SPRING HAS ARRIVED in North America, and this presents an opportunity to do some spring cleaning. What a great time to clean out the trial contact lens room or bring new technologies into the practice. Another option would be to consider your fee structures and how/when you interact with patients.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed health care in many ways, including the approaches now used in interacting with our patients during their care. Virtual options abound, but are we extending otherwise billable services without receiving compensation?

A major mainstream television news network recently covered this topic extensively in the U.S. (nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/could-messaging-your-doctor-cost-you-money-162608709982 ). One program outlined in the news story showed that electronic communications relating to appointments, medical refills, and questions that lead to follow-up visits were not billed. However, electronic communications relating to new symptoms, a change in medications, or completion of medical forms were billed.

There are always two sides to every coin, and these sorts of charges might upset some patients. Yet, others may be quite happy to be provided such care for a nominal charge without having to make an office visit. While it’s not easy leading the charge on charges, what’s been your approach to handling these issues in your practice?

JASON J. NICHOLS, OD, MPH, PHD

Editor-in-Chief

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