Practice Tip: Prepare for an audit
“…Establish ahead of time a compliance program for proper documentation and billing, and review and troubleshoot billing practices,” suggests Brandy H. Sperry, COMT, COE, OCS, in this month’s “Coding” column. She adds optometrists may want to consider:
• Hiring a consultant from time to time to perform an audit.
         • Having your billing professionals cross-check each other periodically – particularly if staff turnover occurs.
         • Conduct training to address weakness in your staff’s knowledge of billing, coding, documentation, and compliance.
         • Verifying that each bill submitted is proper and supported by existing documentation. The insurer does not excuse billing errors because an inexperienced or incompetent biller submitted the charge.
         Read the full article at https://www.optometricmanagement.com/issues/2023/november-december-2023/business-coding-strategy. 
 
ABB Optical Group names 2023 Annual Optometry Student Challenge finalists
ABB Optical Group announced the finalists of its 9th Annual Optometry Student Challenge. They are: Mary Avisado (Pacific University); Anastasia Logotheti (New England College of Optometry); Nhi Nguyen (Southern California College of Optometry); Riley Parker (Michigan College of Optometry); Gillian Uldrich (Pennsylvania College of Optometry-Salus University); and Pieper Walton (Indiana University School of Optometry). The finalists will present their posters during a live webinar on Nov. 29 at 8 PM ET. A panel of judges and audience participants will vote for their favorite submissions. Register for the event at: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PIJ-6h34TDmY4ZQqi_wxaA#/registration
 
Envision to host April conference at Salus University
Envision Conference will host its next in-person conference experience on the campus of Salus University, April 11 to April 13, 2024. The organization is accepting submissions through Jan. 31, and early discount registration is available through March 3. For more on submissions, visit https://envisionus.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=be88b10b384f56027c3ede38c&id=4d9a60df01&e=12a21a8c64. For registration details, visit https://www.envisionuniversityevents.com/event/336cc645-eadf-4773-a98b-11b4e9760c6c/summary. 
 
iCare receives information security certification
iCare Health Solutions announced that its third-party administration processes, systems, and online portals, have earned certified status by HITRUST for information security. The risk-based, 2-year certified status demonstrates iCare’s third-party systems have met demanding regulatory compliance and industry-defined requirements and are appropriately managing risk, according to the press release.
 
OcuLenz releases headset for age-related macular degeneration patients
OcuLenz AR/XR headset, from Ocutrx Technologies, is engineered to enhance visual clarity for individuals living with age-related macular degeneration. The headset enhances vision by overlaying high-contrast, pixel-manipulated images onto the user’s remaining viable field of view, according to the press release. The system processes real-world video imagery and then recreates it as an augmented reality display tailored to the user’s good vision. By shifting pixels from the impaired central vision area to the peripheral, the headset compensates for central vision loss, according to the company. 
 
Three Rivers Optical introduces lens
Three Rivers Optical introduced Quick Changers EXTRA, a premium photochromic lens. The lens blocks 100% damage of UVA and UVB rays, protects from blue light that radiates from sunlight and digital devices, activates behind glass, and has a significant fadeback speed, according to the company. It is available in gray and brown color options. Visit https://3riversoptical.com/photochromic/. 
 
Vision Council continues its Executive Summit keynote Speaker Spotlight
In the ongoing Speaker Spotlight Series for the 2024 Executive Summit keynote, The Vision Council announced Dr. Alan Amling, assistant professor of practice at the University of Tennessee and CEO of Thrive and Advance, and Caroline Cassey, president of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness and Founder of the Valuable 500. Ms. Casey’s presentation, “The Value of Vision,” will occur on Jan. 23 at 8:15 a.m. Dr. Amling’s presentation, “Playing to Win in the Age of Uncertainty and Overload,” will take place Jan. 23 at 1 p.m. 
 
VSP recognized for diverse work environment
VSP Vision was included on Seramount’s annual Inclusion Index, which recognizes companies that foster diverse and inclusive work environments. Seramount ranked applicants in three areas: (1) best practices in recruitment, retention, and advancement of people from under-represented groups; (2) creating an inclusive culture; and (3) improvement in demographic diversity for women and racial/ethnic minorities. Seramount focuses on inclusion in all talent environments. Visit https://seramount.com. 
 
World Council of Optometry publishes pediatric resource for World Children’s Day
The World Council of Optometry (WCO) launched a pediatric resource for optometrists in honor of World Children’s Day 2023 (Nov. 20). A clinical resource for optometrists as they deliver accessible, quality eye care to children across the globe, WCO’s Pediatric Resource includes assessment tools and references for clinicians to help children and their families access eye care. Optometrists are encouraged to access the Pediatric Resource on WCO’s website at https://worldcouncilofoptometry.info/pediatric-resource/.
 
OD Notebook is published weekly on Wednesdays. Unless otherwise noted, the information presented is based on press releases and/or announcements by the respective organizations. Find earlier editions here. To submit a press release to be considered for publication, click here.