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The article reports on the implementation on May 1, 2009 of a rule by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that would require some businesses, including doctors' practices and hospitals to come up with written plans for identifying and responding to warning signs of identity theft. The Red Flags Rule may be viewed by some as another time-consuming and expensive federal mandate, Kim Castleberry of Plano Eye Associates argue that the development of an identity theft plan has not been difficult.

The article reports on the significance of the need for quality assurance (QA) and compliance programs on ophthalmology practices. According to the author, both programs can enhance the quality and profitability of ophthalmology practices. Moreover, it points out that both QA and compliance programs can be also good for patient's bottom line.

The article focuses on the plan by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to develop a rule intended to shorten the 2015 electronic health record (EHR) reporting period, according to chief medical officer Patrick Conway. Topics covered include the realignment of hospital EHR reporting period to the calendar year, the proposed rule for Stage 3 of the meaningful use program and the response by the American Medical Association (AMA) to the CMS announcement.

The article provides insights for optometrists on working with young children, according to optometrist Don Lyon. He noted that infants and young children are an underserved population in optometry due to the fact that people are not comfortable seeing them. The importance of making a good first impression with patient and parent is cited as key to successfully dealing with infants and toddlers. He recommended a 10 base out test over one eye in performing a convergence test.

The article discusses the compensations for ophthalmic practices are steadily declining while costs are increasing ever higher, leaving practices scrambling as never before to find new sources of revenue and way of cost cutting. However, John Fitz, a member of the American College of Surgeons, states that reimbursement can lead to stress among both staff and doctor, if not approached wisely. He suggests that improved billing and paying procedures are easy way to maintain the business.

The article discusses tips from Steven R. Robinson, a health-care practice consultant of Advantage Administration, regarding the key elements in hiring best employees in Dallas, Texas. Robinson explains that human resource management is a very challenging task in every organization. According to him, the only key element in hiring effective employee is to create high standards that would fit for the position and principles of the company.

The article offers tips when hiring a new physician in an ophthalmic practice. According to Bruce Maller, founder and president of BSM Consulting, there are no guarantees in hiring a new ophthalmologist. He stated that the steps such as knowing the immediate needs of the practice for an additional person, determining the revenue of the practice, and evaluating the candidates including the references and degrees and licensing, should be noted.

The article reflects over the need to hire the right ophthalmologist in the U.S. It is stated that the aging baby-boom population will make eye care a growth industry, resulting in ophthalmology practices adding new physicians. It is suggested that one should examine whether the practice really needs to add another physician, avoid overcompensating new hires, and negotiate an associate's buy-in as a partner carefully.

The article discusses retirement planning for ophthalmologists. By understanding the basics of financial planning, ophthalmologists can save and manage their own money. The first step in sound financial planning is to spend income prudently and to define success by net worth. Building a sound portfolio also requires understanding the basics of stocks and bonds. Several factors need to be considered in designing a portfolio such as risk, minimizing fees and taxes and rebalancing.

The article offers information about the business issues related to the healthcare industry in the U.S. It mentions the new provisions proposed to take effect as a result of the U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) will have huge impact on the medical care cost. Further it explores the impact of similar regulations imposed by other agencies including Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, American Medical Association and Department of Health and Human Services of the U.S.