Tony Seymour is the founder and president of Alphaeon Credit, a patient financing program he started in 2014 that is offered through Comenity Capital Bank. Alphaeon Credit understands ophthalmology and refractive surgery and, as such, developed a financing program that is suited to busy ophthalmic practices. Mr. Seymour has extensive experience in the vision space, previously holding positions at Bausch + Lomb and Alcon Surgical, and lightly refers to himself as the “Eyeball Guy.”

Ophthalmology Management: Tell us about the types of services Alphaeon Credit provides to ophthalmology practices and their patients?

Tony Seymour: Alphaeon Credit offers ophthalmology practices a range of patient financing solutions designed to enhance the patient experience and support practice growth and financial stability.

These financing options benefit both the practice and the patients in several ways. When a practice enrolls with Alphaeon Credit, they enjoy a range of flexible payment plans to offer as it suits the practice and their goals, competitive merchant rates, high patient approval rates, a streamlined application process, and marketing support that improves patient retention and supports revenue growth. Making financing available for patients improves their accessibility to vision correction procedures by helping fit ideal care into their budget.

In addition, we provide world-class customer service every day. We answer Practice Hotline calls live 99% of the time with an Alphaeon Credit employee based in the United States; the 1% we miss we call back within 3 minutes!

OM: What services does Alphaeon Credit provide to help with patient education about financing?

TS: Educating patients about financing options is an essential part of the process, as it helps them make informed decisions about their health care and elective procedures.

We provide patient education materials and assistance to ophthalmology practices that includes marketing materials, online resources, training and support, customized solutions and patient support.

By offering patient education materials and support, Alphaeon Credit aims to empower practices to effectively communicate the financing options available to patients. This not only benefits the patients by making them aware of their choices but also supports the practice’s efforts to increase patient acceptance of elective procedures.

OM: Why is Alphaeon Credit a better financing option over traditional credit cards?

TS: Alphaeon Credit can be a preferred solution over traditional credit cards for several reasons, especially when it comes to financing elective medical procedures and services.

With a traditional credit card, you have to pay off the financed amount in less than 30 days or you will start to accrue interest and that interest continues until you pay off the total amount charged. The scary part is that according to WalletHub, the national average interest rate for credit cards is 22.75%! Alphaeon Credit allows the practice/patient to pick a promotional loan, which is either deferred interest (no interest) for up to 36 months or an Extended Payment loan with an APR of 14.9% for up to 60 months (5 years). Alphaeon Credit is more suited for the patient’s long-term needs, especially in challenging economic times.

Alphaeon Credit offers specialized health-care financing with competitive rates, high approval rates and tailored solutions, making it a compelling choice for patients seeking to finance elective medical treatments. It simplifies the payment process and supports health-care practices in providing affordable options to their patients.

OM: How do practices apply? How does a patient apply?

TS: The first step for an ophthalmology practice interested in offering Alphaeon Credit to patients is to get in touch with Alphaeon Credit directly at 800-420-1626. We have a dedicated enrollment team who will guide the practice through the provider enrollment process. This will involve completing application forms and providing necessary documentation, such as proof of licensure and practice information.

Once approved, the practice will enter into an agreement with Alphaeon Credit. They will also receive training on how to use the Alphaeon Credit platform, including the best way to explain financing options to patients. If the practice has a website or software system, Alphaeon Credit will assist with integration, allowing patients to apply for financing directly through the practice’s online platforms.

In addition, a busy team member can kick-start the financial conversation by sending an easy-to-complete application directly to a patient’s mobile device. It’s a soft inquiry with no impact to their credit score, and the patient will receive a decision in seconds. Alphaeon Credit is known for having high approval rates, so many patients are approved. Once approved, patients will receive information about their financing options, including the credit limit and available payment plans.

Overall, Alphaeon Credit aims to make the application process convenient for both practices and patients, providing a tailored financing solution for elective medical procedures such as those performed in ophthalmology practices. OM