Three Quick HR Tips for Physician Groups Discussed on Results Matter Radio

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., March 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Burr & Forman LLP and Warren, Averett, Kimbrough & Marino, LLC teamed up to offer quick tips to physicians on how to effectively maneuver through the HR side of a physician's practice. These tips include: "Questions Physicians Ask Their Patients That They Should Not Ask Potential Employees," "Why Background Checks Should Matter To Your Physician Group," and "Help Your Physician's Office Be Progressive: Discipline That Preserves Your Best Investment." Ashley Hattaway, Partner at Burr & Forman, and Lisa Warren, healthcare consultant with Warren, Averett, Kimbrough & Marino, LLC, are the latest guests to be interviewed on the newly launched Results Matter Radio. The segments are outlined below and can be downloaded at no charge as podcasts at www.resultsmatterradio.com.

Segment 1: Questions Physicians Ask Their Patients That They Should Not Ask Potential Employees

Typically patient histories have three components: family, medical and social history. While knowing this information about an interviewee may be valuable, there are many reasons these questions should not be asked during the interview process. While physicians may feel limited in the line of questioning appropriate for an interview, in reality they can learn a vast deal of information about potential employees by being armed with the right questions.

Segment 2: Why Background Checks Should Matter To Your Physician Group

Background checks performed the right way, and at the right time, can help a physician group hire the right person and prevent mistakes that can affect patient care and the group's bottom line.  However, there are legal pitfalls if background checks are not performed correctly, so physician groups should be aware of what laws apply, when and how checks should be performed and what steps should be taken to protect the privacy of applicants and employees.

Segment 3: Help Your Physician's Office Be Progressive: Discipline That Preserves Your Best Investment

It is often more difficult to recruit a good employee than to retain one.  Physician groups can set expectations and use progressive discipline to assist in retaining those employees in which it has invested. Well-developed and current job descriptions help employees understand what they are expected to do. Regularly reviewing the policy manual and ensuring office policies are up-to-date and consistently enforced allows physician groups to keep their employees on track and also provides protection in situations where retention is not possible.

About Warren, Averett, Kimbrough & Marino, LLC

A recognized leader in the accounting and business consulting industry since 1972, Warren Averett is ranked among the top 100 CPA firms in the United States and within the top 15 Southeastern firms. With offices in Birmingham, Cullman, Anniston and Dallas, Warren Averett serves both public and privately-held businesses, including financial institutions, manufacturers, hospitals and medical professionals throughout Alabama and the Southeast. Learn more at www.wakm.com.

About Burr & Forman LLP

For over a century, Burr & Forman LLP's experienced legal team has served clients with local, national, and international interests in numerous industry and practice areas, ranging from commercial litigation and class actions to corporate transactions, including bankruptcy and restructurings.  A Southeast regional firm with nearly 250 attorneys and offices in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee, Burr & Forman attorneys draw from a diverse range of resources to help clients achieve their goals and address their complex legal needs. For more information, visit the firm's website at www.burr.com.

SOURCE Burr & Forman LLP