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  PRACTICE PROFILE: THE UNIQUE SIDE OF OPTOMETRY

CHOOSING AN M.D.

THE THREE QUESTIONS EVERY O.D. MUST ASK BEFORE REFERRING A PATIENT FOR CARE

AS A DOCTOR who has worked in a referral center his entire career, I know all too well the importance of quality relationships between optometrists and ophthalmologists. And with many pundits saying the future of eye care will be the O.D. overseeing all primary eye care and the M.D. performing surgery, having a strong working relationship will be more important than ever.

Here, I discuss the three questions you must ask an ophthalmologist to determine whether he or she is the right fit for your patients.

1 “WILL YOU KEEP ME IN THE LOOP?”

To you, the optometrist, co-management doesn’t mean caring for patients post-surgery, it means providing care throughout the entire process. As a result, make sure the ophthalmologist understands this by asking whether he or she is going to keep you abreast of your patients’ status. You want the ophthalmologist to understand that you want and need to be communicated with in a timely fashion. This not only ensures you’re prepared to answer patient questions and address their concerns, but that you are also protected, liability wise.

2 “WILL YOU RETURN MY PATIENT?”

As your patients’ primary eyecare provider, your depth of knowledge on their medical history, ocular health, vision and needs is unparalleled. Therefore, the surgeon you work with must realize the importance of not only keeping you in the loop during the surgical portion of care, but also returning patients to your exclusive care post-surgery. Patients receive the best care when the referring O.D. and surgeon work together because both doctors are on the same page. It’s as simple as that.

3 “WHAT RELATED TECHNOLOGY DO YOU USE?”

Do your homework on the latest in technology, and ask the prospective M.D. whether he or she employs beneficial technology related to the care or procedure.

For example, if you’re referring a patient for cataract surgery who has undergone LASIK or PRK, you should ask the ophthalmologist what instrumentation he or she uses to improve IOL power selection accuracy. There have been important improvements in biometry and intraoperative scanning that vastly improve postoperative outcomes.

By being aware of the latest in technology and inquiring about whether the M.D. uses it, you help to increase the likelihood of a positive outcome for your patients.

EMBRACE YOUR ROLE

Feel confident that you’re the right person to do right by the patient, and when his or her needs go beyond your scope, know that you have the education and skills required to assist the patient in finding the M.D. who’s going to provide the best care. OM