Ed Liu, OD, of Foothill Optometric Group in Pleasanton, Calif., integrates high-tech instrumentation in an office-wide system. The initial Rx reading, taken by staff with an autorefractor, is automatically entered into the system alongside the past Rx–allowing the OD to be ready to be informed when they see the patient. EHR records are pre-scanned into the system, so they can be referenced in the exam. Further, retinal scans and OCT results can be presented to the patient on screens throughout the office. The upshot: Technology demonstrates to patients the full scope of medical optometric services.
Key Action Points:
1) Integrate all instrumentation so you, the doctor, are fully informed at all points of the exam.
2) Have previous records scanned in.
3) Elevate the doctor/patient discussion–and show the patient images that confirm their eye health
4) Educate patients as to the full range of services you provide.
Integrate Your Technology—and Use it to Educate Your Patient
Dr. Liu has integrated cutting-edge technology into every aspect of the comprehensive eye exam. Having access to findings from the latest diagnostic equipment elevates the role of the OD to data analyzer from data gatherer. By demonstrating the findings to patients, through impressive computerized visuals, he turns an eye exam into a learning experience for patients. “It’s like an eye anatomy lesson, and patients love it,” he says. Dr. Liu encourages colleagues to re-examine the economics of acquiring instruments, like an OCT, since costs are coming down and your patient volume and reimbursement billing may make a considerable investment more easily pay off over time.
