consider opportunities for advancement either within this environment or beyond. The year-end break is a great time to determine if your current role provides the challenges and developmental opportunities needed for your career progression.
  
  

Future-Proof Your Career in Emerging Areas:

• Tech - In 2024, integrating tech into healthcare practice management is a necessity. Evaluate your skills, upskill in Electronic Health Records (EHRs), telehealth, and data analytics. Cybersecurity awareness is crucial as healthcare data goes digital.

• Adapting to Regulatory Changes - Stay informed on evolving healthcare regulations affecting management and reimbursement whilst proactively adapting to changes in reimbursement models, quality reporting, and compliance. 

• Navigating Legal and Tax Landscapes: Stay informed on legal decisions and payroll tax changes in healthcare. Optimise tax efficiency, safeguard your practice, and prepare for a career aligned with the evolving landscape of healthcare regulation and taxation.

Upskill in Practice Management Fundamentals:

• Leadership and Communication Skills: Evaluate your ability to lead, communicate with stakeholders, and navigate conflicts. If you are interested in continuing to lead a team, invest in leadership development for a positive work environment and staff collaboration.

• Financial Expertise: If your role hasn’t included Finance before, this is a good area to develop for more senior roles. Financial skills, including budgeting, revenue cycle management, and cost containment are vital.

• Patient Experience: How can you improve your patient satisfaction in your practice? Implement improved patient engagement strategies, online portals, improved communication and feedback processes. Enhancing the patient experience not only improves care quality but also contributes to overall practice success and you will learn a lot along the way.

Professional Networking and Collaboration:

Build a strong professional network for industry insights and best practices. Evaluate your networking efforts, attend events and learning seminars, and participate in online forums. Collaborating with peers will give you valuable insights and support you in navigating healthcare practice management challenges.

Create Clear Goals:

Chart clear path goals to give you purpose such as “I aspire to be a multi-practice specialist Practice Manager in six years”. Outline specific milestones, identify skills to improve adaptability, and establish measurable success metrics. This comprehensive approach creates a roadmap which you can refer back to throughout your progression.

Reach out to a Professional Recruitment Specialist:

Not sure where to start? Establish a relationship with a professional recruitment specialist who can advocate on your behalf. Engaging with a specialist offers valuable insights into industry trends, potential opportunities, and the skills in demand. Their expertise can assist you in aligning your career goals with the evolving needs of the healthcare sector, thereby increasing your chances of securing fulfilling and impactful roles in practice management.

Taking the time to evaluate your career is not just a good thing; it's an essential practice for personal and professional growth. The PMA Career Path Guide offers actionable steps that will help you set clear goals and create a strategic roadmap for success in 2024.

Practices Managers Australia is the ultimate resource for Practice Managers looking to advance their skills and provide relevant news, industry related information and insights in the areas that matter to you. Get in touch with us today on 03 9946 7333 or info@practicemanagersaustralia.com.au.