ABSTRACT
Precise bookkeeping and accounts are essential to the success of any small business, and private medical practice is no exception. Without proper accounts the business of the practice cannot be managed efficiently, economically or tax-effectively. The appointments diary is the simplest and most immediate record of work carried out. It should record not just the date and other details of consultations, investigations and operations undertaken, but also the fees due in respect of the patients named. The number of each invoice sent out to patients should be entered against the patient's name in the patient ledger and copies of the invoices as they are issued filed in chronological order in an 'unpaid' file. The practitioner should avoid using fee income to cover minor practice disbursements as this will make accounting more difficult later. Petty cash should be dealt with properly using an impress system.
