As the new year approaches, many optometry practices are reviewing the past 12 months to better understand where they performed well and where they could use some improvement. These enhancements can look like many different things, including a streamlined testing lane, a better EHR system, or new technology that can help more patients. In an Optometric Management article, Kevin L. Ge, OD, FAAO, talked through steps that can help you determine what technology could or should be brought on to your practice.

Understand the Need

Dr. Ge starts by recommending that practitioners look at the last 3 months’ worth of patient examinations and see if there’s a recurring eye health issue that could be better addressed with new technology. He said, “I hold solidly to the belief that you bring in new instruments first to address your patients’ existing needs, not to ‘get paid.’” Review your EHR to help you determine how often an eye health issue was identified in your patient base.

Additionally, you can begin keeping track of certain concerns that may require new instruments. Another benefit to knowing how many of your current patient base would utilize a new technology is that it helps you know if it’s worth the investment. If few of your patients would benefit from the new device/text/frame/etc., then perhaps it’s not the right decision for your practice. Dr. Ge continues:

“Even if you are not in a place to add new technology, these numbers can provide additional insights, such as you are not coding certain [eye health issues] as often as you should, and therefore, are missing out on possible reimbursement.”

Consider Practice Flow

After you understand what needs could be met with new technologies, consider their effects on practice flow. Will it help streamline your intake processes? Will it add significant time to the testing lane? Does the complication it adds for your staff outweigh the benefits? These are all critical considerations before adding anything new to your practice. Dr. Ge explains,

“The morale of the office is also impacted when your staff loves new technology and embraces it. It helps with delegation and lightens the burden on many mundane tasks.”

Weigh the Benefits to Patients

Finally, before solidifying the decision for a new technology, you should consider the impact to your patients. You’ve identified the clinical need after reviewing your EHR, but if it’s an incredibly invasive, confusing, or time-consuming exam, many patients may pass. It’s important to take this into consideration as you look to add new instruments or tests.

Additionally, new technologies can help you stand apart from other optometry practices. Adding new equipment demonstrates an innovative practice focused on improving patient care, and for many patients, that’s enough to switch. Dr. Ge said, “…these patients — sometimes even the most loyal — are going to seek another provider who does meet these equipment needs.” While differentiation is important for practice success, Dr. Ge insists that the new addition(s) should help you provide the best care to your patients.

“My view on practice technology is that, if I do not have the proper [equipment] and subsequent [care], I am not serving my patients to the greatest extent to which I am trained.”

There’s always new technology being developed, so keep your finger on the pulse of the eye care industry and be the first to offer your patients the latest in vision. In fact, the latest in macular pigment optical density (MPOD) technology is on the horizon. Keep an eye (or two) out!

If you just can not wait to learn more (we get it!), reach out to EyePromise Customer Support at support@eyepromise.com.