Simple steps can maximize efficient use of office space

Practice Pointers. By Karen S. Schechter, AMNews contributor. April 21, 2008.

PRACTICE POINTERS

Answers to questions about the business side of your practice

SEE ARCHIVES

Question: My surgery practice is very busy, and I'm feeling that my office space is too crowded to support my practice. However, I like my location and there is no more space available in the building. How can I maximize my office space to make it a more efficient and productive work environment without spending a lot of money?

Answer: The problem you have is one you would like to solve quickly. But doing so without a mind toward the long-term goals of your practice will result in a "Band-Aid" approach that will only put off problems, rather than solve them.

There are a few simple things you can do to solve some of the most immediate problems.

One of the easiest, at least in terms of cost and immediate impact on your practice, is removing clutter. Messy and cluttered counters and shelves not only hinder efficiency, but also might contribute to creating a more stressful environment.

Use of well-placed bins, containers and paper trays in work areas makes it easier for staff and physicians to find what they need, when they need it. Forms and other items that are not used on a regular basis for processing patients through the office should be stored out of the way, and stored in an orderly manner.

You also could repaint the walls with colors that have a more calming effect on patients and staff. Color experts will tell you certain blues are associated with calm, while certain greens are considered to be warm and indicative of good relationships. That doesn't help create space, but it might make the limited room seem a little less constraining. Similar effects could be created with floor coverings.