Pamela J. Miller, OD, FAAO, JD, FNAP

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Professional courtesy, waiving all or part of professional fees, now has become a field day for lawyers and third-party carriers-and an unwary trap for the well-intentioned doctor.

There is no question that our profession is undergoing rapid change as well as significant challenges. As a profession, we are faced with the dual responsibility of protecting our patient and maintaining our proficiency. Both of these also fall under the legal jurisdiction of the State Board of Optometry in the states in which we are licensed. Some state boards have already acted, but most have not. One that has not is California.

One of the first lessons doctors learn once they actually get into practice is that we are all in business. The business aspect of optometric practice is comprised of multiple layers and elements that are challenging at best.