(813) 842-2311
Client FAQ
How does PRN find a fill-in doctor for my practice?
After you request coverage, PRN contacts potential Associate doctors. We keep you updated as to the status of your request, including an immediate call or text when an Associate doctor accepts the assignment.
PRN Eye Associates has been known to find same-day coverage for our Clients in the event of an emergency or illness, however, the more notice we receive, the more likely we will be able to place an Associate with you. This is particularly important to keep in mind during popular vacation months, holidays, and on certain continuing education weekends when coverage demand is the highest.
Do I have to accept the doctor that PRN finds for me?
No. Once PRN has located a potential Associate doctor to cover your practice, you will be notified and given information regarding that doctor. If you decide that you do not want a particular doctor to work in your practice, you may decline the coverage and PRN will look for a second choice.
How much does it cost to hire a fill-in doctor through PRN Eye Associates?
The daily rate depends on the facility and geographic location and is negotiatble. Some of PRN's Associate doctors request a higher daily rate, and some Clients are willing to pay more, particularly if there are unique circumstances such as long travel distances for the Associate, or lengthy assignments. Please contact a PRN Staffing Specialist for the current daily rate.
What does the daily rate pay for?
The daily rate covers your practice for the contracted amount of "chair time." PRN's Associate doctors are paid overtime at the rate of "time and a half" for each hour over the contracted hour. HOWEVER, this is only the case if your office schedules patients past the contracted time limit. For instance, if you have a last-minute walk-in and your staff requests the Associate doctor to stay late, you would be charged for overtime. If the Associate doctor falls behind schedule by his or her own accord, such as with a difficult case that takes longer than expected, this does not obligate you to pay overtime.
The daily rate also includes up to fifteen (15) patient exams per day, including rechecks for other doctors. Patient rechecks for which the Associate was the original examining doctor do not count toward the fifteen patient limit. For each patient over the fifteenth patient examined, there is an additional "bonus fee" for the Associate.
PRN Associate doctors do not fill out insurance forms for your patients, accept payments from patients on your behalf, or perform any other "front office" type duties. If you typically handle these tasks yourself, it would be necessary for you to arrange for a staff member to perform these responsibilities when the PRN Associate doctor is working at your office.
Can I hire a PRN Associate doctor for a half day?
Usually not. Very few Associates are willing to work half days, particularly if they incur significant travel time. If you want to request a half day, PRN will present it to the Associates, but it is usually difficult to find this type of coverage. For this reason, PRN strongly encourages our Clients to request full day coverage.
What about travel expenses?
PRN Associate doctors travel within a fifty (50) mile, each way, local radius, for which they are not compensated. But if they travel outside that zone, they are paid for each mile in excess of 100 miles that they drive. The Client pays all travel expenses, including but not limited to mileage, airfare, and hotels. Meals are generally not the responsibility of the Client.
PRN Eye Associates makes every effort to staff locally, so as not to incur additional travel expenses for our Clients.
How do the Associate doctors get paid?
PRN issues payment to the Associate upon completion of the assignment.
All Associate doctors are Independent Contractors, so there are no taxes withheld. At the end of the tax year, PRN issues an IRS Form 1099 to each Associate for all income during that tax year. It is not necessary for you to issue a Form 1099 to the Associate or to PRN.
How does Interim-to-Permanent Placement work?
Our convenient Interim-to-Permanent plan allows you to "test drive" a new Associate prior to making a long-term commitment. If you are looking for a permanent addition to your optometric staff, you have the option to buy out the Associate doctor's contract by making a lump sum payment to PRN. You will receive a percentage discount for each day that the Associate has already worked at your practice. Please contact a PRN Placement Specialist to discuss the details of our Interim-to-Permanent plan.
How do I get started?
By filling out the registration information, you are entered into PRN's database. Then just call, text, or email your request for coverage, including the dates and type of coverage you require, and PRN will start a search for an Associate doctor. Once we have located someone for you, you will receive a Client Agreement to execute and return to PRN.
Any further questions?
Contact us through the website, or call or text PRN at 813-842-2311. We will be happy to assist you with any further questions or concerns that you may have