Over the last few weeks, we’ve discussed a wide range of areas in which you can target efficiency in your practice, from scheduling to staff productivity, as well as costs of inefficiencies. Let’s end the discussion for the month by talking about metrics that can help you increase your efficiency further.
Efficient practices aren't just well-run; they're also well-measured. But with so many numbers available, it’s easy to get lost in data that doesn’t drive improvement. To make meaningful changes, focus on metrics that reveal where your time and money are really going.
Start with patient flow data. How long does a typical visit take, from check-in to check-out? Break it down by stage: pretesting, doctor time, and optical handoff. If patients are sitting idle for more than a few minutes at any point, that’s a workflow issue worth fixing.
Next, monitor capture rate in optical. Knowing how many patients purchase eyewear or contact lenses in-house helps assess both efficiency and team performance. A low capture rate could point to pricing confusion or lack of patient education that should be addressed.
Another high-value metric is staff productivity. Track how many patients each technician supports per day and how often duties overlap. This analysis will reveal whether your team is being utilized effectively and can point out if they’re being stretched too thin.
Ignore vanity metrics that don’t drive action, such as total website visits or raw social media reach. If a number doesn't guide a decision, it’s not worth your time. The right metrics tell the story of your practice and help you write a better one.
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