RESEARCH | IN-OFFICE EQUIPMENT

In-Office Intel

How are your peers using—or not using—in-office equipment? Our exclusive Equipment Focus Group ECP survey dives deep to reveal what’s really happening with technology in the office

BY SUSAN TARRANT

Do you have an in-office lab? Slightly more than half of the ECPs we surveyed do.

Do you have the latest exam lane equipment? One-third of ECPs have equipment that is between only one and four years old.

Want to know how your peers are choosing—and using—in-office technology? EB’s exclusive Equipment Focus Group ECP research conducted just last month provides an insider look into the role and prevalence of in-office tech.

Read on to learn what ECPs are doing (and plan to do) in a number of equipment categories.

THE HIGH-TECH LOWDOWN

More than half of ECPs surveyed (52%) have in-house finishing labs in their offices. That’s slightly less than five years ago, when 54% of respondents said they do their own finishing.

Less Is More. The average weekly number of jobs edged in-house (by those who have such equipment) is 52, which is down from the 83 average jobs reported last year. However, despite the decrease, the overall annual profit generated from in-office edging was estimated at $106,192—which is almost twice that of what they reported in 2015 ($61,916), and almost three times as much profit made in 2011 ($39,160).

“[In-office finishing] is easy and a great service for our customers.”
—SURVEY RESPONDENT

RELUCTANCE, EXPLAINED

So why do slightly less than half of the ECPs surveyed say they choose NOT to offer finishing services in their offices?

30% Because they have a good relationship with their wholesale lab that they don’t want to shake up.

27% Because they think edging will not be cost-effective for their practice.

23% Because they don’t think they have enough room in their location.

[EB will explore the latter two concerns next month, as we break down some common myths and misunderstandings about the costs of in-office edging.]

Another big concern for ECPs has been insurance reimbursement. Although some third-party payers have changed their policies to allow for in-house edging, some ECPs are still wary.

“Insurance companies specify the labs we must use too often to make [edging] cost-effective. In a prior practice, I did 75% edging in-house—but I had very little third-party involvement. This made for better choices in product I could present to my patients,” says one survey respondent.

NEW TECHNOLOGY

How open are your peers to trading up for more automated and modern equipment? On a scale of 1 to 10, the average rating for the importance of having the MOST ADVANCED technology in new equipment is 8. Here’s how your peers answered these questions:

Why Do You Have an In-Office Lab?
“Quicker turnaround, increased profitability, quality control.”
—SURVEY RESPONDENT

BUYING PLANS

What’s next in ECPs’ business plans regarding their equipment investments? While some intend to stay their course, others are ready to dive into the high-tech digital processing pool. Plans for future upgrades or new equipment purchases include:

25% Digital Refractor

17% Edging

5% Full Digital Surfacing