News Briefs Archive

PIO 2014: Thriving in the New Healthcare Environment

                                                                                   ADVERTORIAL

Big changes are on the way as a result of the Affordable Care Act. ODs may have a greater influx of patients than they have so far experienced, and many will want to join accountable care organizations. With so much at stake, Primary Eyecare Network’s (PEN) 10th annual conference, PIO 2014, will pass along strategies for thriving in the new healthcare environment. To be held May 17-18 in Monterey, Calif., the conference will offer independent ODs a chance to plan ahead for the major changes that will affect them in the near future.                                                                       
 

>>Click HERE to Register>>

“For 2014, we have gathered experts and executives from different organizations, all of which have already had to make significant changes to accommodate and compete in the changing health care environment,” says Mary Eastwood, OD, FAAO, manager, Education Services, PEN. “The discussions will be hosted by OD experts in practice management, who will help the group distil the information into actions they can take when they return to their practices.”

PIO: A Must-Go for Independent ODs

By Steven Faith, OD
Livermore Optometry Group
Livermore, Calif.

PEN’s annual conference, PIO, is always a must-go for me. I have learned valuable lessons by consistently attending this meeting that have helped me boost the success of my practice.

PIO is one of the only meetings I attend that directs its topics and speakers toward the daily details and big picture ideals of independent practice. This includes everything from staffing and HR issues to the outside forces affecting the success of my practice. With the unique format this year of having speakers from the companies and entities influencing my practice, it gives me the chance to understand how they see the optometric market and how I can use this knowledge to expand my practice.

I’ve benefited greatly from attending both the conference’s larger sessions, as well as the learning experienced in smaller group gatherings. The large group sessions are great for general purpose knowledge and moderated discussions and the small get-togethers are good for addressing my specific questions to the experts attending.  

The nice thing about PIO is there are so many practical opportunities to bring information back to my practice right after the meeting. We instituted changes in our employee manual after a past PIO. Other successful post-PIO improvements include altering our Independent Contractor agreement, modifying internal and external marketing plans and changing our office patient schedule to better serve our patients, staff and doctors. It is hard to put an actual revenue value on these changes,  but we know that our office flow, staff satisfaction and doctor energy levels have improved with many of these implemented changes.

No matter where you practice, how you practice, or where you are in your practice cycle, there is always something you’ll bring home and implement on Monday.

Dr. Eastwood says that the conference, with its spotlight on profitably surviving healthcare reform changes, will give ODs the business knowledge they need to succeed.

“As businesspeople, ODs know that generating revenue is important, but preserving and growing your bottom line is what allows you to provide for your patients, staff, family and community. At PIO, we’ll learn about key efficiencies and management moves to prepare, today, for this new era in healthcare,” she says. In addition to practice owners, it also is beneficial to send support staff such as office managers to hear the business tips first hand. Having key staff members at PIO with practice owners will help ensure lessons learned at the conference are successfully implemented once back at the office.

Fortunately, the conference is affordable enough for an OD to easily bring along support staff. The cost to attend is $345 for the first attendee from the practice, and $255 for additional attendees from the same practice. PEN members can use their co-op dollars from Marchon Eyewear and ClearVision Optical to offset registration costs. Along with educational sessions, the conference is well worth the small investment in the networking opportunities it affords.

Dr. Eastwood says there will be many chances to speak with and learn from fellow ODs and to also make valuable connections with key opinion leaders in the optometric profession. “Doctors, staff, speakers and representatives from our supporting companies are all encouraged to network during meals and breaks, and especially at the reception on Saturday evening,” says Dr. Eastwood. “PIO 2014 will not have formal small breakout sessions. Instead, our moderators are going to guide us as a group. However, PIO is a great opportunity to connect with colleagues and form ongoing, local ‘think tanks’ with your peers.”

Dr. Eastwood says to prepare for a comprehensive, satisfying professional experience–and a little fun, to boot. “Come to PIO ready to participate and make every minute count. There will be a lot of information to absorb in a day and a half, so use every opportunity to interact and discuss the material with the speakers and your colleagues,” she says.”Monterey is beautiful, so plan a little fun time before or after the event.”

To Top
Subscribe Today for Free...
And join more than 35,000 optometric colleagues who have made Review of Optometric Business their daily business advisor.