January 5, 2016
Interval Scheduling for Prokera
published on January 05, 2016 by
As we all know, by the time many Dry Eye Disease patients make it to us, they are frustrated and looking for symptom relief, particularly those that are chronic and haven’t responded well to conventional therapies.
In my practice, I use Prokera® for those patients that fall into a Dry Eye Severity Level (DEWS) of 3 or 4. For these patients, with severe or in some cases disabling discomfort and visual symptoms, Prokera has proven to be a cutting edge technology that rejuvenates the ocular surface rapidly and helps to improve patients’ quality of life.
Although we as Doctors know Prokera can help our patients, many of them don’t fully understand they have Dry Eye Disease and what the long-term consequences of this can be. Additionally, they may be nervous when they initially hear about the treatment and have questions that first need to be addressed in order for them to be comfortable moving forward. Due to this, as well as many other benefits and efficiencies, I have implemented Interval Scheduling for Prokera where patients are pre-scheduled on a set day of the week.
Similar to a surgical schedule, Interval Scheduling is having one set day of the week, say every Monday, when you schedule your Prokera procedures. A typical day’s schedule may include 5 Prokera patients and 4 eye exams in a 2-hour period. For each Prokera patient, the procedure is performed in the first eye, with treatment typically lasting approximately 4 days. Then after assessing clinical outcomes, the procedure for the second eye would be scheduled and again done on the “set” day of the week. You would then see the patient within 3 months for a Dry Eye follow-up visit.
You may be asking yourself why would I do this type of scheduling? Here are some key reasons:
- Makes Prokera look unique, similar to surgical procedures
- Allows patients time to understand and prepare themselves for the procedure including arranging a ride if needed, adjusting plans after, etc.
- Provides practice efficiencies for you and your staff
- Delivers impressive top and bottom line results and a new revenue stream
- Allows for insurance pre-authorization if needed
We all want the best for our patients and Prokera is truly a novel therapy to treat the cornea in in patients with recalcitrant Dry Eye Disease. Not only is it highly effective, resulting in satisfied and happy patients, it also leads to a recurring patient population as patients will be satisfied and need to be retreated, which will help to build your practice.
David Masihdas, O.D. is a board certified optometric physician and an innovative leader in eye care specializing in diabetic eye conditions as well as Dry Eye, cataracts and glaucoma. He is in practice at Utah Eye Associates in Salt Lake City, is a board member of the Utah Vision Foundation, and is a dedicated member of the Utah Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association.
