Angie's List, RateMDs.com, Aetna Navigator and scores of other sites now rate doctors or, as is the case of Aetna, actually publish doctor's fee schedules. What impact will these sites have on your…
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For the past couple of weeks, I spent some time at the beach near Rockport, Massachusetts, one of my favorite places on earth. I rented a cute little beach house, within a stones…
Dateline: Sometime in the not too distant future: In an effort to continue it's growth against competition from the likes of Highmark and EyeMed, and to further reduce employer costs…
This great article was passed to me by a colleague. It contains an important message for all entrepreneurs and business owners. Enjoy! _____________________________________________ Last week I did something I hadn’t tried since…
In a recent press release, VSP proudly announced that the "individual vision plan" they launched two years ago has now gained more than 25,000 members; that's about one patient for every VSP…
I recently came across this interesting article by Michael Bergdahl, former Director of People for Walmart. While written about competition in the grocery industry, there is much applicable to eyecare. …
From time to time, we all come into contact with individuals who really change our world. I don’t mean something small, I mean BIG TIME! We may not be aware…
From time to time, people ask me "Al, how do you do it…how are you always so energetic and enthusiastic?" Well, the simple answer is that I've made my life…my life. For…
It’s clear that advancing the medical model has been critical to the success of private practice optometry over the past decade. Yet this is not the only opportunity before the…
I remember it like it was yesterday. I can see it in my mind’s eye. I replay the event periodically; the memory always brings with it the warmest of feelings. …
Greetings from New Orleans, where I just finished the first leg of a +/-2000 mile "walk-about" from Dallas to New York. Several times a year, I make it a point to…
In a recent press release, VSP announced the results of a study that indicates that annual eye exams save companies nearly $3 billion each year. That's great and very logical. And…
Just as VSP puts more of a squeeze on your margins, I receive this link from a client. Kinda puts things into perspective. http://www.maniacworld.com/are-you-going-to-finish-strong.html Enjoy…and don't ever feel sorry for…
In a recent letter to VSP providers, VSP says: a) It's a competitive market (duh!) b) They've lost some business to "retail friendly plans" (read EyeMed) c) To compete, they're dictating some changesin reimbursements (ie: you're…
We are more and more becoming a society that blows in the wind of the media. How sad. While I certainly don't want to discount that sickness and death are…
One year ago today I started this blog. My purpose was to provide my readers with observations and opinion arising from what many have told me is a unique perspective…working closely with…
A fellow blogger sent me the following question: What do you hear about VSP opening up their plans to chains and other "types" of practices who they previously didn't…
I'm in Dallas, attending one of our monthly Cleinman Performance Network meetings. During each of our immersion weekends, our members work diligently to address their business issues and identify resolution. …
I'm frequently asked about the importance of branding for professional practices. Does a "brand" matter?" What is a brand? Should we operate under our last name as in Dr. Thomas Jones? …
We’re all leaders; both in our families and our respective enterprises, but also of an industry. Our families, staff, patients and colleagues look to us for guidance, both directly…
