9 business solutions for doctors, practices

There's nothing small about the impact that doctors of optometry have in their communities, and likewise, there's nothing small about their business concerns, either.

National Small Business Week, April 30-May 6, recognizes the critical contributions of America's small business owners. All told, more than half of Americans either own or work for small businesses, which create two out of every three jobs in the U.S. yearly, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. With this national spotlight on the backbone of America's economy, AOAExcel^® reminds doctors that they don't have to go it alone when it comes to business and career success.

"AOAExcel is here to provide doctors and their practices the tools and resources necessary to successfully manage the business side of optometry," says Joe Ellis, O.D., AOAExcel board chair. "National Small Business Week is a perfect opportunity to review the suite of endorsed products and services to see where AOAExcel can help streamline your business so that you can practice with confidence."  

AOAExcel provides select products and services to help doctors of optometry achieve business and career success with confidence. Here are the business and career solutions that AOAExcel offers:

1. Disability & life insurance.
   AOAExcel Endorsed Business Partner AGIA tailors programs and policies to the specific needs of doctors, and administers them smartly and efficiently through AOAExcel's Group Insurance Program. Learn more about how group long-term disability insurance is specific to doctors of optometry, and how group term life insurance includes added benefits that help during life's most difficult circumstances.
   
   New graduates also receive a special offer: One full year of term life insurance, at no cost, compliments of the AOA. Fourth-year students: Look for an email prior to graduation with more information.
   
   
2. Business and liability insurance.
   AOAExcel-endorsed malpractice coverage by Lockton Affinity ensures doctors' professional liability coverage includes the entire scope of procedures and services permissible under your state law. Learn more about how cyberliability insurance protects your good name from the fallout of a data breach, and learn how a business owners policy offers property and liability protection against everything else. Students and new graduates also receive a special offer: Save 50% on malpractice insurance premiums in your first year of practice, and 25% in your second year.
   
   
3. Optometry's Career Center.
   Optometry's Career Center, the official career center of the AOA, is the ultimate nexus for optometry professionals with searchable career opportunities for doctors on the move and those looking to hire. From private practices to retail settings, respected physicians trust Optometry's Career Center to help recruit the right people—and hundreds of ambitious professionals use the center to find their ideal job.
   
   
4. Compliancy assistance.
   AOAExcel Endorsed Business Partner Compliancy Group offers a total solution for managing HIPAA compliance with its web-based solution, The Guard, which addresses the full extent of regulatory requirements mandated by HIPAA, HITECH, Meaningful Use and Omnibus Rule. Learn more about the free HIPAA educational webinar series.
   
   
5. Retirement planning.
   Planning for life after optometry? Achieve your future retirement goals with retirement planning and savings options from AOAExcel and AXA Equitable. These retirement savings programs for individuals and practices help you save time and money in selecting the solutions that are best for you. Talk with a dedicated retirement program specialist to help navigate your personal options, or help communicate options to your employees if you select a plan for them, too. 
   
   
6. Practice financing solutions.
   Whether you currently own your practice or are planning to, AOAExcel Endorsed Business Partner Bank of American Practice Solutions can provide customized financial solutions to help doctors reach their short-term or long-term goals. Learn more about key benefits whether you're buying, building or selling.
   
   
7. Practice transitions.
   From opening a new practice to buying, selling or establishing a partnership, AOAExcel Endorsed Business Partner Williams Group has the expertise that enables practice owners to achieve their goals. Ready to plan your strategy?
   
   
8. Health IT efficiencies.
   Illuma Care Connections is a care coordination company offering technology-enabled services to payers and providers, delivering on its mission to help patients find the right eye care and ensure their latest data is captured and up-to-date.
   
   
9. Payment processing.
   Simple and secure payment processing is a must for an efficient optometric practice, and Chase credit card processing offers exclusive pricing for AOA members with transparent rates, and EMV chip and mobile wallet options.

Find all of AOAExcel's business and career solutions.