In any high-functioning podiatric practice, no staff member should be considered indispensable. Yes, we value each team member’s unique contributions, but the moment an office can’t function because one person is out sick or leaves their job, we’ve built a system that’s too vulnerable.

That’s where smart, strategic cross-training comes in—not just as a backup plan, but as a proactive investment in your practice’s efficiency and resilience.

Cross-Training matters more now than ever. The pandemic left many private practices short-staffed and struggling to recruit and retain team members. Practices that already had cross-trained staff fared better. They could flex and adapt, keeping operations moving even when key players were out.

Cross-training ensures that essential functions—like patient check-in, phone coverage, insurance verification, or DME dispensing—don’t grind to a halt when someone is on PTO or leaves unexpectedly. It also boosts team morale. When staff can step into each other’s roles with confidence, they gain a deeper respect for one another’s responsibilities and are more likely to function as a united team.

From “I Don’t do That” to “I’ve Got You Covered”

Think about how many times you’ve heard, “That’s not my job.” Or worse, “Only [insert name] does that.” This type of siloed thinking can create dysfunction, stress, and burnout—especially when the office is busy or short-handed.

Instead, imagine a culture where all medical assistants can support one another during a busy morning, and not only does just the front desk staff know how and why it is important to collect a copay or do an intake when needed. This flexibility not only makes the day go smoother—it enhances the patient experience. Chaos is kept behind the scenes (where it belongs), and patients continue to receive excellent, seamless care.

Cross-training doesn’t mean every staff member needs to know how to do everything. It means identifying mission-critical tasks that must get done daily—and training backup staff to handle them.

Here’s a simple framework to start:

1. List the core tasks of each position.
2. Identify gaps—What would not get done if this person were out?
3. Prioritize essential functions—like answering phones, managing intake, taking vitals, checking insurance, or posting charges.
4. Schedule training rotations where team members shadow each other and document step-by-step processes.
5. Create simple how-to guides for quick reference (especially helpful for infrequent but important tasks like end-of-day reconciliation or supply ordering).

Cross-training does more than prepare for absences—it strengthens the team. It empowers staff to contribute beyond their job title, makes onboarding new employees easier, and builds a supportive, “we’re in this together” culture.

Studies have shown that cross-trained teams are more engaged and less likely to feel overwhelmed during busy times. They become more adaptable, communicative, and aligned in their goals. In short, they function more like a team and less like a collection of individuals.

Final Thought

Cross-training is not just a strategy—it’s a mindset. It says, “We’re prepared. We’re flexible. We’ve got each other’s backs.” And in a world where staffing can change overnight, that kind of unity is one of the best assets a private practice can have.

Tina Del Buono, PMAC

Tina@toppractices.com

Director Top Practices Virtual Practice Management Institute

Consultant and Performance Coach

Tina Del Buono is a Practice Management Performance Coach, Consultant and Mentor for physicians and her fellow office managers/administrators and their staff.  She has been a practice manager for over 25 years.  Tina is the author of a National Indie Award Winning Book, “Truth from the Trenches” The Complete Guide to Creating A High-Performing, Inspired Medical Team. 

Let’s be clear, the system that we use to pay doctors is broken and ridiculous. We all agree on that. But it’s the system we’ve got and we need to get better at keeping tabs on our money. A key tool you can use to find out there may be a problem that is losing you money is your accounts receivables report. Every accounting program can produce these reports that show how much money owed to you. They’re organized by time like this:

• 0-30 days
• 30-60 days
• 60-90 days
• 90-120 days
• 120+ days

You should review your A/R at least twice a month. The 0-30 day number should be as big as it can be. This reflects your current business, which you want to be as big as possible. That’s why you market your practice.

• 30-60 days should drop off to no more than 25 percent of your total A/R.
• 60-90 days should be less than 10 percent.
• 90-120 days should approach 0 percent.
• 120+ days must be 0 because you are unlikely to ever collect this money owed to you.

Roll up your sleeves and look at the accounts that aren’t getting paid. Find out why and fix the problems. It’s your money and you worked hard for it. Once you get this under control, you’ll sleep better at night. 

Come to the AAPPM Meeting in Ft. Lauderdale in November to learn more about managing your practices finances. If you don’t sort this out, no one else will and can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars in your career. That money could be used to build your retirement instead.

Dear Colleagues,

As President of the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management (AAPPM), it is my great pleasure to welcome you to our newly redesigned website. This launch represents more than just a fresh digital face for our organization—it embodies our ongoing commitment to where podiatric excellence meets business success.

For those who may be new to AAPPM, we are the premier organization dedicated to helping podiatrists excel in both the clinical and business aspects of practice management. Our mission has always been to provide the tools, resources, and community support needed to build thriving practices that deliver exceptional patient care.

On our new platform, you'll find:

• Comprehensive practice management resources
• Access to trusted industry experts
• CME opportunities
• Compliance guidance
• A vibrant community of peers ready to share their experiences

Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just starting your journey in podiatric medicine, AAPPM is here to support your growth. I encourage you to explore our new website, engage with our resources, and consider joining our community of forward-thinking professionals.

Stay tuned for regular updates, insights, and valuable content that will help you navigate the business side of podiatric practice while maintaining clinical excellence.

Here's to your success!

Warmest regards,

Dr. Andrew Schneider

President, AAPPM 

P.S. Don't forget to mark your calendar for our upcoming annual conference, November 6-8, 2025 in sunny Ft. Lauderdale, FL, where you can experience the full power of our community in person.

Foot health involves highly personal decisions about mobility, comfort, and quality of life. Here's how you can create content that commands attention and trust from patients seeking specialized care:

1. Develop signature treatment protocols that organize clinical approaches into patient-friendly frameworks. Create and name proprietary methodologies—such as "The Three-Phase Foot Fungus Recovery System" or "The Comprehensive Children’s Foot Health Assessment"—that differentiate your clinical approach and give patients a clear understanding of your process.
2. Incorporate patient success stories with measurable outcomes that demonstrate treatment effectiveness. Transform actual patient journeys into case studies that illustrate the benefits of expert care versus temporary fixes. For example, "How Custom Orthotics Helped a Marathon Runner Overcome Chronic Pain" tells a compelling story while showcasing your expertise.
3. Address common misconceptions about foot health with evidence-based corrections. Create content that specifically targets and debunks myths in podiatric care, such as "Beyond Over-the-Counter Insoles: Why Generic Solutions Fail Active Individuals" or "The Hidden Risks of Delaying Professional Treatment for Heel Pain."
4. Produce condition-specific guides that address different patient segments and treatment priorities. Create dedicated content for specific populations like "Diabetic Foot Care: Preventing Complications Through Early Intervention" or "Youth Sports and Foot Health: Preventing Injuries in Growing Athletes." This targeted approach demonstrates your understanding of how foot care needs vary across different populations.
5. Create interactive assessment tools that engage prospective patients while providing immediate value. Develop online resources like "Foot Pain Self-Assessment" or "Gait Analysis Indicators" that help potential patients identify warning signs requiring professional evaluation. These interactive elements engage visitors while establishing your clinical sophistication.
6. Offer decision-support resources that guide different patient segments through treatment options. Develop educational materials that help patients with arthritis, sports injuries, or diabetes understand their specific care considerations and treatment pathways.
7. Demonstrate interdisciplinary knowledge that showcases your collaborative approach to patient care. Create content that illustrates how podiatric care intersects with sports medicine, diabetes management, vascular health, and other medical specialties—positioning your practice as capable of coordinating comprehensive care for patients with multifaceted needs.

Coaching a team—whether it’s in a medical practice, a corporate office, or on the field—is both challenging and deeply rewarding. Some days, you’ll feel like you’re soaring, while others might feel like an uphill battle. But that’s the nature of leadership—it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress, persistence, and purpose.

A successful coach isn’t just someone who knows how to give direction. They prepare intentionally. They understand the team’s goals, individual strengths, and how to align those elements for collective success. Good coaches don’t wing it. They show up with a plan—and a purpose.

One of the biggest mistakes a leader can make is playing favorites. It chips away at morale, causes division, and erodes trust. A successful coach recognizes the unique value each team member brings and understands that unity is key to long-term success.

In their book The Little Book of Coaching, Don Shula and Ken Blanchard lay out five powerful principles of effective coaching that are still incredibly relevant today:

1. Conviction-Driven – Never compromise your core beliefs or values. Stand firm in your principles.
2. Overlearning – Practice consistently until skills become second nature. Repetition builds confidence.
3. Audible-Ready – Be flexible and know when to pivot. Adaptability is one of a leader’s strongest assets.
4. Consistency – Respond to performance in a predictable, fair manner. Inconsistency breeds uncertainty.
5. Honesty-Based – Lead with integrity. Say what you mean and follow through with action.

While these are coaching principles, they are just as essential in everyday leadership. Whether you’re managing a practice, leading a staff meeting, or guiding new hires, your team looks to you not only for direction, but for clarity, character, and confidence.

Ken Blanchard reminds us, “The difference between success and mediocrity is often how deep an organization’s leaders can get their vision across to inspire people to do their best.” That’s powerful—and true.

Successful leaders have a compelling vision and a clear purpose. But more importantly, they communicate that vision regularly. They invite their team into it, make space for collaboration, and help each person see how their role contributes to the greater mission. A team that understands why they do what they do is a team that stays motivated and engaged.

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating the kind of environment where people feel equipped, encouraged, and excited to bring their best. And that starts with you.

So, let me ask you this: Do you have a vision for the team you're leading? Do they know where you’re headed—and more importantly, are they inspired to go there with you?

King Solomon once said, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Without direction, people drift. But with a shared purpose and a strong leader, they thrive.

Where is your team going?

Tina Del Buono, PMAC

Tina@toppractices.com

Director Top Practices Virtual Practice Management Institute

Consultant and Performance Coach

Tina Del Buono is a Practice Management Performance Coach, Consultant and Mentor for physicians and her fellow office managers/administrators and their staff.  She has been a practice manager for over 25 years.  Tina is the author of a National Indie Award Winning Book, “Truth from the Trenches” The Complete Guide to Creating A High-Performing, Inspired Medical Team. 

Office-based surgery has emerged as a compelling alternative to traditional hospital settings, offering several significant benefits for patients. One of the primary advantages is the convenience and accessibility it provides. Patients can undergo procedures in a familiar, less intimidating environment, which can significantly reduce anxiety and improve overall satisfaction. The streamlined nature of office-based surgery often results in reduced wait times, allowing patients to receive care more promptly than in a hospital.

Moreover, office-based surgeries typically incur lower costs for both patients and insurers. By avoiding the overhead associated with hospital facilities, practitioners can pass on savings to patients, making essential procedures more affordable. This financial benefit can enhance access to care, particularly for those who may be uninsured or underinsured.

In terms of outcomes, office-based procedures often involve less invasive techniques, leading to quicker recovery times and fewer complications. Patients can frequently return to their daily activities sooner, which is especially crucial for those balancing work and family commitments. Additionally, the personal nature of care in an office setting allows for better patient-provider communication, fostering a stronger therapeutic relationship and encouraging adherence to postoperative care instructions.

Overall, office-based surgery represents a patient-centered approach that prioritizes convenience, cost-effectiveness, and positive health outcomes. By adopting this model, healthcare providers can enhance the patient experience while delivering high-quality care tailored to individual needs. Thus, the shift towards office-based surgical practices can significantly contribute to improving healthcare delivery in contemporary society. For more information , please attend the AAPPM conference this November 2025.