March 22, 2010

Comments from the Chairman

What were you thinking?

I was gathering with some colleagues the other night and heard something that I had heard many times before.  Optometry would be the greatest profession on earth if I did not have to deal with employees.  Every time I hear this I think - what is that doctor thinking?  Yes, there are hassles that come with owning a business.  But, do these doctors stop and think about the lifestyle - professional and personal - that is afforded them by their very own employees?
 
I have a saying that I like to use.  I copied the "no perfect job no perfect employee" saying.  Then, I added no perfect boss. 
 
I came to realize that each of my employees had a job to do, THEIR own job.  I let them know we will give them the tools to do their jobs properly.  Lately, we have been more focused on efficiency.  Which, by the way, seems to be somewhat taxing initially.  After you delve deeper into the process, it makes everybody's experience easier and more pleasant - the doctors, the staff and the patients.  Ask your employees and, with their help, they will be a part of making your office a better place to spend the majority of your adult life.   Take some time and stop doing it to think about how you are doing it.
 
We have weekly office meetings.  In these meetings staff members bring metrics that help us to understand the office management.  We encourage Internet training.  We have relevant optometric and optician journals available.   We have reps from the vendors come to the office to train our staff on the latest in contacts, lenses, coatings, solutions, etc. Our employees are offered continuing education opportunities.  We encourage dialogue during our meetings to solve existing problems before they get repeated.  We incentivize increased competency.    The results are a team of co-workers that are the most professionally trained opticians, lab employees, managers and doctors that continually strive to be the best.
 
Employees, we love 'em.  Thank you TSO Dowlen Road crew!
 

Brian Blount, OD

REGISTER for Vision Quest 2010

June 13-17 at the Broadmoor

This year, Vision Quest 2010 - June 13 to June 17 - is likely to stand out as among the best conferences in the history of TSO. Mention to just about anyone our venue, the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, and see how eyes light up with excitement and wonderful reviews from everyone who has been there. The BROADMOOR is the longest-running consecutive winner of both the AAA Five-Diamond and Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star awards.
 
An interest in doctor involvement in planning Vision Quest has brought the members of the Professional Affairs Committee to the planning table this year. Busy finalizing the schedule for the six hours of CE and searching for the best panel of presenters available are Doctors David Lopez, Rose Virani, Cameron Smith, Linh Young, and Tuan Dang. The them for this year is "Eyes on the Future" and education for both doctors and staff will focus on ways to prepare your practice for success in the next 10 to 20 years.
 
For the very first time, registration for Vision Quest is being processed online for doctors, staff and our valued exhibitors and sponsors who we look forward to seeing and learning more about their products and services.
 
An email bulletin has been sent to all doctors and exhibitors with
Register for Vision Quest 2010 Nowlinks to register for Vision Quest 2010 as well as a link to book rooms at the Broadmoor,
 
As you register, please read carefully the information that is provided regarding transfers and other registration information that will enable you to have a well informed and thoroughly enjoyable conference.
 
Click Register Now on the icon to the left.
 

Spring event on April 14 at Magnolia Hotel for UHCO students

All TSO doctors are invited to mix and mingle at the UHCO spring event held in honor of third and fourth year students.

Join your fellow doctors at the beautiful Magnolia Hotel in downtown Houston for dinner and conversation with students who always look forward to speaking with our doctors. TSO doctors should have received an EVITE invitation and your reply back is appreciated or you can email jmjones@tso.com with your attendance by April 9.
 
Please join your fellow Network doctors so students can get to know you better and the benefits of being a Network member. Who knows, you may meet the young doctor who will be part of your practice team one day!

Dial-in to system wide teleconference call Tuesday
 
Date:March 23, 2010
 Time: 7 pm - 8 pm
Phone Dial In:  218-339-2500
Participant: Dial code 341058#

All TSO Network Doctors are invited to participate in a monthly teleconference call with the Network office.  The call will be held on Tuesday, March 23 from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
 
Doctors will have an opportunity to share information and ideas with other TSO doctors.The topic for this call is Staff Motivation. A bulletin was sent to all Network doctors with information on how to connect to the call. Contact Ann Deen at 214-704-1181 with questions.
 
Dr. Mark Richardson, TSO Humble at Aldine Westfield, has participated in both calls for new shareholders which is held on the third Tuesday of every month. Here is what he says about his experience:
 
Comments from Mark Richardson, OD
"The teleconference calls have added value for new TSO Doctors because we get to hear practice management tips that tend to allude us in the hustle of our daily routines. It is like having Ann Deen in you office every month to give you tips and to remind you of issues that can make your operations run effective and smoother.
 
Although there is a structured outline of items that focuses on the topic of the calls, I have found I can discuss issues that are current to my office and bounce it off other doctors in the system and use their intelligence and experience to either solve an issue or provide me with information to make a decision.
 
As a practitioner, sometimes I feel isolated from the energy and development of the industry and profession; these monthly calls bring those items so much closer so I can remain current and also implement what I learn into my own practice." 

Southwest meeting April 11 at Maggiano's in San Antonio

TSO Doctors and all staff members in the Southwest and surrounding areas are invited to a Network lunch and meeting to hear an overview of the TSO Network's plans and programs in 2010 and beyond on April 11 from 11:30 am to 4:

00 pm. The location is Maggiano's Little Italy at 17601 I-10 West in San Antonio. This is your opportunity to catch up on what you may be missing in valuable resources and opportunities to improve and grow your practice. An EVITE was emailed to all southwest area offices.
 
Please RSVP to your EVITE by April 7.

Sign up now for FREE training

Over 65 offices in the TSO Network have begun implementing two new dispenser training programs developed by Essilor Labs in conjunction with OMNI Optical Lab. The programs are called the "New Dispenser Quick Start Program" and the "Apollo Program for Advanced Dispensing Professionals."
 
OMNI Optical has stepped up to absorb all costs of the training and TSO Network offices can participate at no charge with no limit to the number of staff members who wish to register.
 
The Quick Start Program is designed to create basic capability for dispensers who are new to optical by covering four key topics: optics, patient service and selling, products, and dispensary management. The course work is available on demand with Internet access and includes 18 web-based courses.
 
The Apollo Program offers busy dispensers relevant training with over 50 web-based courses lasting 15-30 minutes each. Topics include: Business Management, Optical/Medical, Technical, Products, Patient Service and Sales.
 
Here's how to sign up for FREE training
Follow the steps below to register for the New Dispenser Quick Start Program or Apollo for Advanced Dispensing Professionals:
 
1. Call 866-278-3187.
2. Identify yourself as a TSO practice and provide your sales rep's name.
3. Provide participant information: name, address, phone number, and email address.
 
You will receive the login information by email and the participant materials by mail. If you have any questions, please call 866-278-3187.

Topic #3: Community Service Proves Our Promise

Our Promise: You can trust the Doctors of TSO to provide quality eyecare for you and your family
by Felix Rhymes

On March 11, the Doctors of TSO's Houston Marketing Council donated tickets to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to 40 severely impaired children served by the Be An Angel charity. These children suffer from debilitating diseases that require constant monitoring and critical care. This means that they spend the majority of their time indoors. Marti Boone, Director of Be An Angel said, "An outing like this sponsored by TSO Doctors is truly a blessing for our children."

Doctors of TSO provided Rodeo tickets to children served by "Be An Angel" community organization.
To understand the full impact of this contribution, you must understand that these are things most of the children have never experienced. Be An Angel wrote a press release and sent it to all the media. They also sent a letter of thanks to all the HMC doctors with a commemorative photograph to display in their offices. 

However, the benefit you receive from service to your community goes much deeper than plaques or articles in the press. It shows your patients and potential patients the commitment you have made to their community.
 
Not only did thousands of rodeo fans witness the event, a parent or guardian accompanied each child.  It is very likely they will share this unique experience with their relatives, friends and co-workers.
 
The objective of advertising is to differentiate the Doctors of TSO from the competition by stressing your uniqueness- caring and compassionate doctors. Advertising can create the desired image but events like this deliver on the promise we make.
 
We are here to help you develop ideas in your local community. All you need to do is contact Felix Rhymes at 713-871-8980 or felix@rhymes.com.
 

Consider online medical verification services

1. NaviNet is an easy-to-use, Web-based solution linking providers with multiple health plans and healthcare service providers to streamline financial, clinical and administrative transactions. With NaviNet, you get easy and secure access to patient and physician information. Plus, you only need one username and password to interact with the health plans you work with the most. For more information and details go to https://navinet.navimedix.com/Main.asp

2. Availity optimizes the flow of information between multiple health care stakeholders through a single secure Internet-based exchange. The Availity Health Information Network can benefit all health care providers.
 
Products and services include:
Commercial Health Plan Transactions: eligibility and benefits inquiry, health care services (authorization and referral submission), health care services inquiry (authorization and referral inquiry), claim submission, claim status inquiry, and remittance transactions are supported for multiple health plans. Availity supports real-time claims adjudication when supported by the health plan.
 
Government Health Plan Transactions: Claims, online claim correction, and real-time eligibility and benefits for Medicare and Medicaid plans. For more information and details go to www.availity.com.

Discounts from the McGee Group

The McGee Group has set up a special purchase plan for all TSO offices.  The standard discount given to an optical is 20%.  However, TSO offices will receive a 30% discount on their initial order (minimum 30 frame order).  After the initial order of 30 frames offices will be locked into a 25% discount on all collections. For more information contact Teri Waters at 703-282-0500
 
Collections include:

Prepare for the ABO exam with a one-day workshop on April 25 ABO training

A one day training session to prepare all TSO staff members registered to take the Spring ABO exam will be held on Sunday, April 25, 2010 from 9 am to 5 pm at the TSO Network office in Houston.
 
The class is recommended for opticians who are prepared to take the exam and as a refresher course for ABO certified and/or experienced opticians.

The course is designed to assist those staff members preparing to take the ABO exam. You will learn how to pass the exam with:

• Test strategies
• Optical concepts
• Methods for recognizing exam questions

The deadline to register for the exam has passed. The exam will take place on Sunday, May 16.
 
Each staff member is responsible for registering and paying for the actual exam. A registration reimbursement for the ABO exam will be provided to staff members one time only, regardless of whether he or she passes or not. All that is required for the reimbursement is proof that the test was taken and a receipt for the payment.
 
To register for the workshop, Click here
For information on John Soper's credentials and background, Click here
 

OptumHealth Vision Plan tips

OptumHealth modifier list.

When completing the CMS 1500 form offices must use the appropriate modifier (listed below) for contact lenses and lens options. If offices don't use the appropriate modifier OptumHealth will pay you the lowest amount in that category (i.e. no CL modifier listed on the CMS 1500 form you will be paid $26.25). Carefully review the EOB and if you find errors send a corrected claim to Alicia Gendimenico at fax number 248-733-6060.

Progressive reminder
High-End Progressive V2781H (progressive code and H to indicate additional payment is required).
Basic, high-end and premium progressives
 
Basic progressives include the following: Natural and Adaptar
 
High-end progressives include the following: Varilux Comfort
 
Premium progressives include lenses such as Physio, Elipse, all the 360 lenses, Definity, Trivex, etc.  If you sell a premium progressive you subtract your retail trifocal amount from your retail premium progressive amount and the patient pays the difference.
 
Premium Progressive Example:
Physio Retail $300
Trifocal Retail 150
Patient Pays $150

What does the HITECH Act mean to Medicare/Medicaid providers?

The benefits of the HITECH Act are available to Medicare and Medicaid providers only.
 
Medicare - The Act includes provisions for incentives to be paid to providers who participate with Medicare, use a certified Electronic Health Records (EHR) system (i.e. Compulink, OfficeMate, etc.) and use that system in a "meaningful" way.  The Medicare payment to providers is $44,000, with incentive payments equaling 75% of the allowable Medicare fees billed each year, up to the full amount. Click here to see table. (PDF, 12KB)

Medicaid - Providers whose caseloads include Medicaid recipients are eligible to receive nearly $64,000.  If Medicaid patients make up at least 30% of your patient volume you can earn incentives equal to 85% of the allowable Medicaid charges, up to $21,000 in the first year.  Incentive payments in the following five years are capped at $8,500 per year, for a maximum total of $63,500
Click here to see table. (PDF, 12KB)

Medicare Workshop on May 25

TrailBlazer Provider Outreach and Education staff will be conducting the 2010 J4 Medicare Tour in Texas May 25, 2010.
 
The workshop is for Part B providers and will offer an assortment of topics that will assist the provider with their Medicare billing needs.
 
Medicare Workshop:
Date: May 25, 2010  
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Cost: $125  
Location: Houston Hobby Airport Marriott
Click here for registration
 
Multiple sessions will be offered during this one-day event, allowing the attendees the convenience of attending the training sessions of their choice in the morning and afternoon.
 
Workshop will include:

• A full day of training session, with the option to select classes most pertinent to the practice.
• A question and answer session.
• A help desk for one-on-one assistance.
• A TrailBlazer education CD.
• Continental breakfast and lunch.

Optometry web-based training on March 31

TrailBlazer is offering a webinar training session on March 31.  This course will highlight local coverage determinations (LCDs) associated specifically for ophthalmology and optometry services, top billing errors/rejections associated with these specialties, postoperative management of cataract surgery and the 55 modifier, and proper use of the Global Surgery Calculator.
 
Click here for more information

HOUSTON RODEO---Chairman of the Board Dr. Brian Blount and Rose Blount stopped to say hello to Houston Rodeo Mascot "Howdy" before they entered the arena riding in a wagon during the grand entry ceremonies during a recent night at the rodeo. This year's rodeo saw the largest attendance on record  topping the 2 million mark!