MAO Membership Benefits

1) Sponsoring continuing medical education and scientific programs

• Seven monthly programs which bring in excellent speakers from throughout the country
• Category 1 CME credit
• Contributing to valuable and critical scientific research through the Minnesota Eye Injury Registry

2) Acting as an up-to-date resource on socioeconomic, legislative and regulatory affairs pertaining to ophthalmic care in Minnesota

• Appointing congressional key contacts
• Researching a statewide buying program to help reduce practice expense for all members

3) Providing a state wide communications network through our newsletter, and special correspondence

• Eyes on Ophthalmology published monthly from September through April keeps members informed of issues of importance in Minnesota ophthalmology
• Bi-Annual Membership Directory

4) Representing Minnesota ophthalmologists in state government affairs

• Monitoring all Senate and House Health Care Committee meetings
• Tracking all legislation relevant to our members
• Building coalitions with the MMA and other physician specialty groups to support pro-physician legislation and policy
• Meeting with all members of the House and Senate Health Committee to present MAO’s position

5) Working with third party payors on reimbursement

• Counteracted Blue Cross/Blue Shield’s restrictions on billing for comprehensive eye examinations
• Assisted MetraHealth in reworking it’s cataract policy and YAG capsulotomy policy
• Co-sponsoring CPT coding seminars

6) Educating the public of the benefits of ophthalmic care

• Publicizing the AARP’s 55 Alive driving program for seniors
• Sponsoring National Eye Care Month billboards
• Consulting on a Newton’s Apple vision segment
• Co-sponsoring a glaucoma screening at Juneteenth
• Assisting the general public on information on eye care
• Sponsoring Diabetes 2000 and Glaucoma 2001 professional and public education programs

7) Representing Minnesota's interests at the MMA's House of Delegates

• Passing a resolution defining laser as surgery and therefore the purview of physicians

8) Offering you the opportunity for involvement and influence in the future of ophthalmology in Minnesota