It disheartens us to see people going without because they are unable to afford quality eyecare/optical products. My wife and I left a commercial setting and purchased a practice with the intent that we would be able to provide a community service. A higher quality of care than available from the commercial providers and their available optical products, but without the cost of a private practice setting. Unfortunately, we have found ourselves raising prices to stay afloat and not lose it all given the laughable managed care reimbursements. (Before we even go there, the previous owner was heavily vested in VSP/Eyemed). Eight months in, we have a good feeling for the area, its needs and our's, and the direction we would like to see our practice grow in.
That leaves us with how we want to approach our service to the community. I am looking for ideas based upon the Panera Bread companies care program (http://paneracares.org/), whereas they will not turn anyone away, regardless of their ability to pay. We would like to be able to integrate this into our practice, having a retail amount that will be presented at the end of the visit that is in line with our local competition(other private practice). Whether people would be able to pay the full amount or not is based upon their abilities. We would hope this will be a good target for advertising to bring in all walks of life.
Ideas and Input?
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