Successful businesses constantly evaluate systems. Recently, our optometry practice decided to eliminate our traditional telephone system. We realized every doctor and staff person already had a phone in front of them that they were not using—their computers.
We were able to eliminate the cost of a telephone system and monthly per line rates by switching from Cox Business to a VoIP provider, Weave. We also considered RingCentral and 8×8, but chose Weave due to the ability to integrate with our practice management software. Using Weave, we know which patients are calling and even see information about their family and demographics. Another benefit is the ability for doctors and staff to transfer calls to anywhere anytime. Doctors on call can have patients push an extension that rings right to the Weave application on their smartphone.
Optometric businesses can continue to grow even when margins are tight by working smarter, not harder. Researching new technology and visiting with people who use it can lead to smart decisions that increase the quality of care, increase efficiency, and decrease costs.
