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Optometric Management

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O.D. to O.D.

CONFESSIONS OF A TECH GEEK

Optometric Management April 1, 2017

A LOVE OF TECHNOLOGY SHOULDN’T STOP YOU FROM ASSESSING YOUR REAL NEEDS

I HAVE a confession. . . I am a tech geek. I love technology. Every time I walk in to Best Buy or any other electronics store, I have to use most of my self–control not to spend everything I have. (This is a huge benefit to my kids, who are always on tech overload and have every game, gadget and gizmo available.)

THE TECHNOLOGY BOOM

Undoubtedly, technology has advanced medicine tremendously: It allows us to better diagnose and treat health care consumers.

Few areas of health care have benefited from this technology boom more than eye care. Optometry has become one of the most technology-dependent professions. Not only does technology aid in diagnosis and treatment, it is also essential for communication. If it is selected, integrated, implemented and utilized correctly, technology can increase efficiency, profitability and levels of care.

However, that last sentence has lots of “moving pieces” to consider. So, before you buy medical technology, there are a few things to consider.

Technology Must-Haves Checklist

When assessing new technology purchases, consider these points to understand whether this is equipment your practice really needs.

  1. CLINICAL. Does it provide the information that I really need? Does it make my job easier, faster or more convenient? Does it give me useful, reliable and reproducible information? Are the results easy to interpret?
  2. FINANCIAL. How is this technology going to pay for itself or be profitable? What are the tax implications? How do I code or bill for this new instrumentation? What does it cost not to have this? What is the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership)?
  3. KEY TECHNICAL QUESTIONS. Will it integrate with other technology we already have in place? Do I need to buy other technology or upgrade my operating systems?
  4. MARKETING. How can I market this new equipment to promote my practice? Can I use this equipment to market my practice to my patients? How will my patients view this new equipment?

WHAT DO YOU REALLY NEED?

First, assess whether you really need this technology. You might have always wanted it, but do you really need it? I use a basic checklist that I have shared, see “Technology Must-Haves Checklist.” Each of your needs will be different and, ultimately, you must decide what piece of equipment best suits the needs of your practice.

INTEGRATE AND IMPLEMENT

Next is the integration and implementation. This isn’t just simply hooking up wires, but truly melding it into the workflow of your practice. This takes not only an understanding of what your current workflow is, but also how this technology will impact it, both positively and negatively.

UTILIZATION

Finally, there is utilization. That may appear easy, but are you using the technology in an ethical manner that improves the business operation or clinical care to the fullest ability of the technology? Something else to consider! OM.

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