The Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons is the only state membership organization devoted specifically to the needs and concerns of Kentucky ophthalmologists. The organization strives to provide educational opportunities to you and your staff as well as representing your interests in the state legislature and keep you updated on important issues. As a member of the KAEPS you will have access to a wide variety of important information and publications to assist you in your practice and delivering quality care to your patients.
Membership Has Its Benefits!
In the past year, KAEPS participated in a joint meeting with Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisianna Academies of Ophthalmology, held a Fall meeting during the Kentucky Medical Association Annual Meeting, sponsored the CodeQuest seminar, represented Kentucky ophthalmologists at the Legislature, represented Kentucky ophthalmologists at the AAO Mid Year Forum and Annual Meetings, and continued publishing the fax/email newsletter, EyeTalk. We are also in the process of planning another CodeQuest Coding College to be held in Louisville in February of 2008 and a scientific seminar in Lexington in April 2008.
Membership in KAEPS brings with it many rewards. Top-notch clinical and socio-economic educational seminars, a strong voice with the Kentucky Legislature, and comprehensive publications are a few of the advantages of KAEPS membership.
It is easy to add up the savings of being a member of KAEPS.
- Attendance at the KAEPS Spring Meeting - Members save $200
- Attendance at the KAEPS Fall Meeting - $0
- Attendance of one staff member at KAEPS CodeQuest Seminar - Members save $215
- Attendance of each additional staff member at CodeQuest Seminar - Members save $230 each attendee at seminar
- EyeTalk – only KAEPS members receive this information
The following is a list of additional benefits available to active members of the KAEPS
Educational Programs - During the Annual Meeting, KAEPS sponsors a number of educational programs for members and their staff. CME credits are available for physicians, JCAHPO credits are available for ophthalmic technicians. KAEPS also sponsors additional educational activities as necessary for the members and their staff.
Legislative/Regulatory Advocacy and PAC - KAEPS has a strong relationship with the lobbyist of the Kentucky Medical Association to represent you and your practice and ensure that quality eye care, professionalism, and unrestricted access to patients are met. The KMA lobbyist and KAEPS Executive Staff monitor all legislative as well as regulatory committees effecting ophthalmology. In addition, KAEPS administers the Kentucky Ophthalmology Political Action Committee (KOPAC).
Patient Referral - KAEPS member names are referenced when members of the public inquire about finding an ophthalmologist.
Publications - KAEPS offers its members up-to-date information on all activities and issues involving KAEPS and the ophthalmologic profession through its fax newsletter Eye Talk.
Public Relations Campaigns - KAEPS promotes the profession of ophthalmology, and KAEPS members in particular, through attendance at numerous health fairs and exhibits and through the use of media releases.
Reimbursement Consulting and Seminars - KAEPS utilizes the American Academy of Ophthalmology to assist members with third party reimbursement questions. In addition, annually KAEPS sponsors the AAO CodeQuest coding seminars on Medicare for members and their staff on the latest rules and regulations.
Seminar and Meeting Discounts - KAEPS members receive member-only rates on all KAEPS sponsored meetings and seminars.
Voice in the AAO - KAEPS members gain a collective voice in policy development and programs with the American Academy of Ophthalmology through the Council representative.