Which staff member is primarily responsible for overseeing all operational aspects of a small physician practice?

The practice manager plays a crucial role in a small physician practice by overseeing all operational aspects. This includes managing staff, ensuring efficient workflow, handling finances, and maintaining compliance with healthcare regulations. The practice manager serves as the point of contact for issues related to the day-to-day operations and is responsible for implementing policies and procedures that facilitate the practice's success.

In a small practice setting, the physician leader may focus on clinical decision-making and patient care rather than the administrative and operational facets. Registration staff and billing staff generally have more specialized roles, with registration staff primarily handling patient intake and scheduling, while billing staff focus on the financial transactions, coding, and insurance claims. Thus, the practice manager's comprehensive oversight makes them the key individual responsible for the overall operational effectiveness of the practice.