Ophthalmologist

We conducted validation interviews with doctors to find out their feedback and thoughts regarding Physician Liaisons. They provided insightful responses that will surely help better our services and what we can do for their practices. 

Here are the questions that were asked:

1. What are the top specialties you refer out to most (ortho, OBGYN, Pain, ENT, etc), and for what (conditions/symptoms/treatment)?

2. Besides excellent patient care, when referring to a physician, what factors help you make that decision to send to that physician or practice? (examples: cell phone number, them meeting, you face to face, location, etc)

3. Is there something a physician liaison or medical rep that stands out to you in a positive or negative way, and why?

4. If a physician liaison comes to your practice to discuss building a patient-referring relationship between you and their specialists, what can they say/ do that would provide value for you or your staff?

5. What is the greatest value a physician liaison would be able to provide to your practice?

Written Validation Interview:

Dr. Terry K. 

1. From my specialty, I tend to refer out to pediatric neurology, rheumatology or other sub-specialists in ophthalmology. This can be for any related autoimmune diseases, neurologic conditions, or other eye-related issues that I cannot handle myself.

2. Accessibility mostly. I see patients with poor insurance coverage so whoever I can get to see them in a timely manner is where they go.

3. Not that I can think of.

4. Not sure never occurred.

5. I suppose to improve relationships/referral patterns.

Dr. Neel L.

1. As a retina specialist, I may refer to a glaucoma specialist or cataract specialist or optometrist if my patient needs other care in addition to what I provide. I focus on just the retina. In large cities, you can’t step on other ophthalmologist's toes and the field evolves so fast that it’s impossible to know everything about everything when it comes to eye care so you have to really pick a lane. Even though I can do and have been well trained in glaucoma procedures and cataract surgery etc I send them out to people who focus on just those things. Once in awhile, I’ll refer to a primary care doctor if a patient clearly has diabetic eye disease and is not

Being managed by a PCP etc.

2. The reputation of the doctor. The location should be convenient for the patient. Insurance of patient taken by that doctor. If they have referred me patients and I am content with how they managed their responsibilities in their field I am more comfortable sending them my patient for evaluation and treatments

3. Positive-keeps track of all the information in regards to doctors coming into and leaving a geographic area. Make it easier to reach out to new possible referrals when they are keeping track of the new doctors and practices in the area

4. Metrics are key. If they can offer to show off the services offered for a discount or even free and show me in a couple of weeks how it has translated I would

Be more inclined. Google ads do a pretty good job of showing real-time metrics.

5. Keeping my practice up to date on all the changes in referral patterns and new possible referrals in the area