Developing thoughts

NEG can help you optimise your business by taking the stress out of your administration, writes Phil Mullins

Although there was little to shout about in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, it certainly created additional time. Individuals and businesses across the country found they had more time to look at how they operated, and then to decide on a way forwards. Many businesses were forced to take radical action and even then sadly didn’t survive. This has been devastating as many were solid businesses – just in the wrong place to survive the pandemic.

Although some practices did fold, the independent sector generally has remained robust because of its ability to adapt. Our own business has seen subtle changes as practices simplified their operations to spend more time with patients. Many members have increased the number of suppliers they put through their NEG account, taking full advantage of a single invoice for total spend. Many have also increased the number of non-preferred suppliers they use. This has been made even easier since we introduced our accounts portal, where statements, invoices and supplier spend can all be viewed.

Our IT division, Optinet, has seen more members take advantage of the 12-month free offer for its flagship FELX practice management system as they realise their old systems can’t keep up with new and different demands. FLEX communications tools, including email, SMS, letters and postcards, have become even more important enabling practices to engage with patients easily and frequently. With its clinical record, equipment integration and eGOS, FLEX is as near to a paperless practice as you can get – meaning fewer contact points. It also means it’s almost impossible to mislay records.

EXCLUSIVE SUPPORT TOOLS Other elements of support that have grown with members are the HR support from

More practices are choosing Optinet FLEX

Citation, previously know as Xact, and the Optical Payment Service (OPS) direct debit collection service. HR support during lockdown was invaluable for members, particularly around the set-up and running of the furlough scheme, with Citation supplying information, letter templates and a Q&A session for members. NEG members enjoy free access to the Citation Business Assist website, which contains bags of information about all things HR as well as health and safety information. There is also the option to pay a low monthly fee to upgrade to the full service, which includes telephone support and document templates. For more information, visit the business support section of the NEG website.

Direct debit collections have been so important to practices during the past two years and, with a growing number looking to move to a private only model, direct debit collection is becoming an essential part of any practice. OPS is exclusive to NEG and offers an end-to-end service, which is either via a web portal or fully integrated into Optinet FLEX. Being paperless, it is easy to sign up patients, view patient payments and change monthly amounts. You can even add one-off ad hoc collections. Add to this the new terms on offer from Windcave for your merchant card services, then it has never been easier to set up and take payments from patients.

Our aim is to help you, our members, optimise your business by taking the stress out of your administration whilst enabling you to maintain your independence. But we don’t want to stop there. As we look to where the future is with independent practice, we would encourage everyone to talk to the Practice Building team about the NEG Business Club. They can help develop not just your marketing, but your staff and your entire business model, all with the aim to grow your profits.

As a group, NEG has a number of programmes that we will introduce during 2022 – all with the aim of supporting your business and allowing you to spend your precious time with your patients. So watch this space for more information. In the meantime, have a great Christmas and a happy New Year.

Introducing the CooperVision® Binocular Progressive System™ which uses different lens designs to optimise vision for all levels of presbyopia.1 Designed to help newly presbyopic patients adapt to multifocal contact lens wear and allow patients to enjoy clear vision as their presbyopia advances, making mediflex® max 1 day multifocal easy to fit, easy to establish and easy to optimise.1,2

Aspheric centre-near design

Aspheric centre-near design

Spherical centre-near design, with dual intermediate zones

Near power

Distance power Near power

Distance power Near power Distance power

For illustrative purposes only.

Delivers unsurpassed vision at all distances versus other leading one-day multifocal contact lenses.1,2 Easy and successful fitting1,2 supported by the fitting guide/OptiExpert™ for 98% successful fit with two pairs of lenses or fewer.1,2 Patient loyalty builds practice success mediflex® max 1 day multifocal is the House Brand version of MyDay® daily disposable multifocal, part of the mediflex® family exclusive to NEG member at no extra cost.