In Fundamentals of Medical Practice Management, author Stephen Wagner shares the wisdom gleaned from his 40 years of experience in medical practice management. This introductory text provides an overview of various aspects of medical practice operations, from contract law to information technology. Wagner draws on his expertise to explain not only what needs to be done but also when and why.

Medical practices, like other healthcare organizations, continue to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This second edition discusses the fallout, including the increase in staff burnout and the need to be prepared for the next crisis. The importance of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is emphasized in this edition, which includes new research on CAM’s relevance to medical practice.

This edition also features new and updated coverage of the following subjects:

• Cultural competency, workforce diversity and inclusion, and gender equity
• Climate change and its relevance to medical care
• Misinformation in the medical practice environment
• The changing practice landscape, including the decline in independent practice
• Affordable Care Act regulations and the increasing regulatory burden on medical practices
• Cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and medical practice system integration
• Political, economic, social, and technological analysis and policy mapping
• The Medicare Shared Savings Program and reimbursement systems
• Quadruple Aim and quality circles

Students in organizational programs, undergraduate and master’s degree programs in health administration, and practice management certification programs will benefit from this book. Its insights will also help current practice managers update and refine their skills.