Actually, I probably would benefit from that as would several other independent Opticians that I know. A significant amount of the population wants someone thats skilled and knowledgeable and we both know that can't or at least is a rare find in the chains.At least you’re honest. You actually sound just like the very same description so many here have said about your beloved VSP. “ They take your money and don’t care. “ Ironic.</quote>
ironic? That OD's and Opticians think alike or that I don't like 3rd party but would be willing to enjoy the increased revenue? In the end we're both businessmen.
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Considering they were formed by OD’s for OD’s and support OD’s…….You or anyone have yet to show me a business model that would support your belief that VSP will go retail. You must have missed my previous post covering that.</quote>
I didn't miss the statement that Costco was specifically asked for by Trader Joe's etc. but, if an organization that is of OD's and for OD's than why do they allow MD's on the panel? Are MD's not MORE of a threat to your business model? Is a medical doctor than can do refractions AND Sx not your enemy? Am I more of a threat if I employ said MD?
As to VSP going retail, they have already by doing the "test market with costco" Their testing the waters to see if the patient base will take less to have more options. here's your business model, Insurance company starts quietly buying small regional chains under dummy companies, to the outside world there's a new player in the game, except they are all on the panel for VSP. slowly one towne/city after another gets doors opened. Finally the Coup De Gras, VSP announces they have purchased controlling interest in company X. VSP has offices every where, and OD's are on the line. Don't worry though, this is all being done to support the independant OD from those nasty Lenscrafter people. yeah, and essilor wants to help me too.
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Also, please tell me what would my practice look like without VSP in the world? Would I still have a huge population of patients headed my way or would EyeMed be the big player and directing even more people to Lenscrafters? Would they in turn raise their reimbursements to me as a way of saying “Wahoo, VSP is gone!!” ?</quote>
Well, if we use a basic concept that 85-90% of your practice is presently VSP and If we were to remove the forced allegiance to your practice by VSP than we could optimistically state that you would lose 30% of your revenue over night. Given that that 30% of your patient population is not loyal but simply follows the insurance. This is a very giving number to say that 60% of your patients would rather PAY MORE than go somewhere else and recieve the same services. Thus you now have 70% of your current revenue stream, what does your office look like now? VSP doesn't love you sir, they use you as they would use me. VSP loves the bottom line, and ONLY THE BOTTOM LINE.
As to your question about Eyemed. No, of course they don't increase their reimbursements! Although I bet the C level exec's toast to their new found fortune.
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So tell me where EyeMed directs their patients vs. where VSP does? I know, I’m beating a dead horse.
Follow the money and tell me where EyeMed monies go.
Enlighten me too on how VSP supporting OD’s is causing them to lose market share. How is that impacting their battle with EyeMed at the Provider level?
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Good question. The monies flow to Mr. Del Vechio of course because all monies flow to the owner. Eyemed directs their participants to all sources of eyecare and materials including OD's, opticians and their own stores. We all know that going in and we differentiate by our skill sets.
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Would any of us be better off if VSP lowered their prices to companies nationwide and drove their employees to retail stores like Pearl or LensCrafters? Would you benefit from that? I wouldn’t.
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