New This Week
Doctor-Directed Dispensing: Take Charge of Your Patient’s Treatment Plan
Kirk Smick, OD, FAAO, of Clayton Eye Center in Morrow, GA, notes all prescriptions, including lens treatments and contact lens solutions, in the patient’s health records during the exam. This allows for a “silent hand-off” to a busy optician, who then can dispense to the patient, according to the doctor’s Rxes. The doctor, in turn, can concentrate on the patient and elicit more personal responses during their visit. >>READ MORE >>
Coding & Billing
Six Steps to Separate Claim Filing Fact from Misconception
By Sandra J. Durant, Certified ParaOptometric Coder
Many ODs think they know insurance claim filing inside out, but VisionWeb has found otherwise. Here are six steps to ensure that you file correctly. >>READ MORE>>
Software Solutions/EHR
Training Staff Can Maximize EHR’s Power
Train your staff to enter complete patient information into your EHR system. Then mine that data to generate a powerful analysis of your practice’s business. >>READ MORE>>
Digital Strategy
Wanted: A Web Site that Provides Handy Info Quickly!
By Gregory D. Foley, OD, FAAO
An effective web site gives patients fast access to pertinent information, like your phone number and the option to re-order contact lenses. Here are tips to streamline your web site to make it user-friendly. >>READ MORE>>
ADVERTORIAL
Primary Eyecare Network to Address Technology at Annual PIO Meeting
Primary Eyecare Network (PEN) will present “Maximizing Technology to Enhance Efficiency and Effectiveness” at its annual Preserving Independent Optometry (PIO) meeting on August 10-11 in Monterey, Calif. >>READ MORE>>
ROB Fast Fact
Hire More, Earn More?
The average salary of OD owner/partners in practices with one to three people is $87,188, according to Jobson Optical Research’s and Local Eye Site’s ECP Compensation Study. The average salary of OD owner/partners increases to $182,592 in practices with four or more people. The average OD owner/partner’s salary at practices with one location is $137,546, while the average salary of OD owner/partner’s at practices with more than one location is $207, 771.
Click HERE to read more from Review of Optometric Business professional editors Carole Burns, OD, FCOVD, and Mark Wright, OD, FCOVD, on making the best use of staff.
In Brief
E-Reminder Improves Contact Lens Compliance, Study Shows
Studies show that many contact lens wearers do not comply with recommended replacement frequencies and fail to discard their lenses after the scheduled time. Now, new data suggests that the ACUMINDER Tool, an electronic reminder service, can help contact lens wearers better adhere to the recommended replacement schedule prescribed by their doctor. The results were presented this past weekend at the 2012 British Contact Lens Association Clinical Conference. >>READ MORE>>
New Transitions Optical POS Materials Promote Life Well Lit
Transitions Optical, Inc., is introducing new and updated point-of-sale (POS) materials to aid eyecare professionals in educating their patients on the benefits of the Transitions family of products. Featuring imagery depicting what consumers see when they wear Transitions lenses, the new materials allow eyecare professionals to leverage the Life well lit global communication and advertising campaign. The Life well lit campaign aims to educate consumers about the ability of superior light management to enhance how they see the world. The goal is to spark consumer interest and conversation with eyecare professionals. >>READ MORE>>
ROB Poll Results
Readers Cite E-Blasts as Their Most Successful Marketing Strategy
Asked about their most successful marketing strategy, 65 percent of ROB readers cite e-mail marketing blasts, while 18 percent cite advertising in print media as their most successful marketing tactic. Twelve percent say their practice Facebook page and other social networking is their most successful marketing medium, while 6 percent say trunk shows and other special events are most successful for their practice.