GEOS Newsletter

Continuing Education

2011-04-20T13:41:00.000-07:00

3rd Annual CE Event by GEOS

Date: 7 May 2011

Time: 9:00 am – 3:45pm

Catered Lunch Included

Check in @ 8:30 am

· 1 Hour Nutrition and the Eye

· 2 Hours Oculoplastics “Be a Rock Star in Your Diagnosis”

· 2 Hours Recent Advances in Corneal Surgery

· 1 Hour Latest Innovations in Cataract and Refractive Surgery

Speakers

Kathryn Silliman, PhD, RD

Department Head

Nutrition and Food Sciences, Chico State University

Daniel Lensik, MD

Board certified ophthalmologist, fellowship-trained in ophthalmic plastic surgery. His practice focuses entirely on ophthalmic plastic surgery.

Sean Liston, MD

Board eligible and trained to perform corneal transplants, cataract, PRK and LASIK surgery

Ben Gilbert, MD

Former staff ophthalmologist at Fort Bragg, NC and Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of North Carolina. Certified by Am Board of Ophthalmology.

Reservations

Non-members: $120.00 6 Hrs CE Plus Lunch or $80 3 Hrs CE Plus Lunch

Members of Golden Empire OS: $45 6 Hrs CE Plus Lunch or $30 3 Hrs CE Plus Lunch

Name______________________________________________________________________

Address____________________________________________________________________

City________________________________ State_______ Zip_________

Phone___________________

Send Checks to:

Thomas Flynn, OD / President GEOS

203 Walker St #1

Orland, CA 95963

Check Only, Our society is not able to accept credit cards

Public service icon, Peter Towne, dies | towne, willows, city - Willows Journal

2011-02-03T15:40:00.000-08:00

Public service icon, Peter Towne, dies towne, willows, city - Willows Journal

COA offers CE at Home

2011-01-26T18:35:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Corrie Pelc
January 2011 Communications Manager
cpelc@coavision.org

California Optometric Association Introduces CE@HomeOnline

Sacramento, CA — The California Optometric Association (COA) is constantly looking for innovative ways to help optometrists in California help their patients.

For this reason, COA has launched CE@HomeOnline — an online version of the popular CE@Home articles in its award-winning member magazine, California Optometry. CE@HomeOnline will feature six high-quality educational articles throughout the year, each offering 1 continuing education unit (CEU). Formatted just like CE@Home articles in the magazine, the Online articles are accessed through www.coavision.org.

The tentative 2011 schedule for CE@HomeOnline is:

February 1, 2011 -- Low Vision Examination of the Diabetic Patient
April 1, 2011 – Traumatic Brain Injury
June 1, 2011 – Dry Eye
August 1, 2011 – Kids’ Vision
October 3, 2011 – Vision Therapy
December 1, 2011 – Glaucoma

Fees for CE@HomeOnline for 2011 are per article $15 for COA members and $35 for non-members. Subscriptions for the full year (all six articles) are $60 for COA members and $180 for non-members. The deadline for a 2011 subscription is April 1, 2011.

For more information on CE@HomeOnline and to subscribe, visit www.coavision.org/cehome.

About the California Optometric Association

The California Optometric Association (COA) was established in 1899, and is California’s oldest organized community for optometrists. Representing more than 2,700 optometrists, COA is dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of health care for the public through the advancement of optometry. To find a California optometrist near you, visit www.eyehelp.org.

# # #

6 Hr CE Event Rescheduled for Feb

2010-01-15T20:18:00.000-08:00

Our society has set a 6 hour CE event. Date was pushed back to Feb 9 because of scheduling issues.

Date: 6th of February
Location: CSU Student Union (Same location as March CE)
Time: 9-4 with hour catered lunch-Check in at 8:30 am

Topics:

Anterior & Endothelial Keratoplasty
Glaucoma Update: Looking Beyond Just IOP
Non-Retinal Complications of Diabetes
Macular Traction: Puckers, Holes and Macular Edema
Retinal Degenerations: A New Era in Diagnosis and Therapies
Diabetic Retinopathy Update

Speakers:
David Telander, MD
David Yang, OD
Randy McPherran, OD

We would like to locate some sponsors and are talking with the Humboldt OS on possibly sharing costs in some manner. FYI, the annual John McGreal insurance presentation in Sac is due for the 30th of Jan.

Please check your emails or this blog for further information.

We Are Now on Facebook

2010-01-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

If you have a Facebook account become our friend!!! In your account, search for 'Golden Empire' and add as a friend

2010 House of Delegate News

2009-12-11T11:15:00.000-08:00

Golden Empire Optometric Society is submitting a proposal to the House of Delegates, concerning society representation and block voting by COA delegates at AOA meetings.

Contact Person: Tom Flynn
Phone: 530-865-2390

Lions Needs Doctor Volunteers

2009-11-30T11:14:00.000-08:00

Lions District 4-C1 is solicitiong volunteer doctors to work with them in Sajn Luis Potosi, Mexico in a vision clinic.

Date: May 20-23, 2010

Contact Person: Joe Hinton - Phone 530-934-7640

GEOS Board Certification Survey

2009-11-11T11:26:00.001-08:00

GEOS members polled about Board Certification:
In August our society members were asked their opinion on board certification.
The results were:

For: 6 (17%)
Against: 26 (74%)
Neutral: 3 (09%)

Call for Delegates and Alternates @ HOD

2009-11-11T11:21:00.000-08:00

2010 COA House of Delegates
January 29-30,
2010
Ontario Airport Marriott
2200 E. Holt Boulevard, Ontario,
CA 91761

If you are interested in becoming a delegate or alternate, call Dave Clarke, Phone 530-899-3939

Reminder : Monterey Symposium this month

2009-11-11T11:18:00.000-08:00

Monterey Symposium
November 20-22, 2009
Monterey Conference Ctr and Marriott Hotel
Monterey, Ca

2009-10-05T21:45:00.001-07:00

Optometrist - Ophthalmologist needed for the Panama

Medical/Dental Mission
January 30th (Sat) - February 7th (Sun)

http://fdoamerica.org/mission_panama.htm

Please check out our website and if you can come with us to Panama in January 2010... Contact Dr. Kenny Kligman DDS (Team Leader) at kdklig@bellsouth.net

Dr. Allan M. Gathercoal DD
President
Flying Doctors of America

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness," Mark Twain

Practice for Sale in Chico

2009-10-05T20:08:00.000-07:00

27 year old practice for sale, start up, 2100 sq ft office, one lane,
three exam rooms, beautiful dispensary, busy corner in Chico CA, 1 mile to
CSU Chico, $25,000, low rent, flexible lease, possible owner financing.
Contact:
Greg Jenkins,O.D. 530-895-3123 or email: drj@saber.net

Board Certification Survey

2009-06-01T16:02:00.000-07:00

The following board certification survey was apparently sent to some but not all members of GEOS. If you have not been emailed would and like your opinions heard, register and log your answers to the questions by 5th of June.

Link ===> http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2ity8zzfv5iqhqa/a01g9fvfrnpam/questions

Posted J. McDonald

VSP New Contact Lens Policy Effective 1 July 2009

2009-05-14T14:17:00.000-07:00

VSP Panel Doctors

VSP is changing their contact lens fitting policy.
If a patient is classified as easy to fit, doctors will accept reduced payment.
To review these changes, click on the following link.

https://doctor.vsp.com/vspdctr/pdf/Program.Overview.FD.pdf

Updates: Medi-cal and Glaucoma certification

2009-05-07T08:25:00.000-07:00

Medi-cal:
As I'm sure you already know, after July 1 optometrists will not be able to bill for any Medi-cal services for patients over 21. This is not just a proposal, it will happen. This means routine eye care, glasses, and medical visits. Under Medi-cal definition optometrists are "other health care providers" whereas ophthalmologists are physicians so ophthalmologists will still be able to bill for services. It is my understanding that Medi-cal will still pick up the co-pay on medi-medi patients. This issue can be reviewed again in 18 months, however considering the state's current budget crisis it is unlikely that there will be any changes in the near future.

Glaucoma Certification:
The issue of certification went to a 3 OD and 3MD committee to come up with a recommendation and not surprisingly no agreement was reached. It then went to an independent consultant who is currently drafting a report that should be done towards the end of summer. The consultant, I was told, is an optometrist so we should be getting a favorable recommendation.

Optometric Board Certification

2009-05-06T21:55:00.000-07:00

For more information on the current status of board certification, click on these links:

http://www.aoa.org/x12522.xml

http://www.aoa.org/JBCPT.xml

Q & A with VSP from the CE meeting

2009-05-06T11:51:00.000-07:00

The following are some questions GEOS members asked Stephenie Kirschbaum in our March CE meeting: If any further questions about VSP changes or subjects related, please call the following numbers:

Stephenie Kirschbaum
(800)852-7600 x 9514 or
(530)477-5556 home or
(530)273-3190 office.

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES

Q: When doctors who are on other panels (in addition to VSP) decide to terminate their membership with that vision plan (EyeMed, MES, etc.) can they send a letter to patients on that plan to notify them and retain them even though the doctor no longer accepts that particular plan? Perhaps doctors can come together to strategize/write a letter that can be sent to the patients on “other” plans, so doctors can have more potential to keep or re-capture the patients, especially when the patient can once again have VSP coverage.

R: Absolutely doctors may send letters to their patients explaining the plans on which they participate and why and that the patient is always welcome to stay with you, their personal, private practitioner.

Q: “VSP On-line” took forever to fin d RNP reimbursement for check reconciliation; it was under a different name, the company name, and a staff member helped him find it. “Please keep it simple.”

R: Perhaps try finding the RNP information in the “Select Network Manual.”

Q: Regarding Eye seek and not getting information on-line/ feedback. Responses depend on what information is listed.

R: Eye seek is only for posting O.D. positions; if a doctor is posting for staff, it will be deleted. Please contact Dana Beards at VSP if you are havin g trouble getting feedback for an O.D. opportunity

Q: Confusion exists regarding coverage for plano sunglasses. Are non-prescription sunglasses ever covered?

R: A patient is covered for plano sunglasses only if: their plan allows it (listed as a “covered” option on their authorization) or the patient has had refractive surgery (not to include cataract surgery) LASIK or PRK. The patient may receive materials as long as they are covered for “Frame – Yes.”

Q: Coordination of Benefits: “Why can’t we use the highest exam coverage benefit as primary if it’s the spouse’s coverage?”

R: You can use the higher exam benefit if you don’t coordinate. When you coordinate, then we must follow industry guidelines for who is primary.

Q: Can VSP put together a comparison “grid” or list for patients showing what they’re getting (or NOT getting) with other plans?

R: Check the “Edge” on VSP on-line; we previously had a one-page flier that was on “myths” that was available on-line. A lot of the information presented at the March 21^st meeting can be found on “the Edge” site o n-line. Personally, I feel most patients would want to know the goals and intentions of their vision insurance provider and try to do their part to obtain the best coverage possible.

Q: Individual Plans ~ does VSP want to sell these? Doctors have noticed some “resistance” when contacting VSP about the individual plans.

R: Just FYI, most of the consultants/customer service folks at VSP aren’t as knowledgeable about this topic. In order to get more information, you can always call me &/or:

· Go to VSP on-line

=C 2 On the left hand side there is a heading “Plans and Programs”

· Select “Individual Plans”

· Towards to bottom there is an area: “Order promotional materials for your practice.” There are several types of materials available.

New Optometry Program Recruiting Faculty

2009-04-17T14:12:00.000-07:00

Western University Optometry

Hiring new faculty for the new optometry school.

Accreditaion Status (from WU web site)

Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE)Schools and Colleges of Optometry in the United States are accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE). The Accreditation Council on Optometric Education services the public by establishing, maintaining, and applying standards to ensure the academic quality and continuous improvement of optometric education that reflect the evolving practice of optometry. The scope of the ACOE encompasses professional optometric degree (O.D.) programs, post-graduate optometric residencies, and optometric technician programs.
The College of Optometry was granted the pre-accreditation classification of "Preliminary Approval" by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education on February 15, 2008. "Preliminary Approval" is granted to a professional optometric degree program that has clearly demonstrated it is developing in accordance with Council standards. The program has approval to begin student recruitment, selection and admissions, and to begin offering the program. The pre-accreditation classification of preliminary approval is the only classification available to a new professional optometric degree program, since the ACOE will not grant the accreditation classifications of "Accredited" or "Accredited with Conditions" until the program is fully operational (i.e. nearing the end of its fourth year of implementation.)

Medical Billing Help

2009-03-22T06:50:00.000-07:00

Looking for medical billing that will match the right procedure and diagnosis codes? And get paid? Dr's Micheal Young and Dennis Day use this in their practice and think it is a great help.
.

6 Hours CE - 21 March 2009

2009-03-20T11:50:00.000-07:00

Golden Empire Optometric Society
What: 6 Hours of CE @ Chico State University with
Wesley Ota, OD and Andrew Mick, OD

Topics:

Vitreous Friend or Foe (1 hr)
Central Corneal Thickness Bio-mechanics, Hysteresis, Risk Factor Calculations (1hr)
Ocular Manifestations of System Disease Cases (1hr)
Transient Visual Loss (1.5 hrs)
Examination of the Pupils (1.5 hrs)

Buffet Lunch Catered by University

When: Saturday March 21st -
Time: Check in 7:30 am Lecture 8:00 am
Address:

Bell Memorial Union / CSU 400 West 1st Street - Parking across street
Map of CSU Central campus
Location of Bell Memorial Unionhttp://www.csuchico.edu/community/map/westcentral.html

Reservations:

The charge for non-members:

$120 for 6 hours with lunch
$80 for 3 hours with lunch

The charge for GEOS members:

$45 for 6 hours with lunch
$30 for 3 hours with lunch

For reservations, Send Checks to:

David Bradley, OD
Treasurer GEOS
747 Plumas St
Yuba City, CA 95991
Sorry the society is unable to process C CardsCan't make up your mind?

CE close to where I live
Nationally recognized speakers
CE for less then $8.00/CE with lunch included
Don't have to drive to the Bay Area or Sacramento
Don't have to stay the night
Can sign up for only 3 hours and visit Chico in the afternoon

For Information Call 530-891-1119
*

Questions about October CE

2009-02-13T10:21:00.001-08:00

Questions about the CE from the Chico meeting at Univ of Phoenix should be forwarded to:
Tom Roush @ Zeiss
Email - t.roush@meditec.zeiss.com

House of Delegates - Some Key Issues

2009-02-04T11:13:00.000-08:00

With the expansion of scope passed this year, the HOD was very mellow and full of SB 1406 celebration. If you were to subtract 40 years, it is as close as tie and sport coat clad optometrists can come to emulating 'Woodstock'. However, some important points were discussed.

1. Board Certification is again being discussed by the AOA. The thought is that if Optometry is not 'at the table, it will be on the menu' -- Meaning that it looks like board certification will be a requirement by Ins. and Govt. in the future. If we (optometrists) do not have anything in place when this happens, it will be dictated by other groups. --- (Read groups not friendly to optometry) A outline has been sent around. It is being reviewed by the COA board. ---- Stay tuned.

2. The reserve fund (approx $1.2M) that is strictly defined in how it could be used and invested, will stay that way for this year. A resolution to drop requirements was tabled and sent back to the board after members voiced concerns. The members recommended that the board be very specific in how they would change management of the fund. Secondly that when presented next session, the words ' you can trust us' not be used.

3. For Doctors wondering about the Glaucoma rules, that will be determined in the next few months when the Dept of Consumer affairs begins proceedings. I talked to Lee Goldstein, OD who is on the board. Ability of OD's to satisfy the requirement of 50 Glc cases will be addressed.

John McDonald

World Glaucoma Congress

2009-02-02T04:35:00.001-08:00

VisionMonday > U.S. Supreme Court Declines to Hear VSP’s Tax-Exemption Case

2009-01-31T07:35:00.001-08:00

VisionMonday > U.S. Supreme Court Declines to Hear VSP’s Tax-Exemption Case

Posted using ShareThis

VisionMonday > Carl Zeiss Vision Announces Partnership With Bollé

2009-01-31T07:34:00.001-08:00

VisionMonday > Carl Zeiss Vision Announces Partnership With Bollé

Posted using ShareThis

FDA Approves Latisse

2009-01-28T12:46:00.001-08:00

OD Needed for Maternity Leave

2009-01-27T20:30:00.001-08:00

Kristi Davis @ Burney is in need for an OD to help cover maternity leave in June and July of this year. If any society docs know or could help out, please contact her.

Kristi Davis OD
37333 State Hwy. 299E
Burney CA 96013

Office: 530-335-2233
Fax: 530-335-3933
Cell: 530-515-5399

email: drdavis@kristidavisod.com

web: www.kristidavisod.com

Best wishes from GEOS to Kristi and family!!!!!!!!

VisionMonday > Alcon Only Eyecare Firm on Fortune’s ‘Best Companies to Work For’ List

2009-01-26T13:10:00.001-08:00

VisionMonday > Alcon Only Eyecare Firm on Fortune’s ‘Best Companies to Work For’ List

Posted using ShareThis

CA Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons

2009-01-17T21:17:00.000-08:00

CA Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons view of SB 1406

Opto West on UTube

2009-01-12T11:27:00.000-08:00

Opto West Coming in April

2009-01-12T08:32:00.000-08:00

Abbott to Aquire AMO

2009-01-12T08:30:00.001-08:00

Adjustable Glasses for World's Poor

2009-01-12T08:19:00.000-08:00

Board Meeting

2008-12-18T21:31:00.000-08:00

Summary of GEOS Board Meeting Teleconference held Wed 17 Dec 08

CE will be held in Chico, 28 Feb 08.
Speakers: Dr's Wes Ota and Andrew Mick reserved from 8-12 noon. We are currently arranging for 4 extra hours of CE in the afternoon. This will be announced as soon as final details are in place.
Location: TBD
Cost: NC for GEOS members, for morning session.

Next board meeting: 14 Jan 7:00pm teleconference
Next general meeting: 28 Feb 12:00-1:30 between CE presentations at lunch

CA Republicans + CA Democrats = Medi Cal Deadlock

2008-12-18T21:08:00.000-08:00

Where Medi-Cal adult optometric and optical benefits are concerned, it's been a bad news/good news week.

On Monday, both the Assembly and Senate Republican Caucuses released a summary budget deficit reduction plan that included selective elimination of Medi-Cal "optional" services - "including optometry and psychology." Though we haven't seen specific legislative language, our advocates tell us that "optional" adult dental services - which account for over 90% of optional benefit expenditures - were spared. You can view the GOP plan summary here.

This afternoon, both the Assembly and Senate passed by majority vote a package of bills that, if signed by Gov. Schwarzenegger, will reduce the current-year/outyear budget deficit (currently estimated at over $40 billion, and growing as revenues decline) by $18 billion. A summary of the deficit-reduction package, sponsored by the Legislature's Democratic Caucuses, is attached. Based on what we've learned, this proposal spares Medi-Cal optional services from any additional reductions or elimination. Its fate is uncertain at this moment since the Governor has not taken a position on the package, as passed. All bills must be enacted for the majority-vote strategy to succeed, according to an opinion of the state's Legislative Counsel holding that provisions of Article XIII of the California Constitution added by 1978's Prop. 13 require "revenue neutrality." Several "pro-taxpayer" groups have stated that they will file suit to overturn the package if it is enacted. After taking action, both houses adjourned the emergency budget session declared by Governor Schwarzenegger on November 5.

The lesson here is that we can never relax in our resolve to protect Medi-Cal optometric and optical services from elimination, especially in these post-term-limits and weak economic times. Please click here to tailor and fax a letter to your Assemblymember and Senator renewing your opposition to cutting or eliminating these essential services; this is especially important if either or both of them are freshmen or Republicans. Better yet, please also starting making plans now to visit with them in their District offices next month to educate them personally about their value. Should you need any assistance with that, send a request to Julie Andrade, COA's External Affairs Coordinator, at jandrade@coavision.org.

Please accept my personal wishes for a happy holiday season for you and those dear to you.

Sincerely,

David Redman, O.D.
COA President

SUMMARY – MAJORITY-VOTE DEFICIT REDUCTION PROPOSAL
As Passed by Assembly and Senate December 18, 2008

REVENUES
· Eliminates gasoline sales and excise taxes used for transportation purposes and replaces those taxes with a mix of taxes (sales, oil severance and personal income surcharge) that will be used to bolster the General Fund. Estimated additional revenue: $5.7 billion General Fund.
· Institutes a “user fee” of 39 cents for gasoline consumption. The new fee would increase the amount of funds for the state highway account by $500 million annually and for local streets and roads by $643 million annually. The fee will be indexed to adjust for inflation. Because it is a user fee, the revenues must be used for transportation purposes.
· Reworks the “triple flip” enacted in 2004. The “triple flip” increased the state sales tax by a quarter cent, reduced local sales tax by a quarter cent, and shifted property taxes from schools to local governments to make up for loss in local sales tax money. The state General Fund backfilled schools for the loss of property tax money.
· Ends the local quarter cent local sales tax reduction, eliminating the need to shift property tax from schools to local governments, thereby ending the general fund obligation to backfill school funding. Estimated additional revenue: $1.5 billion General Fund.
· Establishes new 3 percent income tax withholding requirements for independent contractors. Requires businesses to withhold 3 percent of payments to independent contractors exceeding $600 annually, relieving businesses from having to file 1099 forms. Estimated additional revenue: $2 billion General Fund for 2009-10 budget year.
EXPENDITURES
Education:
· Reduces Proposition 98 spending in the current budget year by $2.5 billion level as proposed by the Governor. (Majority reductions do not follow the Governor's proposal to cut school district revenue limits, but instead targets specific programs that mitigate direct impacts on classroom instruction.)
· Adopts a variation of the Legislative Analyst's proposal to count a portion of current year spending as "settle-up" dollars rather than Proposition 98 dollars. Does not reduce current year education spending, but does provide additional Proposition 98 flexibility in the current budget year.
· Adopts the Governor's proposal to cut $132 million from the University of California and the California State University systems.
Health and Human Services:
· Proposes no new cuts or suspension of Medi-Cal optional services for the current or 2009-10 budget over current law – 10% through February 29, 2008 (possibly suspended by ILC v. Shewry injunction) and 1% thereafter.
· Reduces SSI/SSP grants in 2009 to the 2008 level and suspends the budget year state Cost of Living Allowance (COLA). Estimated savings: $177 million in the current year and $500 million in 2009-10 budget year. (State's neediest elderly and disabled individuals will lose more than $700 per year – couples more than $1,300).
· Suspends the budget year CalWORKS COLA to save about $100 million.
· Reduces, by three percent, certain payments for services delivered to individuals with developmental disabilities for the period from December 1, 2008 to June 30, 2010, as proposed by the Governor. Estimated savings: $26 million General Fund for 2008-09 and $60 million in 2009-10.
· Reduces the Regional Center Operations’ budget by $3 million General Fund in 2008-09 and $12.2 million in 2009-10 by suspending certain case management ratios and administrative requirements.
Local Government:
· Approves the Governor's proposal to eliminate General Fund support for various local law enforcement programs. Estimated savings: $189 million in the current year and $500 million in 2009-10 budget year. Reallocates Vehicle License Fee revenues - $92 million current year and $359 million 2009-10 budget year – to support these local programs.
· Approves the Governor's proposal to eliminate the $34.7 million Williamson Act backfill to counties. This does not, however, make any changes to the underlying program to preserve agricultural land.
· Transportation:

Reduces annual funding for State Transit Assistance (STA) program. Estimated savings: $156 million. The Governor had proposed to eliminate the program entirely.
· Shifts eligible Motor Vehicle Account funds and Tribal Compact revenues to the General Fund. Estimated savings: $185 million.
Other Actions:
· Achieves $91 million in solutions from the Judicial Branch with a Reduces the 2008-09 COLA for state trial courts and authorizes a one-time transfer from the Trial Court Improvement Fund to the General Fund. Estimated revenues: $91 million General Fund.
· Eliminates funding for the gang initiative and various other programs. Estimated savings: $30 million.
· Reduces funding for employee compensation with actual savings to be negotiated through the collective bargaining process. Estimated savings: $240 million in the current year and $417 million in 2009-10 budget year.
ECONOMIC STIMULUS
Accelerates the availability of approximately $3 billion in public works infrastructure bond funds for “ready-to-go” infrastructure projects – streets and roads, public transit, housing sites, parks, levees, water quality, and “green” projects. Estimated economic impact: 45,000 high-wage private sector jobs.

VSP Questions Answered

2008-12-01T20:38:00.000-08:00

The last board meeting the following questions were asked about VSP billing.
Jennifer Ong, OD (Board Member COA) was emailed the following.

Questions

Negative reimbursement for polycarb lenses concerning Healthy Families
Is VSP going to open provider panel to commercial optometry to increase exposure of their new Marchon line
Are diabetic exams reimbursable under VSP?

Answers (via email to Dr Ong)

Thanks for your e-mail and fax. VSP was closed for Thanksgiving. So, I didn't get some details regarding your questions until this morning. Let me answer them to the best of my ability:

1) This question requires some specific information from the doctor in question. When you say "Healthy Families", I assume you mean a RNP or Value plan. If the doctor can confirm the specific plan coverage, that would be helpful.
I will also need a copy of the doctor's EOB (Explanation of Benefits) from VSP as well as a copy of their lab bill. VSP will then contact the doctor directly, on a case by case basis.

I have fielded a couple of these concerns in the past. They both posted profits for the doctor, once calculated correctly. The two most common miscalculations in these cases have been as follows:

a) The doctor forgets to collect or calculate appropriate co-payments in their profit/loss analysis
b) The doctor does not utilize a laboratory from the list of VSP labs that have agreed to provide these lenses at the discounted pre-negotiated rate

If you send me the requested information, I will be happy to forward the information to the appropriate VSP representative.

2) No, there is no intention to change the requirements for becoming a panel doctor as a result of the Marchon acquistion. The purchase of Marchon is a vertical integration strategy to strengthen VSP's position in the marketplace and provide a greater benefit to it's network doctors and clients.

3) I'm not 100% sure how you are defining a "diabetic retinopathy exam"? VSP already follows the AOA guidelines of practice for diabetics. This requires an annual dilated fundus exam. If a dilation is not performed during the annual wellness visit for a VSP patient, then it should be documented where this dilation is taking place (ie: with an OMD). If you mean additional visits for more frequent checks, or additional services such as fundus photography, then there is an order of billing. Additional medical services should always be billed to the major medical of the insured first. If you are unable to bill the major medical, and the patient has Primary Eyecare (PEC), then PEC can be billed for the additional services. As of January 1st, VSP will be providing Diabetic Eyecare (DEC) - See explanation below. However, this only applies to Type 1 Diabetics and will only be offered in conjunction with Signature VSP plans that don't already have PEC. Does that answer this question? If not, let me know more details.

Hope that helps. If you need further assistance, e-mail is usually the easiest and my cell phone would be next 9925) 872-4221.

(Signed James Winnick)

Also included

Eligibility & Authorization Patients don't need a primary care doctor referral before their first visits. Patients can make appointments or be seen immediately. Check eligibility before providing services. Refer ineligible patients back to their medical primary care doctors. Patients choosing to get services without checking eligibility should sign the Patient Responsibility Statement. It's available on VSPOnline on eyefinity.com. Patients without required primary care doctor referrals should also sign this statement.
Copay A $5 patient copay is required for exams and consultations only.
Coordination of Benefits Coordination of benefits (COB) applies to the payment of medical eyecare benefits when a member is covered under two or more benefit plans. If a member has medical benefits under another plan that you're contracted with, that plan is primary and VSP is secondary. You're responsible for verifying other coverage, as well as billing and collecting from the other carrier(s).
Tamiko Moon
Practice Account Manager
| Provider Relations
| 3333 Quality Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 vsp.com
| P: 916.851.4677 or 800.852.7600 x 4677
| F: 916.858.5330 or 888.877.1254

GEOS Board Meeting

2008-11-17T13:44:00.000-08:00

Teleconference:

Item: House of Delegates - Attendees

Tim Robertson, OD
Dave Clarke, OD
Tom Flynn, OD
John McDonald, OD
Geoff Carlson, OD (Alternate)

Item: New members and recent graduates

Possibilities included contacting new graduates in the area, inviting to events, CE offerings, programs with VSP and COA (keeping new OD's in private practice)

Item: CE event in Jan

Reschedule to Feb Saturday. Discussed having 8 hours with 4 being a lecturer on insurance billing. - Discussion was to contact doctor to see if of further interest to society and if worth the expense involved. Dr David Dennis will check this out. Still plan to have 4 hours of non practice management. Randy McPherran, OD is in charge of this portion.

Item: VSP reimbursement

Tom Flynn, OD - Page Yarwood to contact VSP

Item: Questions about 1407

Jennifer Ong, OD - Answered and forwarded information.

Item: Next meeting

Tentatively set for 17 Dec 7:00

Specific Information on SB 1406 for ancient OD's

2008-10-23T19:47:00.000-07:00

The new bill has many OD's asking questions about what it means for them. An example is glaucoma. ---- Do we have to still see 50 patients. --- The answer is no. To check on this and other questions you might have, click on this link.

http://www.my-eyedoc.com/senate_bill_1406.php

Contact Lens Solutions

2008-10-15T17:46:00.000-07:00

The following link shows the various solutions, contact brand solutions and their effect on the eye. It is a real 'eye opening' chart with photos showing the effects on individual eyes.

The Staining Grid

From presentation by Mark Andre, Associate Professor, Pacific University

COA Alert - New Medicare Update

2008-10-10T11:39:00.000-07:00

Are you Having Problems with Palmetto?

Contact CMS by emailing Lolita Jacobe at:

Lolita.Jacobe@cms.hhs.gov

or call her at (415)744-3531

Copy of Fax 10 Oct 2008

Eyefinity - eWeb - Starting this month, to play, you have to pay

2008-10-05T19:03:00.000-07:00

Empowering the Private Eyecare Practice

Summary:

Starting this month, the basic free web page seen by patients with VSP coverage looking for a doctor online will be eliminated. Doctors who elect to have a web link, will now be required to pay from $239.88/yr or 24.95 /mo.
If you already have a website independent of Eyefinity/VSP, you will be able to hyperlink through the Eyefinity/VSP website described above. You will not be allowed a direct link of your independent website to the Eyefinity/VSP website.
If you elect not to purchase, your name will continue to be listed under the view more info link.
For the full text of the letter see below.

September 26, 2008

Eyefinity
Empowering the Private Eyecare Practice

Subject: Important News About Your "eWeb" Website on the VSP doctor directory

Dear Doctor:

For the past several years, Eyefinity has provided free websites to promote your practice on the Internet. These websites are known as "eWeb" and have a URL including Eyefinity (i.e., eyefinity.comlDrSheldonsEyeCareCenter) and are accessible on the VSP doctor directory.

Currently you have an eWeb website. I am writing to inform you that the free eWeb websites will no longer be available or accessible. In addition, your eWeb link will be removed from the VSP doctor directory. V-. Your practice will still be listed on vsp.com and you will still have a View More Info link in the VSP directory listing that contains similar information found on your eWeb website. However, your actual eWeb website will be removed from the Internet.

I am also taking this opportunity to introduce you to Eyefinity's business solution called eWeb Extra, which enables you to build your own tailored website with your very own web domain name (i.e., www.drsheldon.com), using ready-designed templates that make it easy for you to maintain your own website without having to hire a graphic designer. An eWeb Extra website provides many competitive benefits not available on the eWeb basic websites.

We are extending a special promotion to our current eWeb customers: When you sign up for an eWeb Extra website for one year, we'll waive the registration fee - a $99 value - and if you pre-pay the annual fee you'll pay only $19.99 per month for the first year - a savings of $159. The regular price is $24.99 per month. We'll also include one hour of free consultation with our Web Design team to walk you through the steps of building your own eWeb Extra website. We will obtain and register your website domain name with local search engines and we'll update the VSP Provider Directory for you with your new eWeb Extra site. We also encourage you to enroll in our free webinar on How to Market Your Practice With eWeb Extra. Over 300,000 patients a month visit vsp.com searching for eyecare practices - we want to make sure they find you.

We will begin to phase out the eWeb basic websites in your region in October 2008. Your Eyefinity Account Manager will work with your practice to help explain the phase-out and to thoroughly review all available options with you, including how to sign up for an eWeb Extra website.

If you'd like to register for eWeb Extra now, you can easily do so by logging on to your account at eyefinity.com and selecting the eWeb tab. Feel free to contact an Eyefinity Account Manager at 877-4480707, Option 2, or via email at InformationandTraining@eyefinity.com if you'd like assistance in registering or need additional information.

We value you as an Eyefinity client, and we look forward to working with you through this transition.

Sincerely,

Steve Baker President

10875 International Drive, Suite 200 * Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

www.eyefinity.com

Corporate: 877-481-4455 Customer Care: 877-448-0707 Fax: 877-790-8162

Freebe from AOA and Kemin Health

2008-10-05T18:41:00.000-07:00

This 'Recommended Nutrients for Healthy Eyes' is available in 50 sheet pads free with an email to:

publicrelations@aoa.org

Include: Name / AOA Number / Practice name / Street address

For full text, see below

American Optometric Association

243 N. Lindbergh Blvd., Floor 1 • St. Louis, MO 63141 ®
September, 2008

Dear AOA Member:

Consumers are becoming more and more interested in nutrition and eye health information. Much of this information has resided on the AOA Web site, and has maintained steady traffic for several years. With the growing body of evidence supporting nutrients' role in maintaining healthy eyes*, the need for chair side materials for use with patients has grown.

We are pleased to provide a sample of a new patient-education piece, "Recommended Nutrients for Healthy Eyes," made possible by a generous educational grant from Kemin Health.

The recommended intake of the essential nutrients of Lutein/Zeaxanthin, DHA/EPA, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Copper and Zinc are discussed, as well as the role these 'eye-friendly nutrients,' can play in reducing the risk of certain eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataract formation. This enclosed resource is just another way to help you increase your patients' awareness of nutrition's role in maintaining healthy vision. In addition, the nutrient piece is a great complement to the "Eye Disease Awareness & Management" kits introduced last year.

To complement the nutrient piece and support your efforts in community outreach, a new PowerPoint presentation is also available for your use. The presentation is designed to be used with any interested consumer groups, at senior centers, health fairs, or other speaking engagements. The presentation may be requested via e-mail, or on CD.

To obtain additional supplies (they are available free of charge in quantities of 50 sheets per pad), simply send an e-mail to publicrelations@aoa.org. Include your name, AOA member number, practice name, and street address for shipping.

Sincerely,

James K. Kirchner, O.D.
Chair, Communications Group Executive Committee

*The Veterans LAST study (Lutein Antioxidant Supplementation Trial), 2004 The Age-Related Eye Disease Study, 2001

Metropolitan D.C. Office: 1505 Prince Street • Alexandria, VA 22314 • (703) 739-9200 • FAX: (703) 739-9497

www.aoa.org

CMS reverses course / & / VSP Survey on Young Children

2008-10-01T21:14:00.000-07:00

From AOA Newsletter 22 Sept 08
Will need user name and password
CMS Reverse Course

VSP Survey on Young Children

Western University - College of Optometry

2008-10-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

For those curious about the status of the new optometry school, Click on the following links:

Western University College of Optometry
Accrediation Council on Optometric Education
Background - 2006 Review of Optometry article

GOVERNOR SIGNS COA-SPONSORED MENU-LABELING BILL

2008-10-01T08:12:00.000-07:00

I’m pleased to report that at 11:50 this morning Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Senate Bill 1420, authored by Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) and co-sponsored by COA.

When it takes full effect next January 1, 2011, California will become the first state in the nation to require chain restaurants with more than 20 outlets to post nutritional information on their menu boards, to assist their customers in making healthy choices. A copy of our press release is attached, which goes into more detail.

This effort began in late 2006 when Sen. Padilla approached COA and asked us to co-sponsor his first measure, SB 120. Your Legislation and Regulation Committee discussed his request and decided that working with key public health sponsors – the California Center for Public Health Advocacy; the American Cancer Society; our traditional coalition partner, the California Chapter of the American Diabetes Association; and a number of patient advocacy groups – on this effort to combat obesity was an opportunity to reinforce optometrists’ roles as primary care eye providers, working on the front lines to prevent and manage diabetes, resulting eye diseases and blindness. That first measure was strongly opposed by the restaurant industry and was vetoed by the Governor last October. Sen. Padilla persisted and reintroduced the measure, and supporters and opponents reached a workable compromise in August.

Sean South, our Senior Health Community & Regulatory Advocate, deserves our congratulations and thanks for ramrodding this successful effort for us, over and above his normal public-health and scope-related coalition-building duties. Way to go, Sean!

2008 has been a good year for our efforts to increase awareness of what California Doctors of Optometry do every day to fight disabling and fatal eye-related diseases. I’m proud, and you should be, too.

Sincerely,

David Redman, O.D.
COA President

2008-09-29T18:48:00.000-07:00

You are cordially invited to attend

“Oculoplastics Update”
*Dan Lensink, MD*

“New Imagery Technologies and Techniques”
*Isaac Barthelow, MD*

Plus :
Opportunity for Q & A about the recent merger of VSP & Marchon
with Stephanie Kirschbaum, OD District Representative with VSP

University of Phoenix

500 Orient St # 100
Chico, CA 95928

Tuesday – October 14, 2008

Reception: 6:30 PM: Entrees will be served
Presentation: 7:00 PM

For more information call (530) 891-1119

2 Hour(s) of COPE CE applied for and pending

Financial support from proprietary organizations:
a) Instructors and administrators must disclose any financial interestor other relationship with a manufacturer, vendor, or distributor of anycommercial products or services related to the practice of optometry.
b) Courses presented on behalf of a proprietary entity whichspecifically promotes one or more products of that company, will not beapproved.
c) Proprietary entities must have no control over course development orpresentation.

Supported by: Zeiss and VSP, Inc.

VSP division Altair focuses on eyewear design 9/28/2008

2008-09-28T18:12:00.000-07:00

Sacramento Bee article published 9/28/2008

http://www.sacbee.com/103/story/1269565.html

Some Thoughts For VSP and our Industry to Consider

2008-09-28T09:21:00.001-07:00

Opinion / Editorial about VSP and the recent merger with Marchon

Some Thoughts For VSP and our Industry to Consider

Posted using ShareThis

SB 1406 Signed by Governor

2008-09-27T15:41:00.000-07:00

Email from David Redmond, OD Pres. COA

I am pleased (and relieved) to tell you that, shortly after 6 PM last night, Governor Schwarzenegger signed our scope expansion bill, Senate Bill 1406 (Correa and Aanestad). It will be chaptered by the Secretary of State and will take effect on January 1, 2009. I'm attaching a document that demonstrates graphically how current law will be changed for the better.

This is the most amazing team effort I've ever been a part of. Thanks go first and foremost to you and all COA members for providing the resources, support, and encouragement that made this victory possible. Our Sacramento team - Assemblyman Ed Hernandez, O.D., his Chief of Staff, Walter Hughes, and Legislative Director, Tim Valderrama; Doctors Duane deCroupet and Lee Goldstein, who form the Legislation and Regulation Committee's Executive Committee, along with me; the other six Committee members; our Board of Trustees; advocates Cliff Berg of Governmental Advocates, Inc., and Terry McHale of Aaron Read & Associates; and Tim Hart, Sean South, and Julie Andrade, COA's GEAD staff - worked tirelessly and executed flawlessly. My deepest thanks to all of you.

We still have work to do. We have many members of the legislative and executive branches of California government to thank and we must begin Phase Two - regulatory implementation of the new glaucoma certification process - soon. I'll be in touch with you again to begin those processes.

For now, though, please enjoy this news as much as I am. Take the weekend off and have a cold one on me.

Sincerely,

David Redman, O.D.
COA President

COA Membership Incentive Program

2008-09-25T15:46:00.000-07:00

BE ONE GET ONE!

Special Member Incentive Program

Get a $50 Amazon.com gift card for every colleague you refer as a member during
membership Awareness Months, September, October, November!

The COA membership committee realizes the key to recruiting prospective members is through our existing membership. To follow in line with this society-directed grassroots approach to membership recruitment the committee had developed the Be One Get One special member incentive program new for 2008!

Here’s how it works!

For each new eligible member you as a COA member recruits during membership awareness months (September/October/November 2008) you will receive a $50 Amazon.com gift card. Prizes will be awarded in January 2009 following the new member submitting their dues.

So while you are undertaking recruitment efforts, make sure the applicant lists YOUR name as the referring member on the application.

Entering is automatic and based on the applications the COA office receives.

Rules:
1) A “qualified” referral means that the new member recruited must be in a COA dues category and/or level that is at least 50% or more of full dues. Some examples include full members who were licensed in 2004 or after, partial practice, clinic, educator and military/federal service member types

* Refer to the Ascending Dues Scale Chart in Section 8-1About Membership Dues of Membership Matters for more info..

2) To be considered eligible for the incentive program, the member’s name must be noted as the referring member on the membership application.

3) COA members may refer new members without regard to their local society affiliation.

4) The Be One Get One recruitment incentive is open to all COA members in good standing.

5) Reinstated members must be a nonmember for a full year or 12 months in order to qualify the referring member for the Be One Get One incentive.

6) Gift cards will be awarded after membership awareness months are completed to allow time for new members to pay their invoices, and for staff to verify eligibility requirements. Where can I get COA membership applications?

! COA Website (www.coavision.org): From the homepage of click on the “Join Now” button, you will be directed to the “Apply for Membership” page, from here you have access to a printable PDF version of the application or you can fill out the complete application and submit it directly online.
! Your Local Society: At your next local society meeting ask one of your local society
officers if they have any hard copies of “How Membership Works for You” the COA membership application brochure.
! Materials Request Form: To request your own supply of membership application brochures visit the member’s only section of the COA website at www.coavision.org and go to the Member Resources section then to the Forms page. From here you can download and print a PDF copy of the Materials Request form. Send the completed form to fax (916) 448-1423 or via e-mail to lisaa@coavision.org.

Don’t forget to list your name as the referring member on the application!

Meredith M. Whiteside, O.D., F.A.A.O.
Chair, Membership Committee
California Optometric Association
ph: (510) 367-7032
fax: (510) 642-2281
e-mail: mwhitesi@berkeley.edu

If you would like hard copies of applications to be mailed to you, COA staff person Jenny Winter can be contacted via e-mail (jwinter@coavision.org) or by calling 800-877-5738.

SB 1406 To Gov. Schwarzenegger's Desk

2008-09-15T11:50:00.000-07:00

WRITE GOV. SCHWARZENEGGER:
ASK HIM TO SIGN SB 1406
Monday, September 15, 2008

Our Senate Bill 1406 is pending engrossment and enrollment and will be delivered to the Governor as soon as he signs a budget. He must act on the bill by midnight Tuesday, September 30. Please compose and send a personal letter on your office letterhead to Governor Schwarzenegger urging him to sign SB 1406 into law as soon as possible.

Attached are specific message points that describe what SB 1406 will do for you and others that have been effective in promoting SB 1406 in the Legislature and with the media. Please feel to work them into your letter as you see fit. Please be concise; your letter should not be more than two pages.
Attached is a sample letter to the Governor to give you a form for composing yours. A personal letter in your own words, based on your practice circumstances and providing real-world examples, is most effective.
Please fax or mail a copy of your letter to:

Julie Andrade, External Affairs Coordinator

California Optometric Association

2415 K St.

Sacramento, CA 95816

FAX: (916) 448-1423

Thank you for your help in getting our bill to the Governor – this is the last hurdle this year!

Sincerely,

David Redman, O.D.
COA President

Key Message Points and Sample Letter

2008-09-15T11:40:00.000-07:00

SENATE BILL 1406 - KEY MESSAGE POINTS * As enrolled, SB 1406 will allow California's 6,000 optometrists to provide better primary vision care to their patients, like their colleagues in 41 other states. If signed into law, California optometrist will be able to: * Treat almost all "garden variety" glaucoma cases that don't require referral to a sub-specialist - exfoliating and pigmentary, as well as primary open-angle glaucoma, and the ability to stabilize angle-closure cases in emergencies before referral for treatment. Optometrists graduating from accredited schools beginning this year can be certified to diagnose, treat, and manage glaucoma - the leading cause of blindness here - without delay. * Become glaucoma certified, if already in practice, if they're willing to meet appropriate standards established by the State Board of Optometry in cooperation with medicine, ophthalmology, and the Department of Consumer Affairs. The current glaucoma certification process needs to be replaced because it's been a failure. Over 75% of currently-licensed optometrists have fulfilled the didactic requirements but have been unable to find an ophthalmologist willing to co-manage cases. As a result, only 130 optometrists have been certified. * Treat ocular inflammation and pain in surgery cases we're co-managing with an ophthalmologist. * Prescribe more oral and topical drugs and other therapies in specified classes to treat eye disease, just like their peers in almost all other states, without having to return to the Legislature every time a newly-approved one comes to market. * Draw blood to test for suspected diabetes, to order a broader array of diagnostic tests, and to order X-rays and other images, in consultation with a physician. * Perform five more routine, nonsurgical procedures for our patients that will improve our ability to diagnose and to resolve patient problems without unnecessary re-referrals that are more expensive and can often involve long delays before being treated. * Use diagnostic laser and ultrasound technologies within their scopes of practice as they now exist and as they become available in the future. * Senate Bill 1406 has no fiscal impact on the state. According to the Senate Floor analysis, there are no significant costs associated with this legislation. * SB 1406 will bring more eye care to more Californians. California Doctors of Optometry provide quality primary healthcare in 54 of 58 counties and in hundreds of cities, towns, and unincorporated areas. * Senate Bill 1406 breaks no new statutory ground-it simply brings California up to speed with the majority of other states-the 41 states where Doctors of Optometry are able to practice consistent with their education and expertise, including the treatment of glaucoma and prescription authority, unlike California. * Our statewide survey of Californians in April found that more than two-thirds of Californians favor expanding the scope of practice for Doctors of Optometry. Nearly three-quarters surveyed said that this expanded scope of practice would help patients in rural and urban communities. * Seven out of ten vision care patients visit an optometrist first and for many, their optometric examination may be their first ever by a medical professional. As primary care specialists, California Doctors of Optometry don't only help with vision problems; they also can detect all eye-related and many other unrelated diseases through a comprehensive eye exam.

Sample Letter:

[YOUR LETTERHEAD] September [DATE], 2008 Hon. Arnold Schwarzenegger Governor, State of California ATTN: Jennifer Kent, Deputy Legislative Secretary State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: SENATE BILL 1406 (CORREA & AANESTAD) Dear Governor Schwarzenegger: I am a licensed Doctor of Optometry in active practice in California and I'm writing to respectfully request that you sign Senate Bill 1406 into law. This bill, sponsored by the California Optometric Association (COA) and co-authored by Senators Lou Correa and Sam Aanestad, passed the Assembly, 74-0, and the Senate, 38-0. It represents an historic compromise among the California Medical Association, the California Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, and COA that will bring more and better eye care to Californians, especially in rural and underserved areas. It deserves your support because it will allow us to: * Become full certified to diagnose, treat, and manage glaucoma - the leading cause of blindness here - without delay. Optometrists graduating from accredited schools beginning this year can be certified immediately. Optometrists already in practice can become glaucoma certified, if they're willing to meet appropriate standards established by the State Board of Optometry in cooperation with medicine, ophthalmology, and the Department of Consumer Affairs. The current glaucoma certification process needs to be replaced because it's been a failure. Over 75% of currently-licensed optometrists have fulfilled the didactic requirements but have been unable to find an ophthalmologist willing to co-manage patient cases. As a result, only 130 optometrists have been certified. [NOTE: Personalize this point to your own certification status and circumstances For example, f you're not currently certified, describe a case you could have treated without referral if you were.] * Treat almost all "garden variety" glaucoma cases that don't require referral to a sub-specialist. We can treat exfoliating and pigmentary, as well as primary open-angle glaucoma, and can stabilize angle-closure cases in emergencies before referral for treatment. [NOTE: Explain how this will benefit your patients.] * Treat ocular inflammation and pain in surgery cases we're comanaging with an ophthalmologist. [NOTE: If you're comanaging surgery cases, explain how this benefits patients.] * Prescribe more oral and topical drugs and other therapies in specified classes to treat eye disease, just like our peers in almost all other states, without having to return to the Legislature every time a newly-approved one comes to market. [NOTE: Provide a case example, such as antiallergens or antibiotics.] * Draw blood to test for suspected diabetes, to order a broader array of diagnostic tests, and to order X-rays and other images, in consultation with a physician. * Perform five more routine, nonsurgical procedures for our patients that will improve our ability to diagnose and to resolve patient problems without unnecessary re-referrals that are more expensive and can often involve long delays before being treated. [NOTE: Provide an appropriate example.] * Use diagnostic laser and ultrasound technologies within our scope of practice as they become available in the future. In short, I'll be able to provide better and broader primary eye care to more patients that I'm now required to refer out unnecessarily, costing them and the system time and resources neither can afford. For these reasons, please sign SB 1406 when it comes to your desk. Feel free to call me at the number given above if you have any questions. Sincerely, [FIRST NAME][LAST NAME], O.D.

Behind the Scenes of SB 1406

2008-09-14T16:57:00.000-07:00

Click this Link 20 Aug 2008 ===> Capital Weekly
Click this Link 21 Aug 2008 ===> Capital Weekly

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VSP Mobile Van Visits Yuba City and Willows

2008-09-14T16:45:00.000-07:00

The VSP Mobile Van made stops in Yuba City (8 Aug) and Willows (9 Aug) Dr Dave Bradley and Dr. Michael Ferretti spearheaded the Yuba City event and Dr Tim Robertson teamed with Marci Torres of the Glenn County Health Center, and Ciara Anderson with the Willows event. Kim Rankin is in charge of the VSP Mobile Van. Their are only two vans in the United States. One based east of the Mississippi river, the other west in Sacramento. Working with VSP, the mobile van provides two fully equipped exam rooms plus single vision or bifocal glasses free of charge. The doctor donates his time for the exams. Patients are selected on the basis of having no insurance, and having little or no income to afford glasses.
A total of 37 patients were provided exams and glasses. Some were referred for further medical consultation at no charge with Dr Jerry Nieswonger, MD.

This is the second time in 2008 the van has visited this area. In January patients were seen in Yuba City and in Chico.
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Transferring Medi-Cal Insurance

2008-09-05T19:36:00.000-07:00

It can be confusing dealing with CA State Medi-Cal insurance when purchasing a practice. Calls to the Medi-Cal office often brings no relief. Tim Robertson, OD has found the following useful link that will save you time without having to ask Medi-Cal questions. It also allows the purchasing doctor to continue Medi-Cal for patients without interruption .

http://files.medi-cal.ca.gov/pubsdoco/newsroom/newsroom_8264.asp

If you are buying a second practice and currently have Medi-Cal in your original office, Tim can show you chapter and verse of Medi-Cal code that allows you to bill through you primary office until the Medi-Cal number is set up in the branch office. (Even the people in the Medi-Cal office were unaware until Tim read it over the phone to them)

GEOS applauds Tim's tenacity. Mark up one for the good guys!!!

VSP Buys Marchon for $735 Million, Creating $3.3-Billion Eyecare Company

2008-08-23T13:02:00.000-07:00

August 2008 Vision Monday Article

VisionMonday > VSP Buys Marchon for $735 Million, Creating $3.3-Billion Eyecare Company

Posted using ShareThis

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Reservations for 9 Sept CE in Redding

2008-08-22T16:41:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

Spots are going quickly. As of today 21 of the 25 places are now reserved for the 9 Sept CE.

Call 530-891-1119 to reserve a place.

John

CE Sponsored by:

Wal-Mart / 1-800 Contacts Partnership

2008-08-22T13:39:00.001-07:00

February 2008 Article in Vision Monday

VisionMo nday > Wal-Mart, 1-800 CONTACTS Deal: Is Opportunity Knocking?

Posted using ShareThis

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VSP Ramps Up Growth With Acquisitions

2008-08-22T13:36:00.001-07:00

July 2008 Vision Monday Article

VisionMonday > VSP Ramps Up Growth With Acquisitions

Posted using ShareThis

VSP Files Official Petition with U.S. Supreme Court on Tax-Exempt Status

2008-08-22T13:35:00.001-07:00

August 2008 Vision Monday Article

VisionMonday > VSP Files Official Petition with U.S. Supreme Court on Tax-Exempt Status

Posted using ShareThis

10% Medi-Cal Cut Blocked

2008-08-19T23:18:00.000-07:00

As your President and a member of the Public Vision League Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce that yesterday Federal District Court Judge Christina A. Snyder granted petitioners' motion for a preliminary injunction to enjoin enforcement of the 10% payment reduction for fee-for-service Medi-Cal providers, including optometrists, pending further proceedings. Her order was published today.

The prospective cut, enacted by the Legislature in emergency session and signed by Governor Schwarzenegger in February, took effect July 1. On May 5 a coalition of providers including COA filed in Los Angeles Superior Court to block the cut in CMA, et al., v. Shewry. The PVL Board authorized an initial payment of $20,000 to support the action. A class of independent pharmacies also filed for an injunction in Sacramento Superior Court. Preliminary injunctions were denied in both those cases, so our coalition turned its attention to Independent Living Centers v. Shewry, filed in Judge Snyder's court in May. She initially denied ILC's motion but the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed and ordered her to reconsider the petitioners' arguments under the federal Supremacy Clause.

Every COA member who takes Medi-Cal patients should join me in thanking the PVL Board for their continuing support of our profession. Special thanks also are due to Drs. Tony Carnevali, Hilary Hawthorne, and Jay Messinger, who filed declarations in the CMA case and who agreed to be intervernors in the ILC case. (Dr. Carnevali is President of the PVL Board and Dr. Hawthorne is a Director. His declaration was cited at page 17 of the court's order.)

Sincerely,

David Redman, O.D.
COA President

Scope Expansion - COA State Legislative Action Center

2008-08-13T18:29:00.000-07:00

Summary from the (email) desk of Page Yarwood - Mailed 08/12/2008

Senate Bill 1406 is out of committee. The following will makes it easier to represent your individual support to you state reps.

To register click on the the title or this => {*} After you register online with a 'Member Login' and 'Password', click on 'State Issues' and you can find information on scope expansion and how to automatically contact your state reps about your support for upcoming legislation.

Redding CE Set

2008-08-13T16:56:00.000-07:00

"Emerging Trends in Contact Lenses"

Date: 9 Sept 2008
Time: 6:00 pm Lecture starts 6:30 pm
Location: CR Gibbs, Redding
Speaker: Mark Andree, Associate Professor Pacific University
Topic: Emerging Trends in Contact Lenses
2 CE Hours
Buffet included - RSVP First 25 People. -
email to reserve space: geos.members@gmail.com

Driving Directions

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Newsletter Link to National Assoc. of Community Heatlh Centers

2008-08-06T21:20:00.000-07:00

Newsletter link for August

=> NACHC <=

Noninations Needed for 2008 COA Awards

2008-08-03T14:45:00.000-07:00

Now Accepting Nominations for 2008 COA Awards!

The deadline for submission of COA awards for 2008 is October 31, 2008. These awards include:

Society of the YearSociety

Project of the YearSociety

Bulletin of the Year

Young Optometrist of the Year

Optometrist of the Year

Paul Yarwood Memorial Award

For your convenience, each of the nomination forms for the various COA awards will be available for download via the 'Members Only' section of the COA website, www.coavision.org Please bear in mind that only one nominee per society may be submitted for Young Optometrist of the Year. Additionally, make note of the fact that local society projects submitted for consideration in 2008 cannot be the same project submitted by your local society in 2007. Please be sure to submit your completed nomination forms to the COA office, attention Michelle Whitlow, Governance Coordinator.

If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact Michelle Whitlow at 800.877.5738, via fax at 916.448.1423, or via e-mail at mwhitlow@coavision.org.

Future Leaders Needed

2008-07-25T09:47:00.001-07:00

COA Leaders Needed!

This is your opportunity as a member of COA to apply for a volunteer position within the association. We would very much appreciate it if you or any interested colleague would complete the "Potential Leadership Questionnaire". If you wish to be a candidate for the COA Board of Trustees, please also complete and return the "Candidate Biographical Summary". Both forms are attached to this email as well as available on the COA website in the 'Members Only' section. Fax these forms back to the COA office by no later than August 8, 2008.

Interviews for candidates will take place on Thursday, September 25, 2008 at the Hyatt Grand Champion Resort in Indian Wells, California. If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please feel free to contact Michelle Whitlow at 800.877.5738 or by e-mail at mwhitlow@coavision.org. Any information submitted to the Nominating Committee will be handled in the strictest confidence. Thank you very much for your assistance.

Thank you,

Michelle

Michelle L. Whitlow

Governance Coordinator & California Vision Foundation Administrator

____________________________

California Optometric Association

mwhitlow@coavision.org

(800) 877-5738 ext.222

(916) 448-1423 fax

Visit COA on the web at www.coavision.org

Visit CVF on the web at www.californiavision.org

Mark your Calendars!

The 2008 COA Presidents' Council and Leadership Conference is scheduled for September 26-27, 2008 in Indian Wells, CA.

VSP Mobile Van To Visit Northern California

2008-07-24T22:15:00.000-07:00

One of the two VSP mobile vans will be visiting the north state.

Yuba City: Friday, Aug 8th
Willows: Saturday, Aug 9th

Area Doctors donate the exam via the VSP van (two exam rooms fully equipped), VSP donates frame and lenses, including bifocals for patients in severe need and having no insurance.

If any doctor would like to volunteer their time please contact:

Dave Bradley - Yuba City - 530-673-8440 W
Tim Robertson - Willows - 530-824-2166 W

FYI/FAQ: To learn more about the VSP mobile van program

Reminder: COA - Monterey Symposium 2008

2008-07-22T17:48:00.000-07:00

On Line registration for Monterey Symposium is now available:

Location: Monterey Conference Center & Monterey Marriott in Monterey, CA

Date: November 14-16, 2008

Contact Person:

Tamalon Littlefield

Phone: 800-877-5738
Email: tamalon@coavision.org

Link: Monterey Symposium

Medicare Bill HR 6331: Cuts Restored

2008-07-21T23:08:00.000-07:00

This link is to the National Association of Community Health Centers Newsletter dated 21 July.
Useful information, with primary focus on funding for CHC.

News on HR Bill 6331

I added a link for NACHC for those with an interest.

Free - Ready for School Promotion Kit Available

2008-07-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

The AOA is offering a free at no charge: '2008 Ready for School Member Community Promotion Kit'. The kit includes:

News Release for local media: 'Undiagnosed Vision Problems Severely Affect Students' Ability to Learn'
Handout for teachers and parents: Understanding the Difference Between Vision Screenings and Vision
Activity sheet for children: 'What I Night Vision? & Word Hunt About Eyes'
Stickers for children: 'Be Wise About Your Eyes'
PD ruler: Healthy Eyes Healthy People

To obtain this kit at no charge e-mail your request to:
publicrelations@aoa.org

-

Local News: Smoke getting in your Eyes?

2008-07-10T14:19:00.000-07:00

Geoffery Carlson, OD of Oroville co-ordinated efforts to get artificial tears for fire-fighters working on the Butte County fires. Artificial tears along with sunscreen and chapstick, are in high demand on fire lines for obvious reasons.

If any local doctors would like to donate, they can directly do so at this address:

CAL Fire Medical Unit
2357 Fair St.
Chico, Ca 95928

If dropping off in person, go directly to the Chico fair grounds entrance and the Medical unit is the trailer on the right.

The GEOS would like to thank:
Gab Johnson from Allergan
Dave Hansen from AMO
Don Doyle from Alcon (donated on a state level)
for their generous donations on behalf of their respective companies.

Medi-Cal Update

2008-07-10T09:28:00.000-07:00

News Update from David Redman, OD COA President 9 July O8

* The Assembly-Senate budget conference committee concluded its work yesterday. Good news: No further Medi-Cal cuts, and "optional" services - optometry and optical included - have again been spared. The Alliance for Patient Care, a multi-organizational provider coalition that includes us, is getting good media traction on harm-to-the-system stories. Bad News: their proposal requires $8.5 billion in additional revenues, guaranteeing continued confrontation over finding the six Assembly and two Senate Republican votes needed to get to two-thirds in each house.
* We just learned today that the Attorney General has filed for further delay in CMA et al. v. Shewry et al., the lawsuit we joined to fight implementation of the July 1 10% Medi-Cal provider payment cuts. We're still optimistic; defendants' first ploy, to remove the case to federal court, didn't succeed, and we're still set for hearing on our motion for a preliminary injunction on July 25.

CA Bill 1406: Letter to Editor

2008-07-10T09:23:00.000-07:00

Extract form Alameda Sun 7/4/2008: Letters to Editor from Jennifer Ong COA Board Member

The 'eyes' have it

Editor:

I am an optometrist in Alameda. I have chosen to practice here despite the fact that California is one of the most restrictive states in the country regarding scope of practice laws, because I love my community. I have been trained to diagnose, treat and manage glaucoma and would be allowed to do so in 41 other states but California won't let me do that. Instead optometrists are required to co-manage patients' glaucoma with an ophthalmologist, which is costly, wastes time and gas. I also have patients who are not so compliant about making another trip to another office (because of work or financial restrictions) and have reservations about establishing trust in a new doctor.

There is hope. California State Senate Bill 1406 would increase access to quality health care to all Californians by allowing doctors of optometry to treat patients to the fullest extent of their education and training. This would make treatment, which we are fully taught to manage in school, finally accessible to California's underserved. This is not setting a new precedent — 41 other states allow optometrists these rights.

California is usually a leader — and it's time for California to step up regarding health care. SB 1406 is not about a power struggle between optometrists and ophthalmologists. It is about access to quality health care, which is the right of all Californians. Every legislator should vote to pass SB 1406, because to vote no is to deny their constituents access to affordable, quality health care.

— Jennifer Ong

Local Membership News

2008-07-03T18:27:00.000-07:00

Three Members of our society have recently retired:

Beth Gilman, OD

Location: Quincy
Member Since: 1982

Greg Gilman, OD

Location: Quincy
Member Since: 1977

Peter Towne, OD

Location: Willows
Member Since: 1961 - Yes that's 47 Years!

The GEOS members wish you the best in your future endeavors!

Scope Expansion News COA: Dated 25 June

2008-07-03T18:20:00.000-07:00

SB 1406 passed Assembly Business and Professions Committee on Monday June 23. The next step is Assembly Appropriations and back to Senate Business and Professions for review of all negotiated changes in the bill since it become a spot bill in April. For those doctors who have not received any updates about the bill from COA, please contact Julie Andrade at COA 800-877-5738 asap.

Upcoming CE GEOS Area

2008-07-03T17:50:00.000-07:00

Sept-2008

2 CE Event
Topic: TBA
Date: Tues Eve
Time: 6:30
Presentation: TBA
Location: Redding
Dinner Provided
Sponsor: Alcon

Jan-2009

4 CE Event
Topics: TBA
Date: Sat Morning
Time: 8:30 am
Location: TBA
Breakfast Burnch Provided
Sponsor: GEOS/TBA

Medicare / Medical Update

2008-07-03T17:45:00.000-07:00

MEDICARE & MEDI-CAL UPDATE
July 1, 2008

For the 1 7th time in the last 20 years, the Legislature and Governor have failed to agree on a state budget by the first day of the fiscal year. Not to be outdone, last week the U.S.Senate failed by two votes to act on an overwhelmingly approved House bill to block the 10.196 reduction in Medicare Part B provider payments, also taking effect today.

The news isn't all bad. Here's a brief update on three fronts, one Medicare and two Medi-Cal:

Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt has frozen existing Medicare reimbursement rates until at least July 10 to hold fee-for-service providers harmless until the Congress returns from its July 4 recess to take another shot at agreement - so, the ax hasn't yet fallen. He's also stated that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services would consider retroactive payment for services if the dispute is not resolved by then.

The Assembly and Senate proposals for the 2008-09 state fiscal year, beginning today, are in conference committee to reconcile differences. The committee is essentially marking time as negotiations among the majority and minority legislative leaders continue. Neither house approved the Governor's request to eliminate "optional" adult optometric and optical services; the Assembly rejected the 10% provider payment reduction, and the Senate reduced it to 5%.

COA is a plaintiff along with 50+ other provider organizations, led by the California Medical Association, to block implementation of the 10% provider payment reduction passed in emergency session in January that takes effect today. After some procedural skirmishing in Los Angeles Superior Court - the Attorney General, representing the Department of Health Care Services, tried to remove the case to federal court, but lost - our counsel expects to file a motion for a temporary restraining order (TRO) that will be heard in the next couple weeks and current-year payments start to come due. (In a similar action filed by independent pharmacies in Sacramento the judge has scheduled a hearing on their motion for a TRO this Thursday. We feel our chances are good on both the facts and the law. (Personal thanks to the Board of the Public Vision League for their generous support and to Drs. Tony Carnevali, Hilary Hawthorne, and Jay Messinger for volunteering to be declarants in the case.)

You'll be hearing from AOA about when to contact your federal legislators to protect Medicare reimbursements and from me when it's time to tell your state representatives and the Governor to do the right thing and protect optometry in Medi-Cal. I urge you to respond to both calls when they're made.
For more information, contact Tim Hart or Sean South at 916-441-3990 or at timh .coavision.org or ssouth@coavision.org

June Society News

2008-06-08T18:31:00.000-07:00

COA Needs Applicants

Leaders Needed!

This is your opportunity as a member of COA to apply for a volunteer position within the association. We would very much appreciate it if you or any interested colleague would complete the “Potential Leadership Questionnaire”. If you wish to be a candidate for the COA Board of Trustees, please also complete and return the “Candidate Biographical Summary”. Both forms are attached to this email as well as available on the COA website in the ‘Members Only’ section. Fax these forms back to the COA office by no later than August 8, 2008.

Thank you,

Michelle

Michelle L. Whitlow

Governance Coordinator & California Vision Foundation Administrator

Medi-Cal Budget Cut News

Friday, May 30, 2008

GOOD NEWS! On two fronts:

Earlier this afternoon, the full Senate Budget Committee and Subcommittee No. 1 on Health & Human Services of the Assembly Budget Committee voted to reject the Governor's May budget revision proposal to eliminate "optional" adult optometric and optical services in FY 2008-09. (Thanks go to Assemblyman Ed Hernandez, a "Sub 1" member, for continuing to champion our cause.) On the 10% provider payment reduction slated to take effect July 1, the two panels split. The Senate committee agreed to cut it in half to 5%, while the Assembly body voted to reject it in its entirety. Once the respective committees' work is concluded, their recommendations will be sent to each floor where they'll be redirected to a six-member conference committee to hash out differences as negotiations continue. In short: We're not home free, but we're alive!
Progress continues on the provider lawsuit to block the 10% cut. COA is one of eight plaintiff provider groups suing the Department of Health Care Services to keep the earlier-enacted 10% claim payment reduction from going into effect on July 1. Acting on DHCS' behalf, the Attorney General has filed to remove the case to federal court. The plaintiff coalition is resisting and has filed a motion for expedited hearing to remand the case to state court, where the action was filed on May 5. If you're interested in participating in the suit as a declarant or have a patient who can demonstrate significant harm if this cut takes effect, please contact Tim Hart at timh@coavision.org or (800) 877-5738, Ext. 227, as soon as possible.

We'll keep you posted on Medi-Cal budget developments and will let you know when to take action.

Thanks for all you do to protect our profession and patients.

Sincerely,

David Redman, O.D.
COA President

GEOS Newsletter

Continuing Education

Public service icon, Peter Towne, dies | towne, willows, city - Willows Journal

COA offers CE at Home

6 Hr CE Event Rescheduled for Feb

We Are Now on Facebook

2010 House of Delegate News

Golden Empire Optometric Society is submitting a proposal to the House of Delegates, concerning society representation and block voting by COA delegates at AOA meetings.Contact Person: Tom FlynnPhone: 530-865-2390

Lions Needs Doctor Volunteers

Lions District 4-C1 is solicitiong volunteer doctors to work with them in Sajn Luis Potosi, Mexico in a vision clinic.Date: May 20-23, 2010Contact Person: Joe Hinton - Phone 530-934-7640

GEOS Board Certification Survey

GEOS members polled about Board Certification:In August our society members were asked their opinion on board certification.The results were:For: 6 (17%)Against: 26 (74%)Neutral: 3 (09%)

Call for Delegates and Alternates @ HOD

2010 COA House of DelegatesJanuary 29-30,2010Ontario Airport Marriott2200 E. Holt Boulevard, Ontario,CA 91761If you are interested in becoming a delegate or alternate, call Dave Clarke, Phone 530-899-3939

Reminder : Monterey Symposium this month

Monterey SymposiumNovember 20-22, 2009Monterey Conference Ctr and Marriott HotelMonterey, Ca

Practice for Sale in Chico

Board Certification Survey

VSP New Contact Lens Policy Effective 1 July 2009

Updates: Medi-cal and Glaucoma certification

Optometric Board Certification

Q & A with VSP from the CE meeting

New Optometry Program Recruiting Faculty

Medical Billing Help

6 Hours CE - 21 March 2009

Questions about October CE

House of Delegates - Some Key Issues

World Glaucoma Congress

VisionMonday > U.S. Supreme Court Declines to Hear VSP’s Tax-Exemption Case

VisionMonday > Carl Zeiss Vision Announces Partnership With Bollé

FDA Approves Latisse

OD Needed for Maternity Leave

VisionMonday > Alcon Only Eyecare Firm on Fortune’s ‘Best Companies to Work For’ List

CA Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons

Opto West on UTube

Opto West Coming in April

Abbott to Aquire AMO

Adjustable Glasses for World's Poor

Board Meeting

CA Republicans + CA Democrats = Medi Cal Deadlock

VSP Questions Answered

GEOS Board Meeting

Specific Information on SB 1406 for ancient OD's

Contact Lens Solutions

COA Alert - New Medicare Update

Eyefinity - eWeb - Starting this month, to play, you have to pay

Freebe from AOA and Kemin Health

CMS reverses course / & / VSP Survey on Young Children

Western University - College of Optometry

GOVERNOR SIGNS COA-SPONSORED MENU-LABELING BILL

VSP division Altair focuses on eyewear design 9/28/2008

Some Thoughts For VSP and our Industry to Consider

SB 1406 Signed by Governor

COA Membership Incentive Program

SB 1406 To Gov. Schwarzenegger's Desk

Key Message Points and Sample Letter

Behind the Scenes of SB 1406

VSP Mobile Van Visits Yuba City and Willows

Transferring Medi-Cal Insurance

VSP Buys Marchon for $735 Million, Creating $3.3-Billion Eyecare Company

Reservations for 9 Sept CE in Redding

Wal-Mart / 1-800 Contacts Partnership

VSP Ramps Up Growth With Acquisitions

VSP Files Official Petition with U.S. Supreme Court on Tax-Exempt Status

10% Medi-Cal Cut Blocked

Scope Expansion - COA State Legislative Action Center

Redding CE Set

Newsletter Link to National Assoc. of Community Heatlh Centers

Noninations Needed for 2008 COA Awards

Future Leaders Needed

VSP Mobile Van To Visit Northern California

Reminder: COA - Monterey Symposium 2008

Medicare Bill HR 6331: Cuts Restored

Free - Ready for School Promotion Kit Available

Local News: Smoke getting in your Eyes?

Medi-Cal Update

CA Bill 1406: Letter to Editor

Local Membership News

Scope Expansion News COA: Dated 25 June

Upcoming CE GEOS Area

Golden Empire Optometric Society is submitting a proposal to the House of Delegates, concerning society representation and block voting by COA delegates at AOA meetings.

Contact Person: Tom Flynn
Phone: 530-865-2390

Lions District 4-C1 is solicitiong volunteer doctors to work with them in Sajn Luis Potosi, Mexico in a vision clinic.

Date: May 20-23, 2010

Contact Person: Joe Hinton - Phone 530-934-7640

GEOS members polled about Board Certification:
In August our society members were asked their opinion on board certification.
The results were:

For: 6 (17%)
Against: 26 (74%)
Neutral: 3 (09%)

2010 COA House of Delegates
January 29-30,
2010
Ontario Airport Marriott
2200 E. Holt Boulevard, Ontario,
CA 91761

If you are interested in becoming a delegate or alternate, call Dave Clarke, Phone 530-899-3939

Monterey Symposium
November 20-22, 2009
Monterey Conference Ctr and Marriott Hotel
Monterey, Ca