THE REASONS

A few years ago, hiring a virtual assistant (VA) — a remote worker who can help with administrative tasks such as taking calls, maintain records, and managing appointments — was relatively unheard of in eye care. Due to a staffing shortage, rising labor costs, and difficulty retaining good employees, practices are more open to unconventional approaches to staffing.

Recently, though, I’ve talked to several doctors who have hired virtual assistants specifically to combat these problems. The feedback I’ve heard has been refreshingly positive. Not only have these assistants become valuable additions to the team, but they’ve also allowed for a less stressful and more productive work environment. While virtual assistants are not mainstream in eye care yet, it’s very likely that VA’s will be embraced by many practices in the coming years.

THE IMPLEMENTATION

Here are a few considerations when hiring virtual assistants:

• Research companies that provide virtual staff. Get references.
• Communicate to current staff the intention to help them, not replace them.
• Make a list of all tasks a virtual assistant could perform.
• Invest a LOT of time into training the VA.
• Ensure ease of communication between staff and virtual assistant.
• Have the VA provide a report each day of tasks completed. OM