Primary Eyecare Network (PEN) By John Sailer Monday, February 13, 2012 12:07 AM RELATED CONTENT Finding Strength in Numbers Making the Choice: Vital Stats on ECP Alliances and Buying Groups *VM Web EXCLUSIVE: "Membership Has Its Benefits," Say ECPs in Buying Groups and ECP Alliances The Alliance Block Buying Group C & E Vision/Vision West Independent Doctors of Optometric Care (IDOC) Opti-Port Prima Eye Group Professional Eye Care Associates of America (PECAA) Professional Eyecare Resources Co-op (PERC) OD Excellence Villavecchia Buying Group Vision Source Primary Eyecare Network (PEN) Founded: 1984 Owner: ABB Concise Executives: Angel Alvarez, CEO; Brad Weinbrum, president; Lynda Baker, executive VP; Debbie Oseguera, director of operations Contact: www.primaryeye.net; (800) 444-9230 Programs: educational events focused on doctors and staff; publications that include all compliant office forms, guidebooks, manuals and reference forms; medical billing support including claim submission with complete audit processing, eligibility checks, status updates, consulting on difficult claims and credentialing service; billing services with vendor discounts; two account executives who consult with practices to increase sales, reduce costs or create customized education schedules. Events: staff education focused on dealing with patients, frame selling, office leadership; Medicare billing and coding; the twice-a-year PIO (Preserving Independent Optometry), once in Northern California and once in Florida Members: 1,700 doctors in 1,300 practices Focus for 2012: expansion of education, both face-to-face meetings and webinars; educating members about the impact social media and technology have on their practice; credentialing ■