Practice Management News - OphthalmologyWeb

Topcon Signs Exclusive Global Licensing Agreement for i2k RetinaT

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Oakland, NJ, July 30, 2010 - Topcon Medical Systems, Inc. has signed an exclusive global licensing agreement for i2k RetinaT (DualAlignT LLC, Clifton Park, NY), a software that enables the registration and high‐precision alignment of retinal photographs. Effective as of July 1, the agreement allows Topcon to sell i2K Retina and integrate it with EyeRoute�, Topcon's Image Management System, and IMAGEnet�, Topcon's Digital Imaging System.

AAPC Introduces Practice Management Initiative

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 08:28:00 GMT

AAPC, (www.aapc.com), the nation's largest training and credentialing association for medical coders, introduced its new practice management initiative. This effort will help physician practices operate more efficiently with improved business practices, increased accuracy with claim submissions, and less risk, enabling physicians to receive appropriate compensation even with reduced reimbursements.

FDA Task Force Releases Detailed Report On Proposed Disclosure Measures

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Transparency Task Force has released a report on proposals for increasing the disclosure of information while protecting confidentiality and patient information.

MedInformatix EPM Helps Billing Efficiency Reach New Highs At Multi-Location Eye Clinic

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:49:00 GMT

Just eight years after its founding, Cokingtin Eye Center has achieved an enviable level of growth. The Overland Park, Kansas-based practice, which employs seven ophthalmologists and two optometrists, operates three offices in suburban Kansas City. Several days a month it also sees patients in four rural locations, performing a full range of surgical, osteoplastic and therapeutic services.

Topcon Introduces EyeRoute� Mobile, First IPhone� Application For Ophthalmic Image Management

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Topcon Medical Systems announced today that the mobile version of its successful EyeRoute Image Management Suite is now available as a dedicated iPhone application from the Apple iTunes store in North America. First presented in October 2009 at the American Academy of Ophthalmology Meeting in San Francisco, EyeRoute Mobile sets the stage for connectivity on the go.

American Board of Ophthalmology Appoints Three New Directors

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Keith H. Baratz, MD, is Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine in Rochester, MN and serves on the editorial board of Archives of Ophthalmology. He is also the former Residency Director and former Director of Research in Mayo's Department of Ophthalmology.

AdvancedMD Acquires PracticeOne

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 04:01:00 GMT

AdvancedMD� Software, Inc., a leader in software-as-a-service (SaaS) medical practice and revenue cycle management automation solutions, announced it has acquired PracticeOne, a privately-held provider of a CCHIT Certified� electronic health record (EHR) software. PracticeOne provides its EHR solutions nationally to independent physician practices of all major specialties.

Quitting Smoking After Heart Attack Extends Lives

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Confirming that it really is never too late to quit smoking, a new study finds that heart attack survivors who kick the habit live longer than those who keep puffing away.

Short-Term School Closures May Worsen Flu Pandemics, Pitt Study Finds

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 30 - Closing schools for less than two weeks during a flu pandemic may increase infection rates and prolong an epidemic, say University of Pittsburgh researchers in a study published ahead-of-print and online in the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice. The findings, developed from a series of computer simulations based on U.S. census data, indicate that schools may need to be closed for at least eight weeks in order to significantly decrease the spread of infection.

MedInformatix Practice Management And EMR Produce Long-Term Gains For Ophthalmology Practices

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:05:00 GMT

MedInformatix, a leading provider of software solutions for the healthcare industry, announced the tenth anniversary of its relationships with several prominent Midwestern ophthalmology practices at the 2009 American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Conference in San Francisco. In each case, the practices showcase the benefits of MedInformatix's Practice Management (PM) and Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Solution.

AAO: Poor Clinic Management Tops Causes Of Missed Glaucoma Visits

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Long waits and other clinic management problems, and not finances, may underlie the majority of missed follow-up appointments for glaucoma in safety-net hospitals.

AAO Opposes Cuts In Senate Finance Committee Health Care Reform Bill

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Taking issue with certain Medicare provisions, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and other medical groups have registered opposition to the health care reform bill the U.S. Senate Finance Committee passed Tuesday.

Comlite Systems Surpasses 10,000 Users Worldwide

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Comlite Systems, the number one selling wireless light-signaling system since 1984, surpassed the 10,000th user milestone in 2009.

OIS Announces Plans To Launch The OIS EyeScan At AAO 2009

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - October 1, 2009 -- OIS (Ophthalmic Imaging Systems) today announced plans to launch the OIS EyeScan(TM) at the 2009 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The OIS EyeScan is a multi-modality, portable imaging device that will revolutionize the way that ophthalmologists screen and capture diagnostic images by delivering a new level of flexibility, efficiency, and image quality to the market.

Envision Eyes LLC, Makers Of The Spec-Tac Eye Speculum, Offering Investment Opportunity

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

EnVision Eyes LLC ("EnVision") has successfully designed, developed and launched its Spec-Tac External Eye Speculum Spec-Tac� external eye speculum in the United States and other countries. The Spec-Tac� external eye speculum - being a disposable, single-use, and hands-free external eye speculum - uniquely fills a need in the ophthalmic industry. The product has various uses and applications, such as eye examinations, photography and retinal imaging, retinal injections, foreign body removal, visual field testing, and other applications. It is estimated that the annual volume of these procedures exceeds 17,000,000 in the U.S. alone.

Volk Specialty Lenses Support Pioneer's Making Strides Promotion

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Mentor, Ohio (August 14, 2009) - Volk Optical has developed an exclusive line of pink-ringed lenses to support the philanthropic efforts of ophthalmic products distributor Pioneer International. Pioneer is celebrating its 10th anniversary by giving back and has chosen The American Cancer Society's - Making Strides in Breast Cancer as recipient of the anniversary event. During its "Making Strides" promotion, $30 will be donated to breast cancer research for each Volk specialty lens purchased.

First Insight� Corporation Will Launch NEW Electronic Health Records Software at 2009 AAO/PAAO Joint Meeting in San Francisco

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

HILLSBORO, Oregon, (August 12, 2009) - First Insight Corporation, a widely-recognized provider of technology-based solutions for the ophthalmic industry for more than 15 years, will unveil the company's NEW electronic health records (EHR) software, "MaximEyes SQL," at the AAO/PAAO 2009 Joint Meeting, Booth #5428 in San Francisco, October 24-27, 2009.

Omega Medical Solutions Selects Allscripts Practice Management And Allscripts Payerpath Revenue Cycle Management

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Allscripts announced today that Omega Medical Solutions, a Myrtle Beach, SC-based medical billing and consulting agency, has selected Allscripts Practice Management and Allscripts Payerpath(TM) claims management solution for its physician practice clients across South Carolina and the surrounding states.

Proposed 2010 Medicare Fee Schedule Includes A 21.5% Physician Payment Cut

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A proposed rule on the 2010 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule calls for a 21.5% reduction in physician payments, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced.

HealthMEDX Announces Vision Solution

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

New design brings providers closer to the goal of a true Electronic Health Record

Kowa Announces Ian Lane As Executive Vice President Of Technology

Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Torrance, CA - Kowa Optimed, Inc., a leading innovator of integrated ophthalmic diagnostic systems, has named Ian Lane as its Executive Vice President of Technology. Ian Lane is an accomplished lecturer and writer, bringing almost 30 years of extensive ophthalmic and global advisory experience to Kowa. As the company's Executive Vice President of Technology, he will direct and oversee the development of Kowa's latest medical technology and spearhead new integration partnerships for the Kowa VK2 Image Management software platform.

A Clear Solution For Healthy Eyes

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bausch & Lomb Launches New Bottle Innovation Supported by Eye-Catching Online Campaign

Hundreds Of Ophthalmologists Meet With Congressional Leaders As Health Care Debate Begins

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

More than 300 ophthalmologists met with members of Congress in Washington, D.C., April 22-23 as legislators prepare what may be the most significant health care legislation in over a decade. The office visits took place during the American Academy of Ophthalmology's annual Congressional Advocacy Day to discuss health care issues.

Chinese Ministry Of Health Adopts American Academy Of Ophthalmology Preferred Practice Patterns As National Standard

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) today announced that the Chinese Ministry of Health has endorsed the AAO's Preferred Practice PatternsT as the national standard for ophthalmic practice and training in China. The decision by the Ministry is the first time China has mandated standards of patient care and professional training for any medical specialty.

American Academy of Ophthalmology to Offer Epocrates Products to Members

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO - The American Academy of Ophthalmology today announced it reached an agreement with Epocrates�, Inc., a leading developer of clinical information and decision support tools for healthcare professionals. Academy members will now have access to Epocrates' online database of drug and disease information directly through the Academy's Ophthalmic News and Education (O.N.E.T) Network. In addition, Academy members can purchase Epocrates' mobile and online premium products with an exclusive discount. Members can review the discounts when they log in and then click the Epocrates link from the O.N.E Network Home Page.

ASCRS Notes: Government Relations General Session

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Juan Williams, senior national correspondent for NPR and contributor for Fox News. Focusing on the Evolving Reality of Healthcare Reform. Talk given as a hypothetical conversation with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This is a time of great change in America. Lots of change, what is going on with healthcare?

8.5% unemployment. Deep, long-lasting recession
25% of population under the age of 18 years old
20% of population over the age of 65
In 2011, first of baby boomers will turn age 65, this will increase rapidly
Older people mostly white
Younger people mostly of color

Uninsured Visually Impaired Adults Often Do Not Use Eye Care Services, Survey Finds

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Slightly more than 50% of subjects with severe visual impairment reported seeking eye care services within 1 year before being surveyed. Less than 40% of participants with severe visual impairment and no health insurance reported using eye care services.

Walmart Makes Eye Care More Affordable For Millions Of Americans

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Committed to helping Americans save on out-of-pocket health care costs, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. today announced it has sharply reduced what customers pay for both contact lenses* and youth eyewear.

CME Dinner Symposium Held During The ASCRS 2009 Annual Meeting: "Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance With New Fluoroquinolones"

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

South San Francisco, CA - MARCH 5, 2009 - Acuity Medical Education today announced they are jointly sponsoring a CME Dinner Symposium at the 2009 ASCRS/ASOA Symposium & Congress with Medical Education Resources, Inc. The continuing medical education symposium is supported through an unrestricted education grant from Bausch & Lomb. The program is aimed at the Comprehensive Ophthalmologist and focuses on educating physicians on the increasing antimicrobial resistance to current fluoroquinolones and the studies being done now to demonstrate the clinical efficacy of new fluoroquinolone analogs.

Abbott Completes Acquisition Of Advanced Medical Optics

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Abbott today announced that it has completed its acquisition of Advanced Medical Optics (AMO). AMO is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Abbott and has been renamed Abbott Medical Optics Inc.

Ophthalmic Imaging Systems Comments On Potential Impact Of U.S. Government's Stimulus Package On Electronic Health Records Market

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ophthalmic Imaging Systems (OIS) (OTCBB: OISI - News) and Abraxas Medical Solutions, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of OIS and a provider of state of the art Electronic Health Record (EHR) solution, commented on a portion of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the U.S. Government's stimulus package (the "Stimulus Package"), that pertains to healthcare IT.

Eye-Care Position Receives New Classification In Occupational Listing

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) announced in a prepared statement that it has received approval for a separate occupational classification, ophthalmic medical technician, from the U.S. Bureau of Labor's 2010 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) committee.

Eye-Care Community Collaborates On HIT Standard Certification Effort

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. - The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery hosted a summit that included the American Optometric Association and others Jan. 16 to unify the eye-care community around a new joint vision health information technology (HIT) agenda to develop certification standards. HIT certification is a way for physicians and providers to feel more secure about their electronic health record (EHR) system purchase, because there are standards and test processes in place for functionality and security.

Antek HealthWare Releases DAQoffice for Concierge Medicine Practices

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Baltimore, MD - January 26, 2009 - Antek HealthWare, LLC, developer of DAQbilling� Practice Management Software is pleased to announce the launch of DAQoffice, a Practice Management and Billing solution for physicians who are running Concierge Medical Practices.

U.S. Lets Drugmakers Advise Doctors on Unapproved Uses

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

U.S. health officials finalized guidelines that allow pharmaceutical companies to tell doctors about unapproved uses of their medicines, a practice opposed by critics of industry marketing.

New Training Method Helps Surgeons Evaluate Their Own Minimally Invasive Surgery Skills

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Recent years have seen the rapid emergence of minimally invasive surgery procedures in operating theatres. However, the training of surgeons in this field still leaves much to be desired.

EyeRoute� Gets On Board And Goes Mobile

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

PARAMUS, NJ - At the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting in Atlanta, Topcon Medical Systems, Inc. (TMS), the leading supplier of ophthalmic diagnostic equipment and image management solutions, introduced two new developments for its EyeRoute� Image Management System.

Topcon Launches FastMap Software On 3D OCT-1000

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

PARAMUS, NJ - Topcon Medical Systems, Inc. (TMS), the leading supplier of ophthalmic diagnostic equipment and image management solutions, is pleased to announce the introduction of the next generation of the Topcon 3D OCT TrueMapT software called FastMapT. The software includes Customized capture protocols, enhanced analysis protocols, new 3D OCT DynamicT report interface that includes a historical report viewer, expanded exam compare feature, expanded icons, improved data base functionality, and connectivity to IMAGEnet.

Abu Dhabi To Host World Ophthalmology Congress 2012

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Abu Dhabi city, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is to host the World Ophthalmology Congress (WOC) 2012, which is expected to attract in excess of 12,000 international delegates. WOC is the world's longest running and largest international medical meeting having been established in 1857 with the Abu Dhabi event representing the 33rd congress of its type.

New Book Opens Eyes To East Timor

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

UQ journalism lecturer Heather Stewart jumped at the chance to follow an Australian volunteer eye clinic team to East Timor earlier this year, and has recently published her first book about the experience. Saving Sight Saving a Nation captures the blindness epidemic in East Timor via a series of stunning photographs, and was launched by leading Brisbane eye surgeon Dr Kevin Vandeleur on October 18. Dr Vandeleur is part of the East Timor Eye Program (ETEP), a volunteer effort aimed at eradicating preventable blindness in the fledgling nation by 2020.

Programs Tackle High Rate Of Blindness Among Women

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

They are mothers, daughters and grandmothers, and they share one health factor in common: Around the world, two out of every three people who are blind from preventable causes are women.

Despite Slow Adoption Rate, Ophthalmologists Report High Satisfaction With EHR Systems

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Ophthalmologists have been slow to adopt electronic health record systems into their practices, but those who have begun using these technologies are highly satisfied with their systems, according to a study.

September Ophthalmology Research Highlights

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Doctors and medical centers across the United States are debating the use of electronic health records (EHR). This month's Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, provides a look at Eye M.D.s' actions and opinions on the issue. Also highlighted this month are two research studies that will help doctors identify patients who are most vulnerable to advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of severe vision loss in the United States and most Western countries.

Clarification Of Medicare Claims Processing Pending Congressional Intervention On The 10.6% Reduction

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Yesterday afternoon, CMS hosted a private call for the medical specialty societies on the pending 10.6% reduction in Medicare Physician Fees scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2008, and CMS' actions related to this reduction.

Medicare Puts Brief Hold On All Payments To Physicians

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, June 30 -- Medicare officials said today that the agency will not process any payments to physicians until July 15 at the earliest, leaving the congressionally mandated 10.6% reimbursement reduction in limbo.

Announcement of New President And CEO Of Nidek Co., Ltd.

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gamagori, JAPAN, -- NIDEK Co., Ltd. announced that Mr. Hideo Ozawa was appointed Chairman of the Board, and Mr. Motoki Ozawa was promoted to President and CEO. This decision was approved at the Board Meeting, after the Annual Shareholders Meeting on June 24, 2008. Under this new management, NIDEK will continue to target further growth in ophthalmic and aesthetic markets as well as optical systems and the coating business.

First Insight� And DrFirst� Launch A True "End-To-End" E-Prescribing Solution For The Ophthalmic Industry

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

First Insight Corporation, a leading practice management and electronic medical records (EMR) software company, and DrFirst, the leader in electronic prescribing and medication reconciliation, announced today that First Insight is the first practice management and EMR software company focused exclusively on the ophthalmic market to publicly launch a true "end-to-end" e-prescribing solution through its integration with DrFirst's award winning GoldRxT certified RcopiaT e-Prescribing technology.

Topcon Introduces EyeRoute� SDOCT System

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

PARAMUS, NJ, June 1, 2008 - Topcon Medical Systems, Inc. (TMS), of Paramus, NJ, is pleased to announce that its EyeRoute� Image Management System now provides the first web interface tailored specifically for Spectral Domain OCT.

OphthalmologyWeb And GE Healthcare Financial Services Partner To Streamline Financing For Eyecare Professionals

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 22, 2008 - OphthalmologyWeb is pleased to announce an exclusive partnership with GE Healthcare Financial Services that will allow users of OphthalmologyWeb's leading online medical product directory to quickly access GE Healthcare Financial Services' financing solutions when they inquire about the pricing and availability of today's latest diagnostic and surgical equipment used by eye care professionals. Learning how to finance the purchase is as easy as checking a box in OphthalmologyWeb's secure information and quote request system. In addition, GE Healthcare Financial Services will provide OphthalmologyWeb users with information on a broad array of financing solutions ranging from equipment financing to start-up or acquisition financing.

Medical Records Institute (MRI) Develops Criteria For Essential Medicolegal Requirements For EMRs

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Top 3 Most Expensive Mistakes Doctors Make With Medical Billing

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Coding: Your Top Coding Concerns Solved - Using Time To Code For Office Visits; Who, What, When, Where, And Why?

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

If you've ever read a patient the Riot Act, use time to document that visit.

Most physicians know they can use time to select a code for an office visit or consult, but many forget when, why, and how to do it.

According to the CPT book and documentation guidelines, if you spend more than half the visit discussing the patient's illness and treatment, use time to select the code rather than the level of the history, exam, and medical decision-making you perform.

Billing & Collections: Playing Hardball

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Advice on charging interest and late fees on past-due patient accounts

Chris Francis sounds a little frustrated.

"Most people are not really prepared to meet their coinsurance or deductible amount," he says, but "when we give people the option of rescheduling their procedure," rather than proceeding without payment, many will find a way to pay. "A lot of people are trying to test the system."

MDs And ODs Tout Integrated Eye Care Delivery Model

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

CHICAGO - Efficiency and better patient care are the top reasons ophthalmologists and optometrists should work together in an integrated office setting, according to a panel of ophthalmologists and optometrists speaking here.

OSMA Launches EMR Standards Of Excellence Program

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Patient Relations: Your Complete Guide To Patient Service

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The first thing he saw was the dead fish.

"If they can't even keep a fish alive, how are they going to take care of me?" The question, posed by a patient at a practice where consultant Vicki Bradford was conducting a focus group, was asked in jest. But the person who posed it reminded Bradford of a simple truth about patients: They will make clinical decisions based on nonclinical information.

Stark III: Refinement Not Revolution (Part 1)

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The final Stark III regulations, which went into effect on Dec. 4, hardly justify the panic that preceded their release. On the other hand, they do raise significant issues for physicians in group practices and for relationships between physicians and hospitals by clarifying and refining matters that were addressed in the interim final regulations published in 2004, known as "Stark II, Phase II." This article is the first in a two-part series on Stark III. This first article addresses the significant issues for physicians in group practices. The second article, to be published in a future edition of FPM, will address the issues that arise from relationships between hospitals and physicians.

Efficiency: Conquering Time

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

If your practice is like so many we hear about, you're struggling to become more efficient without turning yourself and your staff into robots.

A New Model Of Charitable Care: The Robin Hood Practice

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This self-sustaining practice provides concierge care and indigent care in equal amounts. Here's how it works.

IdeaLab: 'How I Got Over My EMR Excuses'

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Everyone has a 'reason' for stalling the transition to electronic records. What's yours?

Congress Delays 10.1% Fee Cut Until July

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC-In the final days of its 2007 session, Congress passed a temporary fix to delay a scheduled 10.1% Medicare fee cut to physicians for 6 months and provided physicians with a positive 0.5% update.

Coding: Your Top Coding Concerns Solved

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Tired of not getting paid for your services? You might need to look at your billing office operations rather than your coding habits.

Demystifying Computer Networks For Small Practices

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With the right features and proper security, your network can improve your practice's efficiency and make your job easier.

Transforming Your Practice: What Matters Most

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Alaska Native people, the indigenous people of Alaska, have long and rich traditions. Storytelling is one of these traditions. When someone tells his or her story and invites others to tell theirs, knowledge and understanding are gained. Sharing stories can teach, motivate, admonish, inspire and create personal relationships.

Southcentral Foundation (SCF), the Alaska Native-owned nonprofit health care system located in Anchorage, Alaska, has a story to tell. Ten years ago, SCF was a typical, inefficient health care system. Patients had to wait weeks to get an appointment and had to wait again when coming into the office. Care was impersonal. Patients often saw a different provider at each appointment. Patients weren't happy, staff weren't happy and doctors weren't happy.

David W. Parke II, MD, Assumes Presidency Of American Academy Of Ophthalmology

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

David W. Parke II, MD, became the new president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology on Jan. 1, 2008, taking over from departing president C.P. Wilkinson, MD. Dr. Parke is the Edward L. Gaylord Professor and chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Oklahoma. He is also president and CEO of the Dean A. McGee Eye Institute in Oklahoma City, Okla.