What equipment is essential for a new practice?
Dear Dr. Hayes,
I would value your opinion on what pieces of examination equipment are essential for a new practice, how to determine if I can afford it, and the best way to pay for it.
It seems like the standard of care has been elevated to the point where starting out with the bare bones just isn’t good enough. You know it’s tough to compete when even the chains like Wal-Mart have great equipment.
What is the minimum equipment and inventory you should start with to give the perception of a modern office?
Thanks,
Dr. Anderson
Dear Dr. Anderson,
My advice is to visit
a number of independent offices in your market to see what kind of equipment other OD’s have. That will put you in a good position to decide how fancy, or basic, you want your new office to be.
Standard of care is one thing. But, the typical eye care consumer won't understand, or appreciate, the difference between your reasonably up-to-date exam equipment and the latest gizmo off the show room floor.
They will, however, very quickly recognize smelly, worn and shabby furnishings in your waiting room and a poorly attired staff.
You can’t afford all the very latest and most modern equipment when you’re starting out. So you have to draw the line somewhere.
By the same token, you can’t afford not to have a clean, modern and well-furnished office.
See my blog from Thursday March 18 for ideas on how much to spend and how to pay for it.
Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.
Regards,
Jerry Hayes, OD
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Good list Steve! Just for
Good list Steve!
Just for fun, can you give me some approximate prices?
We'll take those and back into how the payments affect the practice overhead. It will be an interesting exercise.
Essential Equipment
Jerry,
Digital Cammera (Kowa) $25,000
Auto-refactor (Cannon) $15,00
Visual Field ( Zeiss FDT or Matrix) $7,500-$14,000
I recommend to buy euipment in order given over a three
year period and take the ADA Tax Credit of up to $5,000
each year. The credit makes it very affordable and photo's
and fields are billable either as a wellness or medically necessary.
Best regards,
Steve Butzon
more prices...
Hi Steve, Thanks for the prices... will you help me come up with a list of other basic equipment an OD would need, chair, stand, slit lamp, keratometer, phoropter, scopes, etc?
Lets make a list to get a realistic total then create a budget for monthly lease amount. Should make an interesting forum discussion... Jerry
Essential Equipment
Digital retinal camera a must. Big WOW factor and necessary
for clinical care. Also a Compact Visuial Filed. Auto refractor to be more efficient with kids and non -verbal or language barrier patients.