Question
Any tips for audiology practice owners who are looking for ways to maximize their equipment budget?
Answer
Jackie Phillips, AuD: There are a couple ways to maximize equipment purchases while minimizing the financial impact, such as joining a Hearing Instrument Manufacturer (HIM) or Buying Group. In addition to that, be sure to take advantage of complimentary consultations offered by your equipment vendor, your Otometrics/Audiology Systems representative. They will work with you to evaluate your professional and patient care needs. They can also help coordinate with your HIMs/Buying Group representative to find ways to maximize your purchasing power (i.e. applying equipment discounts that are included in your membership package). They can also walk you through available education, training, service and support programs to ensure you are getting the most out of your purchase.
Angela Flores, AuD: Make sure to explore all the bells and whistles that come with your equipment. If you are looking to expand your practice or add more offerings, call your equipment manufacturer to understand how to optimize integrated tools you may already have (i.e. tinnitus questionnaires, verification tools, etc.). Otosuite® is the shared interface for all Otometrics hearing assessment and fitting solutions. We discussed the practical benefits of an integrated clinic in detail here in our latest interview here.
Jeanette Fitzke, AuD: That’s right—Otosuite software upgrades are available throughout the lifetime of your hardware, like the MADSEN Astera² or Aurical, for example. These software and firmware upgrades ensure that your equipment stays current and can keep up with the changing pace of your audiology clinic for years to come.
Lance Brown: If you are looking to connect your audiology patient data to an existing EMR program, Otobase® is a database module that supplements Otosuite and integrates your clinic quickly, simply and securely. Connecting equipment to an EMR can be costly—you need to have the right connectors. If you just individually connect each piece of equipment, then you could imagine that could easily increase cost up to many thousands of dollars. With Otosuite-compatible equipment and Otobase, one connector connects your entire office to your EMR. Moreover, as I mentioned earlier, your dedicated SIG representative is available to assist and will be with you every step of the transition.
Keeley Moore: Here is a tip that may be a bit out-of-the box: Done right, you can use your test reports to brand your clinic. Otosuite® Reports ties all your test together and helps you create customized professional reports—in both digital and print media format. These reports are great visuals to have when counseling the patient and the patient’s family. Patients can also take this to their ENT or family practice physician. So, you have the added value of a marketing tool for your practice, to present you clinic’s brand in a very professional way. You can read more about Otosuite and the tools that come with the software at www.audiologysystems.com/otosuite.
