should always make it a point to ask
patients for the best number
where they can be reached on
the next business day. Be
clear and let them know a
nurse will be calling on that
number to check up on
them. If the patient is a
child, ask the parent for
their best number, as well as
whether they'll be at work and
reachable there.
Audit a paper medical record. Many are
thrown by the word "audit," a term that conjures up images of
long and involved processes. But in this case, audit just means scan-
ning the record to ensure that all the info is present and all signatures
are where they should be. If anything is amiss, simply flag the missing
info for follow-up — maybe for a future installment of the 2-Minute
Rule.
Complete an electronic health record. As you know, you can't
close EHRs if any parts are incomplete, and incomplete EHRs
present a prime opportunity for industrious staff looking to knock out
work in short bursts. A good exercise is to go back through an incom-
plete EHR, see what tasks need to be completed and make it a goal to
complete at least one of these records.
Restock your work area. If you're efficient and prepared, this
should only take you a minute. Here's how: Throughout your
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