ParaEyes • Page 1 Fall 2015
Fall 2015
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
VERA J KOHLER CPOA
PPA held a board meeting on August 8, 2015 in Monroeville, PA. It was a very productive meeting. I would like to thank everyone for attending and for their dedication to Optometry/Paraoptomerty.
The board has been pursuing avenues to update the Para Manual. It is very costly to put on e-reader and the reimbursement for selling a book is very low. The board agreed that it would be more cost effective to put it on a CD, and/or flash drive, and order a few hard copies. The manual will be divided into sections for the update. Our goal is to complete it in 2016.
The meeting was held in conjunction with the POA education on ICD-10 billing. There were over 175 doctors and staff members attending. PPA had an exhibit table at the education. Sarah Owens, CPOC designed a scratch off card. Everyone attending the education received a card and had to bring it to our booth to enter for a drawing of a picture “Famous Eyewear”. It brought a lot of people to our table and gave us the opportunity to educate them on PPA and the education we provide. Great Idea,Thanks Sarah!!!
We are looking forward to our next education in November which will be held at the Hershey Lodge, Hershey, Pa.
Thank you for all your support. Please email PPA or contact us on Face Book with your concerns and ideas.
I hope we have a nice fall because summer was way to short!!!
Yours in Paraoptometry,
Vera Kohler CPOA
Message from the President Elect:
Sarah Owens, CPOC
The year seems to be slipping by so fast, but we must go on, as time waits for no one!
Towards the end of the year, we as your Board; look back on what we accomplished and how we can improve as an association. This past year we focused on how we can grow our membership base and offer an engaging experience for our members. We all agree that we need to keep recruiting willing and able Board and Committee members. I encourage everyone to take a look at what you want from your state association in the next couple of years. If you enjoy working with young people, consider the Girl Scout Committee. Perhaps you are incredibly organized…the Recording Committee is for you! Do you want to be involved in planning the educational conferences? The Continuing Education Board Position gives you that ability! We are actively looking for volunteers to contribute their talents and strengths and help the rest of the PA Paras to be successful in their careers. Please contact myself or any other board member and inquire what it takes to be on the Board, or Committee Member. I urge you all to encourage your coworkers and friends in the field to attend a PA Paraoptometric Association event this upcoming year and see what we are all about!
You can find our contact information on the POA/Paraoptometric Section or ask a question on Facebook.
Message from the Vice President of Continuing Education:
April Stewart, CPO
On November 21, 2015 the Pennsylvania Paraoptometric Association is offering 7 hours of continuing education credits at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey PA. Registration is from 7:00 am – 8:00 am. Cost is $145 for current PPA members for non-members the cost is $185 and this will include your 2016 PPA dues.
Our speaker is:
SHARON CARTER
EYE CARE OPTOMETRIC CONSULTING
Sharon Carter has over 20 years of optometric experience including working in an office as an office manager, sales and training for an optometric software company to consulting for private practices. She started her own consulting company, Eye Care Optometric Consulting (ECOC), in 2001 and personally consults in offices all over the country spreading her team building philosophy. She is very energetic and enthusiastic and for more than 9 years has been speaking and motivating staff at state associational meetings, national and international conferences sharing her company’s philosophy of “provide the best patient care possible and the money will follow.”
Education
INSURANCE FILING/INSURANCE VERIFICATION AND FILING
ABO/CPC/CPOC-2 Hr
Why it is essential to get a system for collecting information from the patient, creating a clean claim, and making sure payment is made correctly and in a timely manner. Each area of the office has a part in the claim process and this course will provide the essential steps for a system that will ensure prompt and accurate insurance filing and payment.
CODING AND BILLING
CPC/CPOC-2 hrs
Insurance is a major source of the practice’s income including both government and private company coverages. Each year stipulations are implemented that require certain components be included in the exam in order to be able to code and bill for the services provided. You will learn in this course the detailed criteria for choosing the proper code and how to build the proper code so that you can receive the payment to which you are entitled while ensuring compliancy and being audit proof
ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS
CPC-1 Hr.
This course will describe the benefits of transitioning to electronic medical recordsThis covers everything from what type computers is best for your office to the transition time line to make sure you keep the practice income the same and become more efficient rather than less efficient and cost the practice revenue.
STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES IN CODING AND BILLING
ABO/Para-1 Hr.
Staff play a major role in the documentation for payment by insurance companies. It is very important to do your part and do it correctly or the doctor has to go back and do it if he wants to be paid and the money not be requested back from him in an audit.
E-SCRIBING AND PQRS
CPC -1 Hr.
This course will identifying the proper code and the compliance measures required to get incentive bonus and avoid penalties in the future as we are required to prove “Meaningful Use” through the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Our chosen charm for this education is a frame charm. It is sooo cute!!
Please come out and support the PPA and become more educated.
Message from Vice President Communications and Public Relations
April Conde , ABO,CPOA
Don’t miss out on the fall education at Hersey. Please send old pictures if you would like to be in the “Blast from the Past” part of the ParaEyes. Time to say good bye to summer and bring out the hot chocolate!Don’t forget to join our Facebook page.
Warmest regards to everyone,
April
Message from Secretary/Treasurer
Secretary/Treasurer Cindy Whitman, CPO
Cindy Whitman, CPO
PPA currently has $5, 265.88 in the checking and $18,181.80 in the savings accounts. Thanks to all of your support and attendance we are pleased that we could show a profit from the education held in Bedford Springs. With your support and participation we will be able to continue to provide quality education in the future.
Our current membership is 135. PPA would like to welcome Jackie Nickels who works with DR. Natalie Noble in Greensburg, PA. We look forward to seeing you at our education. You may contact any of the PPA board members with any questions or concerns. Please visit poaeyes.org, which will provide you with all the current PPA information.
AOA Liaison to PPA
Roberta Beers, CPOT
This year’s Optometry’s Meeting was held in Seattle, Washington. The 2015 Paraoptometric of the Year was Marilyn Beason, CPOA, from Mississippi, the Community Service award, was Evelyn Horton, from Mississippi and The Bridge Way Award was won by Mississippi.
If you’re Doctor has not already signed you up as an AOA member you should ask him/her to do so. Remember there is no-charge for your membership as long as your doctor is a member of AOA.
One of the perks is a program for the beginner level paraoptometric but also for a review for the more experienced paraoptometric. It is designed with convenience in mind, this online training accommodates each skill and individual learning style, as the programs Web-Based audio format walks the user though every step of the learning process. Computer-based learning: Paraoptometric Skill Builder is a fantastic tool; it is a program to introduce you to Paraoptometry, basic terminology, front office procedures, obtaining an ocular history, routine pre-testing procedures, external examination, and ancillary testing. It goes into refractometry, visual field testing, spectacles and contact lenses. The role of the paraoptometric is to assist the optometrist, we as paraoptometrics aid with patients with special needs, plus we need to know about the instrumentation and maintaining equipment in the office. I have introduced you to the first level there is also an Intermediate Level 2 and Advanced level 3.
“The paraoptometric program is essential to the profession of optometry. A highly trained staff increases morale, enhances quality of care and promotes teamwork in the care of our patients. Paraoptometry also advocates life-long learning and encourages staff to think of their work as a career rather than a job. As healthcare changes, we must continue to position ourselves and our staff as competent, well-trained professionals. Paraoptometry is integral to the continuing success of our profession” Steven Reed, OD
If you have any questions about membership or education contact me and I will to assist you or get you the information you need.
Roberta Beers, CPOT
AOA Liaison to PPA
Don’t forget to join our group on facebook (Pennsylvania Paraoptometric Association) It’s a great place to share ideas/photos and keep in touch with the other PPA members. Click here to see our page.
Quarterly ParaEyes E-News
One of the great benefits of membership is the quarterly Pennsylvania Paraoptometric newsletter, (Para-Eyes) E-News.The newsletter features a message from your Chair, information on happenings within the Association, CE opportunity listings, and much more.Deadlines to submit information for the newsletter will be announced two weeks before it goes to print. We are always looking for input from you and the local societies.
Test Your Knowledge
1. Radiuscopea. Used to test visual acuity
2. Indirect Ophthalmoscopeb. Evaluates the integrity of central vision
3. Pinhole Occluderc. Used to evaluate color vision
4. Lens Clockd. Hand-held instrument used to measure intraocular pressure
5. Amsler Gride. Provides ocular diagnostic information of retinal images
6. Maddox Rodsf. Measures the base curve of a rigid contact lens
7. Optical Coherence Tomographyg. Used to quantify eye misalignment
8. Pseudo-isochromatic Plateh. Instrument used to measure the curvature of the cornea
9. Tonopeni. Worn on the examiner’s head to inspect the interior of eye
10. Keratometer j. Used to measure the surface power & base curve of a lens
Answer key on last page
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Volunteering Doesn’t Take a Lot of Time,
Just a Little Time to Care!
Healthy Eye Food Recipes
Vitamin-Packed Salad
This eye-catching salad makes a great addition to any outdoor lunch! Loaded with lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc — it will feed your eyes as well as your vision.
Ingredients
Chicken Chopped Salad (serves 1 as a main dish)1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped in bite-size pieces
1 cup baby spinach
1 cooked chicken breast, sliced diagonally
1/2 cup frozen peas / 1/2 orange pepper, diced
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/2 orange, peeled then chopped
Dressing:
1/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1 Tbsp curry powder
1 garlic clove, minced /
Juice from remaining half of orange
salt and pepper
Arrange ingredients on a plate or in a bowl. In a separate container, combine all dressing ingredients and stir until well-mixed. Drizzle dressing over top and serve.
Orange: The Eye-Friendly Color
Load up on lutein and zeaxanthin, beta-carotene and vitamin E with this refreshing cold soup made of our favorite orange vegetables. Perfect for a cocktail party.
The soup also contains Vidalia onions, which are rich in vitamin C.
Despite the egg garnish, this recipe contains very little fat or cholesterol, and it's so flavorful that you probably won't want to add much salt.
Sunset Gazpacho (makes about 6 cups)2 orange peppers, stems and seeds removed
2 lbs orange tomatoes, cut in half
1/2 small Vidalia onion, roughly chopped
1 cup fresh carrot juice / 1 garlic clove
3-4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp sherry vinegar
salt and pepper
finely grated hardboiled egg, for garnish
- Puree the peppers, tomatoes, onion and carrot juice in a blender until smooth.
- Add the sherry vinegar, and while blending, drizzle in the olive oil.
- Season to taste, and chill until ready to serve.
- To serve, pour the soup into dishes and top with the grated egg.
Turkey Burgers with Roasted Orange Peppers
Turkey is high in zinc, and the orange peppers and green onion will provide your eyes with lutein and zeaxanthin.
Turkey Burgers with Roasted Orange Peppers (serves 4)
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey (extra-lean)
1 egg
1/2 cup green onion, chopped / 1/4 cup whole wheat bread crumbs or oat bran
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
salt and pepper
Toppings:
2 orange peppers
3 Tbsp Dijon mustard (grainy) /
leaf lettuce
4 whole-wheat burger buns
Caramelized Onions (optional):
2 yellow onions /
olive oil
- Mix all ingredients for the burgers. Shape into four patties. Place each patty on a square of parchment paper, and set aside in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the grill to high. Put the peppers on the grill, turning until charred on all sides. Remove them from the grill and place in a paper bag. Close the bag tightly and let cool for about 10 minutes. The steam will help separate the skin from the peppers so they are easier to peel.
- Once the peppers are cool enough to handle, and working over a bowl to collect the juices, peel the peppers. Cut in wedges and remove the stems, seeds and white membranes.
- Set aside roasted pepper wedges. Mix 1 tablespoon pepper juice (that you collected while peeling the peppers) with 3 tablespoons grainy Dijon mustard.
- Holding onto the parchment paper, flip turkey patties on the grill and cook on each side, until they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees (as recommended by the FDA).
- When patties are almost ready, toast outside of burger buns on the grill.
- To assemble burger, spread the mustard mix on both sides of the buns. Add roasted pepper wedges. Layer the patty next. Top with leaf lettuce.
- Optional: Prepare caramelized onions ahead of time: Cook thinly sliced yellow onions over low heat in olive oil for about 20 minutes, or until very tender. Season with salt and pepper.
Pumpkin for Your Peepers
This fall, trade your traditional pumpkin pie for this lighter dessert.
Filled with beta-carotene, it will nourish your eyes and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Pumpkin Mousse (serves 4)
1 cup pumpkin puree from can (240g)
1/2 cup plain 0% or 2% fat Greek yogurt
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice / 1 envelope gelatin
1/4 cup whipping cream, very cold
zest of one orange
1/2 tsp mixed spice (cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger)
- Put medium bowl in freezer.
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin and yogurt, using a whisk.
- Sprinkle gelatin on orange juice and let sit for about three minutes, just enough time to get maple syrup ready.
- Bring maple syrup to a boil on medium-high heat in a small sauce pan, stirring constantly.
- Pour boiling maple syrup over orange juice and stir until gelatin has melted.
- Pour maple syrup mix into pumpkin preparation and mix well, using a whisk.
- Add orange zest and spices; stir to combine.
- In chilled bowl, whip cream to firm peaks, using a hand mixer.
- Use your mixer to whip pumpkin mix for about one minute.
- Fold whipped cream gently into pumpkin mix, using a spatula.
- Ladle into serving cups and chill in the refrigerator for two to three hours, until set.
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Comic Relief
I AM A PARAOPTOMETRIC
I am a… Allied Health Professional, Office
Manager, Biller/Coder, Optician, Certified
Paraoptometric Technician, Business
Manager, Receptionist, Optometric
Assistant…I am a Paraoptometric!
Earn Points for the Bridgeway Award
States may earn points for the Bridgeway Award by performing any of the following activities and providing documentation/verification to the AOA Paraoptometric Resource Center. It is the responsibility of each state to provide electronic verification of points earned along with the Quarterly Point Tracker.
PRIZE: Winner to receive a Recognition Plaque, presented at Optometry’s Meeting®. Winning state receives an Office Package of PRC education Products ($800 value) to start a Lending Library for your state.
Ways to earn points:
Publishing an AOA PRC article or ad in your state paraoptometric and/or optometric association newsletter – 300 points each. Must provide a copy of the article/ad to receive points
Attend Optometry’s Meeting® Idea Exchange – 500 points
Attend the Paraoptometric Idea Exchange at Optometry’s Meeting® to receive points. Must sign in at the meeting to receive points