instrumental strategies
A Winning Combination
This fundus camera and imaging system could
be your "MVP."
DAVID
G. KIRSCHEN, O.D., PH.D.
Over
the past two decades, my practice has included being team doctor to several major
league baseball clubs. But if I was awarding a Most Valuable Player trophy, it would
go to my Kowa Non-Myd a-D Fundus Camera and VK-2 Digital Imaging System. The system
has saved me time, saved my office money, and helped me save the vision of four
patients. If that doesn't qualify for "Most Valuable," what does?
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Kowa's two-part system is easy and efficient. |
Take it to a higher league
The system offers high-resolution imaging and
a user-friendly interface. It excels in a networked healthcare practice by providing
legal documentation of retinal health, and readily integrates with EMR software
that allows the doctor to follow pathology changes over time.
It is also an excellent tool for patient
education. I can easily call up and compare stored images on my notebook and share
the images with the patient. I also need to mention improved patient flow since
my staff doesn't wait for dilation on every patient. Equally important, the Kowa
system can save me about five minutes per patient, which frees up time for other
patients.
The system is clear and accurate. It
eliminates cumbersome film tracking and processing. The instant a picture is taken,
it's electronically transferred to my server so I can view it on any computer in
my office. The user-friendly interface allows all of my staff to use it, as the
system takes about 10 minutes (and three patients) to learn to operate. It archives
individual patient records in one folder. It's easy to shoot, store, recall and
compare data, even in a high-volume practice.
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WHAT
YOU NEED TO KNOW |
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Typical
reimbursement rate: $70-$90
Typical reimbursement frequency:
As medically
necessary, but generally twice yearly with diagnosis
CPT code: 92250
Dimensions: 400mm(W) x 520mm(D) x 740mm (H)
Warranty and service policy: 1 year, all parts and labor
Cost: $24,995
Company contacts: (800) 966-5692,
www.kowa-usa.com
Diagnosing: Glaucoma, diabetes, AMD and may be indicated to document
abnormalities related to a disease process affecting the eye. |
A home run for revenue
From the first day we used this system, we saw
a 32% increase in our exam fee per patient. I recommend it to all of my patients
and even though it's an additional fee, almost 90% elect to have the imaging done.
It's been my experience that patients readily see the benefit of early detection.
If we detect something, we can bill Medicare or their insurance carrier. It also
makes a great practice builder when it comes to kids, because we give them a copy
of the image to share with their classmates.
The league leader in assists
Frankly, I think this system has a place in almost
every practice. It's an indispensable diagnostic tool. It helps your practice run
more efficiently. And it adds to your bottom line. I think it assists on so many
important levels that for digital imaging systems, it is in a league of its own.
DR. KIRSCHEN IS
IN PRIVATE PRACTICE. HE ALSO SERVES AS CHIEF OF
BINOCULAR VISION AND ORTHOPTIC SERVICES AT THE
JULES STEIN EYE INSTITUTE, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
AT LOS ANGELES.
Optometric Management, Issue: February 2006