Frequently asked questions

 

What are your hours of Operation?

We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. We are open some Saturdays from 9:00am to noon.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, checks, Master Card and Visa.

What kinds of insurance do you accept?

We are on almost all medical insurance plans with the exception of Cigna HMO and all Medicaid products.

Do you take my vision plan?

Our doctors are medical providers and therefore will fall under your medical insurance, not your vision insurance. The exception to this is VSP (Vision Service Plan), which we do accept for routine exams, glasses, and contacts only.

What's the difference between a medical exam and a routine vision exam?

Routine vision exams are appropriate when  your only complaint is that you need new glasses or contacts.  If you have any medical conditions of your eyes such as (but not limited to) dry eyes, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, itchy eyes, lumps or bumps on or around your eye, a rash around your eye, floaters or double vision – you need a comprehensive medical exam.  The medical exam is also indicated for persons with systemic ailments such as diabetes which can affect the eyes.  You only have one set of eyes.  Your vision is precious.  You need to protect it with regular exams with a qualified professional.

Can I get my contacts and glasses at your office?

Yes!  We stock many lenses in our office so you may be able to leave your appointment with your contacts!  Our full-service optical shop is happy to help you with all your vision needs.

My family member is in a wheelchair. Can you examine him/her?

Yes!  We are handicap accessible.  We even have an exam room designed specifically for patients in wheelchairs so your loved one will not have to be moved from the wheelchair to an exam chair.

Why do I need to show my insurance card every time I come to the office?

Although your insurance card may look exactly the same, sometimes only one small thing is different and that can be the difference between your exam being paid or being denied.  Copying your card(s) every time you come to the office ensures we have the most accurate and up-to-date information to process your claim quickly and accurately.

Why do you need to see my photo ID?

Effective August 1, 2009, health care providers are required to follow the “Red Flags Rule” regarding identity theft.  Not only are we required to hold private all your information, but we are also required to ensure you are who you say you are so no other person can come to our office and use your insurance benefits.  This is another step we take to keep you and your information safe.

How am I sure nobody will see my private information?

Our office is completely confidential.  We follow the “HIPPA” (Health Insurance Privacy and Portability Act) and “Red Flags Rule” requiring us not only to ensure you are who you say you are, but also to keep every single piece of information private.  Every piece of information is kept in a private file and waste is shredded.

What is a refraction and why does insurance not pay for refractions?

A refraction is the process of determining if there is a need for corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses.  It is an essential part of an eye examination and necessary to write a prescription for glasses or contact lenses.  It is NOT a covered service by Medicare or most insurance plans.  These plans consider a refraction a “vision” service not a “medical” service.

Will I be dilated?

If you are coming in for a comprehensive exam or a follow up for flashes and floaters or diabetes, you will be dilated.  There are several different strengths of dilating drops, if you are concerned about being dilated, please let the technician know and she will be able to discuss the different options with you.

Why do you need my social security number?

Insurance companies require we have the social security numbers for both the patient and the insurance subscriber (the person the insurance is through) in order to process the claim.  Without this information, it will be much more difficult and sometimes not possible at all to process your claim with your insurance carrier.

What is HIPPA?

HIPPA is the “Health Insurance Privacy and Portability Act.”  It ensures we keep all records private both in writing and orally.  If you would like us to discuss your case with a loved one that isn’t you, we need your permission to do so.

Can I give permission for you to discuss my eyes with a relative?

Yes.  We have an “Authorization for Disclosure” form we give all new patients.  This form allows the patient to designate one or multiple people to have varying degrees of authority on the account.  You may elect to have someone only able to schedule or cancel appointments on your behalf, or you may allow someone to schedule appointments and speak to the doctor on your behalf.  You can choose as little or as much authority as you like.  The choice is yours.  Established patients my add or change this form as often as they like.