April Jasper, OD, FAAO, and Katie Gilbert-Spear, OD, MPH, outline the six attributes of an optometric practice that goes beyond being excellent–to being distinctive. Such a practice must deliver distinction in vision, atmosphere, service, efficiency, accuracy and empathy (Part two of a two-part series).
Efficiency
Efficiency is intertwined with other attributes of the distinctive practice. Achieving efficiency requires that you create systems within the practice that incorporate electronic health records, checklists and flow charts. Even low-tech systems, like pagers to summon staff to review patient needs during the hand-off from the doctor, promote efficiency. Complex tasks, like billing and coding, often can be more efficiently handled by a dedicated staff of specialists who know the ins and outs of specific vision plans.
Accuracy
Accuracy in the eye exam and total patient experience is critical to ensuring patient satisfaction. Primary to achieving accuracy is a full commitment to electronic medical records. The transition to EHR may be painful, but the payoff is tremendous in accuracy in communications from the exam room to the optical dispensary, and then to the lab. Demonstrate to patients, with charts and print materials, the high level of accuracy that you provide.
Empathy
The ability to express empathy differentiates a distinctive practice—and sets apart a caring doctor. Learn to ask your patients what is important to them, listen well to what they tell you—and then address their most pressing concern before the exam is concluded.
Attend a “PRACTICES OF DISTINCTION” seminar
Dr. Jasper is presenting “Practices of Distinction” as a series of hands-on workshops sponsored by Vision Source. The events are open to all. Click HERE for more information and to register.
April Jasper, OD, FAAO, is the owner of Advanced Eyecare Specialists in West Palm Beach, Fla. To reach her: dr.jasper@distinctivestrategies.com.
Katie Gilbert-Spear, OD, MPH, is the owner of Sight & Sun Eyeworks in Pensacola, Fla. To reach her: dr.gilbert@distinctivestrategies.com.
