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 Urgent message: In a world that is ultra-competitive, there is no way to avoid envy in the workplace—even a workplace that exists to help others, like an urgent care center. Whether due to promotions, unequal compliments from a boss, or who gets the new office chair, employees are often envious of their coworkers. From executives to interns, or physicians to medical assistants, envy is a trap we must learn to avoid. Alan A. Ayers, MBA, …

Urgent message: While many rising managers believe there is virtue to “burning the midnight oil,” in reality they may be setting a bad example that undermines their team’s motivation, effectiveness, and even ethics, while putting their own health at risk. Alan A. Ayers, MBA, MAcc is Chief Executive Officer of Velocity Urgent Care and is Practice Management Editor of The Journal of Urgent Care Medicine. Great managers are always looking for ways to improve, become …

Urgent message: While developing “leaders” seek to emulate the behaviors of other strong leaders, such may be misguided because behavior is often the result of situational factors. Instead, we should seek to emulate how strong leaders think, as thought processes can be applied to any number of situations. Alan A. Ayers, MBA, MAcc is Chief Executive Officer of Velocity Urgent Care and is Practice Management Editor of The Journal of Urgent Care Medicine. Leaders come …

Urgent message: It’s human nature that some of the patients, employees, and vendors urgent care providers and operators deal with on a daily basis will twist the truth to gain an advantage. Key for urgent care leaders, who need correct information to make good decisions, is to recognize when you’re being lied to and to have a rational, calculated approach for responding. Alan A. Ayers, MBA, MAcc is Chief Executive Officer at Velocity Urgent Care …

Urgent message: A manager’s words are important to employees, which is why sensitivity is required to avoid small talk being acted upon as unintended suggestions or demands. Alan A. Ayers, MBA, MAcc is Chief Executive Officer of Velocity Urgent Care and is Practice Management Editor of The Journal of Urgent Care Medicine. When most people think of wasted time at the office, their mind automatically goes to an employee sitting behind a desk browsing the …

Urgent message: Once a rarity in the urgent care setting, point-of-care ultrasound imaging capabilities are on the rise in our industry. Falling prices and increased portability provide new opportunities to manage more patients on site, facilitating better outcomes and higher patient satisfaction for many. James Hicks, MD   The Case An 85-year-old resident of an assisted-living facility presents to the urgent care center in early autumn with complaints of wheezing. Staff are concerned that she …

Urgent message: In today’s world of flying accusations of personal misconduct, having a clearly defined (and followed) chaperone policy helps protect both providers and patients. Alan A. Ayers, MBA, MAcc is Chief Executive Officer of Velocity Urgent Care and is Practice Management Editor for The Journal of Urgent Care Medicine. In light of the recent explosion of sexual assault and abuse allegations being made across the country, many medical practices have turned to chaperones as …

Urgent Message: In order for urgent care to meet the on-demand healthcare needs of the community, it must have a plan to continue operations in the face of unpredictable service disruptions due to manmade or natural disaster. Alan A. Ayers, MBA, MAcc is Chief Executive Officer of Velocity Urgent Care and is Practice Management Editor of The Journal of Urgent Care Medicine. From hurricanes to earthquakes to power outages, natural and manmade disasters are on …

Urgent message: While the term “workaholic” has traditionally carried the stigma of addiction and resulting health concerns, new evidence suggests immersing yourself in work isn’t necessary a bad thing, if it’s something you love. Alan A. Ayers, MBA, MAcc is Chief Executive Officer of Velocity Urgent Care, LLC and is Practice Management Editor of The Journal of Urgent Care Medicine. Picture the workaholic in your life. We all know one. What comes to mind? Probably …

Urgent message: Paid time-off (PTO) is a common benefit among urgent care providers, but when urgent care operators benefit from an “always on” culture that is open evenings, weekends, and holidays, there may be times when employees are unable to utilize their PTO and expect some kind of accommodation for sacrificing this benefit back to the company. Alan A. Ayers, MBA, MAcc is Chief Executive Officer of Velocity Urgent Care and is Practice Management Editor …