FAQ's

A: An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in eye and vision care.  Ophthalmologists are trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery.  Ophthalmologists complete four years of medical school, a one year internship, and a three year hospital based residency where they receive training in all aspects of eye care—prevention, diagnosis, medical, and surgical treatment of eye conditions.

 

A: A routine exam determines if you need a glasses or contacts prescription or a change in your current prescription. This type of exam is covered by vision insurance.  A medical exam is performed by a physician on a regular basis to follow a medical condition, or when you need an exam to evaluate an eye-related medical complaint or disease.  For example,  cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, eye pain, itchy eyes, dry eyes, or artificial lens implant might be reasons for a medical exam.

 

A: If your physician feels your eyes need to be checked for corrective lenses, he or she may perform a refraction.  The refraction machine has dials that are turned to select different lenses while asking “better one or better two.”  This part of the exam determines whether you need corrective lenses or a change in your current prescription.  Most medical insurances such as Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, State Employee BC, Federal BC, etc., do not cover this part of the exam even if you have a medical diagnosis.  If you do not want this part of the exam done, please let your nurse know when you first get in the exam room.  However, keep in mind you cannot get a current prescription without a refraction.

 

A: Allow one (1) to two (2) hrs for a complete eye exam.  Most patients are dilated, and patients react differently to the dilation drops.  Exams for contact lenses or additional testing can take longer.  We cannot guarantee your length of stay.

 

A: Dilation length varies per individual.  Most dilations last three (3) to four (4) hours, although some people may stay dilated much longer.

 

A: Dilation can make your eyes very sensitive to light, and your near-distance vision will be affected.  While it is possible to drive with your eyes dilated, most patients feel more comfortable bringing someone to drive them home after their exam.

 

Q: Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
A: Yes.  Parents should accompany children under 16 years old.  Adult and elderly patients may want their spouse, child, or a friend to accompany them.  This can be helpful in remembering the details of the appointment or instructions given during the appointment.  It may also be useful to have someone else along to help ask questions.  Some patients like to have someone to drive them home if their eyes have been dilated.  For patients with limited ability to speak English, please bring an interpreter.

 

A: Yes, it is possible to send someone else in your place.  If your child will be accompanied by someone other than a legal guardian you must provide a letter stating that you have given your permission for that person to bring your child for treatment.  The letter must include the name of the accompanying adult, the date of service, and your signature.  Please send any necessary information with the person so paperwork can be completed properly.  Minors under the age of 16 cannot be seen without a legal guardian or letter from the parent.  However, any minors scheduled for surgery must always be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

 

A: A trained ophthalmic technician will obtain a history of the reasons for the appointment as well as background medical information.  Your child's eyes will be tested, using preschool symbols for younger children.  The doctor then will check your child's eyes.  Dilating eye drops may be used.  Many children are apprehensive about a first-time eye exam.  We'll make every effort to put your child at ease.

 

Q: How old does my child need to be to wear contact lenses for sports?
A: There is no set age limit, young or old, for contact lens use.  For a child to wear contact lenses they must be physically and emotionally mature enough to insert and remove the lenses on their own.  They must also be able to take meticulous care of the lenses in order to avoid harming their eyes.  Contact lenses are an excellent option for athletes.  Parents are usually the best judge of their child's maturity level for contact lenses.  Most children who get contact lenses are 12 or older.  Exceptions are made based upon the individual.

 

A: If you have had your prescription checked at our practice within the last year, we can fill out a driver's license form for you.  We have the forms here at our office, and the charge is $10.00.  The physician that performed your exam must be the one to sign the form, so we ask that you give us at least three (3) days to get the form back to you.  If you have not had a refraction performed within a year, you will need to have one done before a form can be filled out.  Your vision must be corrected to at least 20/40 in order to be able to get your driver's license.

 

A: There are many insurance plans in existence, and most of them have variations within themselves.  We provide a listing of insurance plans with which we participate on our website.  Due to the multiple variations in insurance coverage, we ask that you contact the customer service phone number on the  back of your insurance card for more accurate information.  We do not have access to all of your plan information.  When you call customer service please make sure to specify whether your visit will be medical or routine.

 

A: Unfortunately most insurance cards do not list the name of your vision plan.  Some employers choose vision plans that are separate from your medical plan.  If you are unsure of the name of your vision plan, you will need to check with your Human Resources department or call the customer service phone number on the back of your insurance card.  Make sure to tell your insurance customer service that you are checking on “routine” vision coverage.  If your vision plan is separate from your medical insurance, you will need to go to a participating physician for full coverage.  If your routine exam is denied, it is most likely due to our not participating with your vision plan or that you were not eligible at the time of service.

 

A: Very few insurance plans pay 100 % of a physician's exam.  Often patients will be responsible for non-covered charges, copays, co-insurances, and deductibles.  Sometimes a diagnosis may be considered pre-existing or the number of visits is limited and the patient may have reached their maximum allowed visits for the year.  Unfortunately, medical practices are often not given a specific reason for a denial on a claim.  While our billing department will be happy to assist you, your best chance for a clear explanation would be to contact the customer service phone number on the back of your insurance card.  You can reach our billing department at 803-981-5036.

 

A: When a physician signs a contract with an insurance company they agree to abide by a specific set of charges established by the insurance company.  If our office charge is higher than the charge determined by the insurance company, we adjust off the difference between our original charge and the insurance company's allowed charge.  This is what is meant by “accepting assignment”.  Depending on your insurance policy, of the amount approved by the insurance company, part is paid by insurance, and part of it is the patient's responsibility.  On some occasions, the insurance may pay all of the allowed amount, and the patient may not owe anything. 

 

A: In order to receive a copy of your medical records, please complete a medical records release form, and fax it to us at 803-325-8473.  It may take from five (5) to ten (10) business days to receive your records once we have received the signed medical records release form and payment.