News from the AOA's Blog

By Ron Rush, vice president, Sales and Marketing

Attention all AOA members! We would like to remind you about the AOA online coding and reimbursement database—AOACodingToday. This is a FREE AOA member benefit. Developed and administered by Physician Reimbursement Systems (PRS), the database is a complete coding and billing tool that will help you determine the proper coding and billing rules for accurate reporting of your services for reimbursement. Read the rest of this entry ?

As an AOA Member Advantage Program participant, Wells Fargo Practice Finance helps optometrists like you plan for the future of their practice. With customized financing programs and preferred rates for AOA members, Wells Fargo Practice Finance can be a valuable asset when planning for the future — whether you’re looking to start a new practice or acquire an existing one, upgrade equipment, increase cash flow or build equity. Read the rest of this entry ?

Take care of your personal information

You are the single best person to protect your personal information because only you can control what information you share.

Protecting this information is the first step in reducing your risk of identity theft and fraud. Read the rest of this entry ?

No matter what your age, gender, race, or occupation, cancer does not discriminate. According to the “2010 Cancer Facts & Figures,” Americans have an overall one in three lifetime risk of being diagnosed with cancer. Read the rest of this entry ?

Numerous studies have shown the link between engaged, actively educated patients and better health outcomes.  It is clear that engaged patients are more likely to adhere to medications, keep appointments, and take an active role in their care.  Offering patients educational resources and things like product coupons directly increases their satisfaction, which is also good for your business.  As an optometrist accountable for both the results of the patient and your practice, what can you do to provide meaningful education and support that drives positive results? Read the rest of this entry ?

A variety of factors affect the fees associated with card acceptance. By effectively managing factors you can control, you can help minimize transactions with higher than usual fees assessed — ultimately reducing your monthly processing expense.  Read the rest of this entry ?

After the Stock Market Crash of 1929, John D. Rockefeller said, “These are days when many are discouraged. In the 93 years of my life, depressions have come and gone. Prosperity has always returned and will again.” 

In many ways, the Great Recession from 2007 to 2009 was the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. In addition to all the financial hardships experienced by millions of working families, economic security for future retirees could also be eroded.  Read the rest of this entry ?

When a caller is placed on hold, there is always an inherent risk of losing that patient, or prospective patient, forever. The answer to these lost opportunities is a professionally produced Telephone On-Hold message program.

Imagine the possibilities of what you can tell your callers while they are waiting: important eye health information, hours, products, services and/or current promotions you are providing. An On-Hold message program is like having a customer service staff that never takes a coffee break or day off. Read the rest of this entry ?

The AOA recognizes that the malpractice insurance marketplace for optometrists is full of competition. It can be a challenge distinguishing the differences between the various insurance programs in order to fully understand which program truly brings the most value to its customers.

The AOA conducted a very thorough process to find a program administrator and insurance company that understand the coverage needs of optometrists. Read the rest of this entry ?

Accessing reliable drug and disease information at the point of care can be challenging for health care professionals.

Epocrates, Inc., the leading provider of point-of-care reference solutions for more than 1.3 million health care professionals worldwide, develops mobile products that include eye care-specific drug and disease information.

Epocrates was recently ranked in the top 10 on the world’s 50 Most Innovative Companies list in 2011 by Fast Company magazine as a result of its mobile drug reference tools that help medical professionals make more informed decisions. Read the rest of this entry ?