1. Create a fair and sensible expense policy.
It doesn’t have to be a long and complex document; just something that clearly explains what your organization considers legitimate CME expense. For example, are flights or meals for spouses covered? Are there limitations on types of beverages approved? What are the approved uses of the funds?
Also, consider inviting employees to participate in creating the policy. They’ll bring good ideas, and feel they “own” a piece of the final result.
2. Put technology tools in place to make CME compliance easier.
The easier you make it for busy physicians, nurses and allied providers to book travel within guidelines and compared prices, the better success you’ll have. Tools like TripLink open booking or Price-to-Beat enable CME travelers to choose lower rates or book within policy without clicking from site-to-site or screen-to-screen.
3. Send out regular CME budget balances.
To keep CME top-of-mind, send out monthly or quarterly communications detailing each provider’s CME allocation, the amount spent, and the remaining balance—as well as notification when he or she has depleted all funds. This continual communication flow helps your providers better manage their budgets, and avoid last-minute scrambles to use up the allocated funds at fiscal year-end.
4. Create a CME audit plan to maintain insight and control.
An audit plan will ensure that money is being spent accordingly to the pre-established CMR guidelines. Identify what you’re looking for and the response to CME expenses that divert from the pre-established guidelines.