A Helping Hand
Neil Sika, O.D., is a solo independent practitioner in Strongsville, OH. He’s also a big believer in sharing challenges, successes, and strategies with like-minded practices around the country.
Here, he shows by example how that can benefit practices like yours, as well.
THE BACKSTORY
Strongsville, OH
I have a solo practice with two opticians and two front desk employees. I’ve been in practice 30+ years and am also part-time staff at MetroHealth Hospital in Cleveland.
We had to close March 15 but kept a skeletal staff to answer the phone and refill contact lens orders. We continued to see emergencies but couldn’t fully reopen until May 1.
LEAN ON ME
Finding helpful resources—whether about PPE, human resources issues, etcetera—is imperative in these difficult times. Look for what fits your practice best. It may be local, regional, or national resources...or it may be a combination.
For example, we have had a local 12-member O.D. group in our northern Ohio area for more than 30 years. We’ve met monthly to talk business and share ideas. I’m also a member of PECAA, a national alliance that has been instrumental throughout the pandemic.
SHOP THE OPTIONS
Originally, most alliances and buying groups were focused on discounts. For some, it’s still primarily about the better deal. Others focus mostly on the business, while some are definitely more doctor-oriented. Look around and decide what format best meets your needs when looking for a group to partner with.
REVIEW THE OFFERINGS
Besides their focus, what about programs and offerings? What Covid-19 resources have they shared? Are they proficient in areas that are most important to you?
For example, during the pandemic I have needed access to HR expertise, help with forms, information on the Employee Sick Leave Act, and what to do if one of our employees gets sick.
COMMUNICATING WITH PEERS
Zoom and live meetings with peers can be a huge help, too. It certainly was for us during closure. They can take many forms. Online sessions. Live regional meetings or dinners, when the time is right.
You can also ask what your prospective group or alliance offers. And, finally, make sure they’re going to be accessible to answer your questions.
3 CRISIS RESOURCES
Neil Sika, O.D., shares three critical ways that his optometric alliance has delivered support and resources through the Covid-19 crisis.
#1: CRITICAL RESOURCES: PECAA really stepped forward in terms of Covid resources we could use and then opened it up to everyone on their website. From guidance on PPP loans to their HR groups, that became our bible. It gave us all the forms we needed, plus HR information on the Employee Sick Leave Act and what to do if one of our employees got sick.
#2: ZOOM CHECK-INS: What was really beneficial were the member Zoom meetings twice a week while we were all closed. They’d get anywhere from 30 to 75 people throughout the country, and we’d discuss what we were doing, protocols for going back, and questions about loans, PPE, etcetera. They were really instrumental. Plus, you could also call anytime and they would answer questions.
#3: KEY CONNECTIONS: PECAA has regional leaders and, though not during Covid, we usually have quarterly peer-to-peer dinners. For us, it’s northern Ohio, and we talk about a particular subject and have a presentation. Those are beneficial and well-run events.
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