[Add general advice for office management and care of patients in the office.]

• Knock before entering. (Knock twice before entering if no answer)
• Greet patients warmly. Smile. Make eye contact.
• Sit down.
• Always face them.
• Don't appear to be rushing.
• Write everything down for them.
• Shake hands goodbye.

Improving Practice Health - Using Social and New Media Tools to Improve Practice Management
(Good tips and links to practical solutions)

"How to Manage Difficult Patient Encounters," June 2007, p. 30.
These strategies will help you turn problematic encounters into productive ones.

"Six Tips For Improving Practice Efficiency and Patient Satisfaction," February 2007, p. 28.
When this practice's initial success began to fade, the physicians and staff had to rethink "business as usual."

"Improving Office Practice: Working Smarter, Not Harder," November/December 2006, p. 28.
Seemingly simple strategies can transform your practice.

"How to Answer Your Clinical Questions More Efficiently," July/August 2005, p. 37.
Asking focused questions and knowing where to look can lead to quicker answers.

"Making Every Minute Count: Tools to Improve Office Efficiency," April 2005, p. 61.
Using proven techniques borrowed from the business world, you can eliminate bottlenecks and waste in your practice.

"A Sure Way to Improve Your Dictation," January 2005, p. 55.
The key is to dictate your notes before you leave the exam room.

via Family Practice Management's Online anthology of articles for residents and new-to-practice physicians