VSP policy clarification

Optometric Management,  May 2000  

• E-mail
• Print
• Link

In the December 1999 issue, ("Point/Counterpoint," page 40), I responded to concerns about VSP's policy requiring therapeutic pharmaceutical agent (TPA) certification by January 1, 2000. I explained that the requirement was modified to give noncertified doctors more time to obtain their actual certification provided that they met certain criteria.

Due to an error in the text of the article, there's been some confusion over exactly what's required. I would like to clarify this point. Noncertified doctors may continue seeing their existing base of VSP patients for an additional 4 years, as long as they completed all related TPA coursework and any preceptorships by January 1, 2000 (or later in a handful of states/territories which only recently gained the right to TPA certification). These doctors must also have a TPA-- certified VSP doctor working with them in their practice.

Mason Smith, O.D.

Chairman of the Board of VSP

Charleston, S.C.

Copyright Boucher Communications, Inc. May 2000
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved