COE Practice Operations Questions and Answers

Question 1

An ophthalmic practice is conducting a patient flow analysis to reduce wait times and improve efficiency.
The analysis reveals a significant bottleneck at the diagnostic testing station, particularly during peak hours.
Which of the following strategies would be the most effective initial step to address this specific bottleneck?

Accepted Answer

Implement a new scheduling template with staggered appointments for diagnostic-heavy visits.

Answer

Cross-train front desk staff to perform basic diagnostic tests.

Answer

Purchase a second, identical diagnostic machine immediately.

Answer

Extend clinic hours by two hours every day.

Question 2

A practice manager is establishing an inventory management system for high-cost injectable drugs used in retina treatments. To ensure both financial control and patient safety, which of the following is the most crucial element to incorporate into the system?

Accepted Answer

A system that tracks lot numbers and expiration dates for each vial.

Answer

A first-in, first-out (FIFO) usage policy based on purchase date.

Answer

Ordering based solely on the previous month's usage.

Answer

Storing all drugs in a single, unlocked refrigerator for easy access.

Question 3

According to OSHA regulations specific to an ophthalmic practice, which of the following is a mandatory requirement for managing workplace safety?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a log of injuries from contaminated sharps (OSHA 300 Log).

Answer

Providing all employees with a personal allowance for scrubs.

Answer

Conducting a fire drill on a monthly basis.

Answer

Ensuring all staff members are certified in basic life support (BLS).

Question 4

A patient sends an email to the practice's general inbox asking for a copy of their latest eyeglass prescription. To maintain HIPAA compliance, what is the most appropriate response from the front desk staff?

Accepted Answer

Reply to the email stating the practice's policy is to not send PHI via unencrypted email, and instruct the patient on how to access their records through the secure patient portal or in person.

Answer

Reply to the email and attach a scanned copy of the prescription immediately.

Answer

Call the patient to verify their identity and then email the prescription.

Answer

Forward the patient's email to the technician to handle.

Question 5

When developing a staffing model for a growing ophthalmic practice, the executive should primarily base the required number of clinical support staff (technicians, assistants) on which factor?

Accepted Answer

Projected patient visit volume and the complexity of services offered.

Answer

The number of insurance plans the practice accepts.

Answer

The square footage of the clinical space.

Answer

The number of available parking spaces for patients.

Question 6

A practice administrator is tasked with hiring a new ophthalmic technician. Which of the following roles is typically considered a primary responsibility of this position?

Accepted Answer

Performing the initial patient workup and diagnostic testing.

Answer

Negotiating contracts with surgical supply vendors.

Answer

Managing the practice's accounts payable and payroll.

Answer

Scheduling major surgical procedures with the hospital.