UOS Member Benefits
Legislative Advocacy
- To ensure that the concerns for quality patient care are addressed in the legislature, UOS leaders, with the assistance of the state medical society continue to maintain a strong, positive relationship with our state legislators. By having a “seat at the table,” we can improve our chances of influencing developments in favor of patient safety. As we educate our legislators about the practice of ophthalmology, we help strengthen their appreciation of our issues and foster their support. The UOS is represented at the Utah Medical Association with board positions on the UMA Legislative Committee.
CME Programs - The UOS is accredited by the Utah Medical Association to provide physician CME. Providing 3-4 annual meetings, for an average of 17 hours of CME credit. The UOS Annual Meeting takes place in the Salt Lake City area, each February. Typically, over 80% of UOS members attend the annual meeting along with an average of over 200 ophthalmic staff.
Managed Care Representation - Through its representation on Utah's Medicare Carrier Advisory Committee and its relationship with many major third party payers, the UOS monitors and provides input and reports to its members on insurance and reimbursement issues. “Flashes” Newsletter provides members with up to date state specific information on new rules, regulations, and changes that affect both the practice of ophthalmology and the quality of medical care delivered to the citizens of Utah.
Coding and Billing Seminars - In conjunction with the American Academy of Ophthalmology, UOS sponsors an annual Coding Seminar. The program is designed to assist Ophthalmologists and their office staff in documentation and reimbursement issues. The course text is state specific and is updated each year.
Newsletters, Bulletins and Alerts -
Eye on Health, UOS's news bulletin is provided in several content specific formats: Society News, Legislative Updates, Meeting and Calendar Information, and member updates. These bulletins keep members informed of developments in the rapidly changing health care environment and are sent to members throughout the year.
Registration Discounts
- UOS members and their staffs receive a discount on all events and programs sponsored by the Society.
Liaison with Other Medical Societies
AAO Council - The specific concerns of Utah Ophthalmologists are advanced at the national level by our AAO Councilor, who represents the UOS at the AAO Annual Meeting as well as the AAO Mid Year Forum. The Council meets twice a year to act on and receive status reports on Council Advisory Recommendations formulated by state societies and subspecialty organizations. Utah Medical Society (UMA)—The UOS is represented on the Utah Medical Society's Leadership Committee in order to provide input on issues that impact the practice of medicine. In addition, there is a UOS Representative serving on the UMA Legislative Committee.
Find an EyeMD - The UOS website includes a member database that allows the public to search for an ophthalmologist in their area. This benefit is only available to UOS members.
Website - The UOS has refined and is continuing to update its website to meet the changing needs of the members. Our new site includes: public information; a list of ophthalmologist in Utah; a members only section, which includes legislative updates and member specific news; a calendar of events; meeting information with secure on-line registration.
Be sure to log on to www.utaheyemds.org to keep informed about what is happening in Utah that affects your profession.