Ask The Expert

With the economy tanking, I can’t afford raises for my nursing or lab staff right now. How can I still show them they are valued?

The economy has had a major impact on salaries across the U.S. and physician offices have not been spared..

A $1.00/hour raise for six employees cost $12,480.00 per year

Here are some ideas to show employees that they are still valued even if permanent raises aren’t feasible. These ideas are not expensive but will still carry the clear message of “You are valuable and needed!”

1. Gift cards – A $50.00 gift card (gas card, meal card, shopping card) given to an employee who does good work goes a long way toward making them feel special and valued.
2. Special “themed “ days – You can have a “Team Spirit” day during football season game days and provide a hot dog or hamburger lunch for the office. Monday is typically the worst day of the week, so occasionally have a “Sundae Monday” and provide all the fixings for hot fudge sundaes. There are hundreds of possibilities, so use your imagination!
3. Flex the schedule – Offer employees flexibility in their schedule. Allow employees to share days and each work half. On slow days offer a rotation on a choice to leave early. Let the employees have a hand in designing the schedule. This shows you value their input and often results in creative changes that benefit both the employee and employer
4. Give praise when due – If you “catch” one of your employees going above and beyond, write short note to be placed in their file. Show them your intentions and make them feel great! I can promise if you implement this, your employees will respond with increased productivity, and a happier attitude.

I am not happy with my Proficiency Testing provider even though we just signed up with them four months ago. Can I change to another?

The song for you is “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do”  CLIA requires you to stay with your PT provider for at least a year before changing. Enrollment is usually in the fall each year. However, if you apply for a new CLIA certificate mid-year or add a new regulated test, specialty, or subspecialty mid year, you can change PT companies at the next enrolment period.

My laboratory has received a letter from CMS requiring us to “cease testing for repeated unsuccessful PT performance for a certain analyte. What do we have to do to be able to resume testing?

First, you must show that you have identified and corrected the problem that caused the PT failures. Document your investigation and your solution.

Secondly, when you are sure you have corrected the problem; your lab must complete and pass two consecutive PT events to show the problem is corrected.

This is crucial!!  If CMS sends a letter ordering you to “cease testing”, your Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement will be suspended for six months. To avoid this, as soon as you have failed two consecutive PT events for any analyte, notify your regional CLIA office in writing that you have “voluntarily ceased testing” for that analyte. You must do this before they send a letter ordering you to “cease testing” The correction process is still the same and you must pass two consecutive events before resuming testing, but your Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement are not affected.

Can you comment on the new CLSI skin puncture procedure?

Since I have not read the new procedure, my advice would be lacking to say the least. However, I do know who you can contact and literally get it from the horse’s mouth.

Dennis Ernst, MT(ASCP) is the Director of the Center for Phlebotomy Education and he chairs the CLSI working groups that write the standards for specimen collection. He can be reached at:

Center for Phlebotomy Education

1304 N. Old Hwy 135

Corydon, IN  47112

812-738-5700

phlebotomy@phlebotomy.com

www.phlebotomy.com