Optovue Solix: Patient care, efficiency and profitability booster
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By Michael Cymbor, OD, FAAO
Feb. 5, 2025
The right instrumentation can do wonders for the level of patient care you are able to deliver and the heights of profitability your practice is able to attain.
When I reflect on the evolution of my practice, one of the most significant milestones was the addition of the Optovue Solix in late 2019.
The decision to integrate this advanced technology was driven by a clear goal: to explore the benefits of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A).
Looking back, I can confidently say that this investment has not only enhanced patient care, but also positively impacted our practice’s profitability and efficiency.
A Patient Story That Resonates: Better Care & More Meaningful Discussions
Let me share a compelling patient story that illustrates the transformative power of the Optovue Solix. I had a patient with a history of treated hypertension who was beginning to show signs of hypertensive retinopathy.
During our examination, we utilized the OCT-A, which revealed a surprising amount of retinal nonperfusion. This finding prompted me to delve deeper into the patient’s medication adherence, and to my surprise, he admitted he hadn’t been taking his prescribed medication.
This moment was pivotal. The OCT-A provided me with critical insights into the changes in vessel density that were consistent with untreated hypertension. It opened the door for a crucial conversation about his retinal changes and the importance of compliance with his treatment plan.
This is just one example of how Optovue Solix has empowered me to provide better care and foster meaningful discussions with my patients.
The Financial Impact of the Solix
In terms of profitability, the Optovue Solix has proven to be a remarkable asset. It’s not every day that a single instrument generates hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue, but Optovue Solix has done just that for our practice.
The financial metrics speak volumes about its impact on our bottom line, and it’s clear that this technology is not just a tool for diagnosis; it’s a revenue generator.
Key Features Enhancing Patient Care
The Optovue Solix boasts several features that significantly improve patient care. Three standout capabilities include:
- Early Detection of Nonperfusion: The ability to identify reduced vessel density earlier in diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy has been a game-changer.
- Limbus to Limbus Angle Scanning: This feature allows for a comprehensive assessment of the narrow angle spectrum, enhancing our diagnostic capabilities.
- Better Progression Analysis: Optovue Solix enables us to detect disease progression sooner than before, allowing for timely interventions.
These features enhance patient outcomes and streamline our workflow, making our practice more efficient.
The Importance of FDA-Cleared OCT-A Metrics
One of the standout aspects of the Optovue Solix is that it is the only OCT with FDA-cleared OCT-A metrics. This capability is crucial for measuring changes over time in various ocular diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy and glaucoma.
The ability to track these metrics enhances our patient care and supports our practice’s growth in both volume and profitability.
Multimodal Imaging Capabilities
Optovue Solix’s multimodal imaging capabilities are another significant advantage. As our practice evolves, we need instruments that can grow with us.
The diverse tools available with Optovue Solix allow us to scale our utilization as we become more comfortable with its offerings. This adaptability is essential for maintaining a competitive edge in the ever-evolving field of optometry.
Maximizing Profitability with New CPT Codes
The introduction of the new CPT code 92137 for OCT-Angiography is crucial to maximizing profitability. While we are still navigating the reimbursement landscape, the potential for increased reimbursement for services we were already providing is a significant advantage.
As Medicare has yet to issue detailed guidelines for this code, we are actively working to optimize our billing processes to ensure we capture full financial benefits.
The Dual Benefit of Early Diagnosis
Ultimately, what makes the Optovue Solix invaluable is its dual benefit: it enhances patient care while simultaneously increasing practice revenues.
Early diagnosis leads to better patient outcomes, and having a tool like Optovue Solix allows me to provide superior care while significantly boosting our practice’s financial health.
Streamlining Workflow and Increasing Efficiency
Efficiency is another area where Optovue Solix shines. After analyzing our previous OCT processes compared to Optovue Solix, we found that our testing protocol efficiency increased by an impressive 30 percent.
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This improvement is particularly significant in our main office, where we often have five optometrists practicing simultaneously. The ability to streamline workflows enhances patient satisfaction and allows us to serve more patients effectively.
Bottom Line: A Transformative Addition to Our Practice
In conclusion, the Optovue Solix has been a transformative addition to our practice. From enhancing patient care through early detection and comprehensive imaging to driving profitability and efficiency, this technology has exceeded our expectations.
As we continue to embrace advancements in optometry, I am excited about the future and the positive impact we can make in our patients’ lives.
If you’re considering integrating Optovue Solix into your practice, I wholeheartedly recommend it—it’s a decision you won’t regret.
Michael Cymbor, OD, FAAO, is a partner with Nittany Eye Associates, a five-location practice in Pennsylvania. To contact him: mcymbor@nittanyeye.com
