Physician Practice Development and Operations Course

Course Description: Fundamental operational responsibilities of medical group administration including insurance billing, personnel management, patient relations, physician agreements, and legal /tax / professional liability.

Course purpose and goals: This 8 - week course introduces students to a generalized understanding of organizational issues and management practices necessary for successful operation of physician medical practices. Physicians are the only providers entrusted with the responsibility to direct the treatment process of all patients under their care. Only physicians are empowered by the Licensing Boards to admit and discharge patients from ambulatory, inpatient, post-acute, and long-term care facilities that are licensed to operate these facilities internationally.

Therefore, it is essential that effective and efficient medical practice management provide the necessary support to enable physicians to attain the highest level of quality care, productivity, professionalism, affordability, and accessibility to patients regardless of socioeconomic status, race, religious preference, and ability to pay. Small practices with one to five physicians, group practices for primary and specialty care, and large multi - specialty groups all share similar clinical and business components. A well-managed medical practice is vital to the successful delivery of healthcare services to patients throughout the health systems. This course focuses on the essential clinical and business issues in medical practices.