There have been times in the past that purchasing eye glasses was a real stressor. This time, it was so easy! This is as it should be. I have two vision insurances, and got the card out for the second insurance, but forgot to take it with me. Apparently, the eye care professionals could access my coverage on line, so it was not that big a deal that I left the card at home. This is one more example of my recent ditzy behavior.
I purchased the eye glasses. They said it would be up to two weeks before the glasses were ready. I was not too concerned. That was on Saturday.
Thursday evening, I received a text that my glasses were ready. I received the text between two meetings I had that evening. I had a few minutes between the meetings, but was not sure how long it would take to get my glasses. So, I waited till after work the next day. I was in and out of the store in less than 10 minutes; maybe even less than 5 minutes. It was all so easy!
Showing posts with label eye care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label eye care. Show all posts
Sunday, June 17, 2018
Monday, June 11, 2018
Eye Appointment - Leaving the Glasses Prescription Behind
Check out for my eye appointment was interesting. The associate (?clerk, secretary, administrative assistant?) who checked me out was having a bad day. The computers had been down more than they were working, and when she tried to sign on and was successful, she was overjoyed. She was a little embarrassed about that until I told her I worked for a different branch of the same entity, we had the same problems with our computers, and the same reactions when they were working.
The clerk was fascinated by what I told her about my work place. Because it is a secure facility, if a patient is out of line, I step out and security steps in. If a family member gets on the phone and is abusive or aggressive, I report it and say I will not accept calls from that person. She was amazed, because they have to give good customer service, under almost all circumstances, even when a customer is not totally appropriate (been there, done that. The customer is not always right, but if you can make the customer happy, do so.)
She handed me several papers, including a receipt and I do not know what else, except the slip in sunglasses. I left, and after I got home I searched and searched for the glasses prescription, and could not find it. I decided I would call the next day and ask for another. Then, I remembered to turn on my phone, and checking my messages, I had one from her: I had left the glasses prescription behind, and although she tried to catch me, she did not, and would mail the prescription to me.
What an addlepate I am!
The clerk was fascinated by what I told her about my work place. Because it is a secure facility, if a patient is out of line, I step out and security steps in. If a family member gets on the phone and is abusive or aggressive, I report it and say I will not accept calls from that person. She was amazed, because they have to give good customer service, under almost all circumstances, even when a customer is not totally appropriate (been there, done that. The customer is not always right, but if you can make the customer happy, do so.)
She handed me several papers, including a receipt and I do not know what else, except the slip in sunglasses. I left, and after I got home I searched and searched for the glasses prescription, and could not find it. I decided I would call the next day and ask for another. Then, I remembered to turn on my phone, and checking my messages, I had one from her: I had left the glasses prescription behind, and although she tried to catch me, she did not, and would mail the prescription to me.
What an addlepate I am!
Eye Appointment - Is This A Good Day to Dilate You r Eyes
Well, I arrived at my eye appointment a few minutes early. When I had called and asked for the appointment, they asked about my insurance. I had my "major medical" card with me, but I did not have the card for my supplementary vision insurance, which I purchased about a year ago, and never used before. When I signed in, they informed me they were able to access my supplementary insurance information, and would be using that as my primary for the appointment. I was a little concerned that that kind of information is available about me online, but well, what isn't these days. But, that saved me a little bit of money for my co-pay, even though I had the insurance card with me at the appointment.
I wore my old glasses into the appointment, but had enough forethought to bring my broken pair of glasses with me. That was good, because they wanted to do my screening exam with that pair of glasses, and we were able to do so.
As the exam progressed, I was informed that they were going to dilate my pupils. Well, when I started seeing an ophthalmologist as a child, he always, always, dilated our pupils. Over the years, I have usually used optometrists, and sometimes they dilate my eyes, and sometimes, they don't. I hate having my eyes dilated, but generally feel more confident in the optometrist, if they do dilate my eyes.
So, when we arrived at that point in my exam, the optometrist asked me if this was a good day to dilate my pupils. I hesitated and said, "yes." Later in the process, I told her that she should not ask that question, because it was never a good day to dilate my pupils. She said she understood, and rephrased the question. I answered something like, "yes, I am not scheduled to read anything in public in the next few hours under bright lights." I do not think she took offense. I hope she did not.
The one thing I noticed about this exam that I had not always noticed (because it was not present) in my prior exams, was that when tests were good, I was told the results. I was, of course, told the results when tests were bad in the past. But when things were okay or good, the optometrist would usually say "uh hum," and that was that. I should have told the optometrist how much I appreciate that.
The one thing I did tell her, when she talked about my cataracts, was that was the same thing she told me last time, so I am guessing they did not enlarge too much. She checked the record and agreed with me. That was nice.
The clinic provided slip in sunglasses so even though I said I had sunglasses in the vehicle, I was instructed to wear the slip ins out to the car. The gentleman checking out next to me at the same time, who said he had sunglasses in the car, was told the same thing. That, too impressed me.
I drove home very carefully. I had hoped to run some errands after the appointment, but did not remember they would dilate my eyes. I decided not to drive any more than I needed to, so went straight home. It was about 3 hours later before my vision started to normalize. It was very frustrating. But, the doctor did tell my that I had good eye health, so dilating the pupils of my eyes had some reassurance benefit.
I wore my old glasses into the appointment, but had enough forethought to bring my broken pair of glasses with me. That was good, because they wanted to do my screening exam with that pair of glasses, and we were able to do so.
As the exam progressed, I was informed that they were going to dilate my pupils. Well, when I started seeing an ophthalmologist as a child, he always, always, dilated our pupils. Over the years, I have usually used optometrists, and sometimes they dilate my eyes, and sometimes, they don't. I hate having my eyes dilated, but generally feel more confident in the optometrist, if they do dilate my eyes.
So, when we arrived at that point in my exam, the optometrist asked me if this was a good day to dilate my pupils. I hesitated and said, "yes." Later in the process, I told her that she should not ask that question, because it was never a good day to dilate my pupils. She said she understood, and rephrased the question. I answered something like, "yes, I am not scheduled to read anything in public in the next few hours under bright lights." I do not think she took offense. I hope she did not.
The one thing I noticed about this exam that I had not always noticed (because it was not present) in my prior exams, was that when tests were good, I was told the results. I was, of course, told the results when tests were bad in the past. But when things were okay or good, the optometrist would usually say "uh hum," and that was that. I should have told the optometrist how much I appreciate that.
The one thing I did tell her, when she talked about my cataracts, was that was the same thing she told me last time, so I am guessing they did not enlarge too much. She checked the record and agreed with me. That was nice.
The clinic provided slip in sunglasses so even though I said I had sunglasses in the vehicle, I was instructed to wear the slip ins out to the car. The gentleman checking out next to me at the same time, who said he had sunglasses in the car, was told the same thing. That, too impressed me.
I drove home very carefully. I had hoped to run some errands after the appointment, but did not remember they would dilate my eyes. I decided not to drive any more than I needed to, so went straight home. It was about 3 hours later before my vision started to normalize. It was very frustrating. But, the doctor did tell my that I had good eye health, so dilating the pupils of my eyes had some reassurance benefit.
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Eye Drops
For years, I have used over the counter saline eye drops when my eyes have felt dry, itchy or have been red. Some years ago, an optometrist gave me a sample of Similasan drops which were wonderful. I purchased those for some time. More recently, I was provided with a sample of Systane, but have not purchased any, although I appreciate the relief from the sample.
I am thinking about eye drops tonight because I sat out and read in my back yard, this evening. And now my eyes are itching. They also itched after I did some yard work over the weekend, so I know that pollen is heavy right now. In fact, when I was sitting outside in the yard, I became very congested, but the congestion cleared up shortly after I moved inside. That is not unusual for me.
I am thinking about eye drops tonight because I sat out and read in my back yard, this evening. And now my eyes are itching. They also itched after I did some yard work over the weekend, so I know that pollen is heavy right now. In fact, when I was sitting outside in the yard, I became very congested, but the congestion cleared up shortly after I moved inside. That is not unusual for me.
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Eyeglasses, Part Two
I heard from Vision Mart https://www.eyemartexpress.com/stores/view/id/9 today. The tech who sold me glasses called, and explained that they received the lens, but had a problem with the frames. She asked me to call her. I did. She explained that the frames broke while the lens were being installed. They could order new frames, but it would take 3 weeks. I could go in and choose another frame, and they would have to re-do the lens, and that would take up to 2 weeks, but probably not. I told her I would go in and select new frames. But I got to thinking about it. I really liked those other frames, and I have my prescription sunglasses, so I can wait the extra time. The sales rep will not be there tomorrow, she said, so I think I will just call her back Saturday and tell her to get the frames, if they still have the lens.
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Going Hollywood, or Going Dark
Well, I kept my eye exam appointment with Texas Tech Eye Consultants http://texastechphysicians.com/ on June 19, 2015, and was delighted. The office staff, the clinical staff, and the optometrist were great. For the first time in I do not know how long, Dr. Crossnoe told me that she was able to correct my vision to 20/20. Most of the previous optometrists I saw told me something like "This is the best we can do." I settled. I wonder. Maybe I should not have settled.
Dr. Crossnoe could not identify a nerve problem that the optometrist I last saw told me about. I really think that prior optometrist was angry with me because I could not perform correctly for his "field of vision" exam. He all but called me a liar because I could not do the exam. I think he invented this nerve problem so he could use a new machine he had. I really felt like I was being manipulated. I am so glad I cancelled the follow up exam. By the way, when I called in to do so, I was told I could not do so. Who says?
The exam at the Texas Tech Eye Consultants was straight forward. Everything was explained in transparent language. No nerve problems were identified. I was tested for glaucoma. My eyes were dilated to check for retinal problems. That I have cataracts was noted, and that the cataracts should not be obstructing my vision was noted.
So, my eye exam was on a Friday, and Saturday morning, I went to Vision Mart https://www.eyemartexpress.com/stores/view/id/9 to get glasses. The tech who assisted me was great, she was willing to explore all of the options and their various costs. I opted for HD lens, and two pair of glasses, one with polarized sunglasses lens, and one with clear lens. I was not surprised that I would have to wait from 6 to 14 business days to get my glasses. My eye glass prescription has never been completed the same day. So, wow, I was amazed that a few hours later, I received a text that one of my 2 pair of eye glasses was ready.
I was so excited. I retrieved the eyeglasses, and was amazed to learn that the sunglasses were ready! And, they were great! Wow! So, I wore them out, and wore them as much as I could. I went to an outdoor play that night, and finally had to change back to the clear/transitions lens in the old pair of glasses so I could see outside in the dark, and drive home in the dark.
But, my vision with the new sunglasses is so much better than the old pair of glasses, I do everything I can to wear the sunglasses, even turning on lights in my house and office!
So, when I went to work Monday, people were asking me if I "went Hollywood" or was "going dark?" I was not sure what "going dark" meant, but I think it means being angry, anti- authority, and in general anti-establishment.
So, I explained my situation Many of my colleagues could relate to being in limbo until they were able to get their new pair of glasses. A few of my co-workers understood the HD and polarization of UV rays my sunglasses offered.
I do not care if my co-workers think I "went Hollywood." Come on, if they do not know me by now, they will never know me. I am wearing this sunglasses as a survival tool. Pure and simple.
Dr. Crossnoe could not identify a nerve problem that the optometrist I last saw told me about. I really think that prior optometrist was angry with me because I could not perform correctly for his "field of vision" exam. He all but called me a liar because I could not do the exam. I think he invented this nerve problem so he could use a new machine he had. I really felt like I was being manipulated. I am so glad I cancelled the follow up exam. By the way, when I called in to do so, I was told I could not do so. Who says?
The exam at the Texas Tech Eye Consultants was straight forward. Everything was explained in transparent language. No nerve problems were identified. I was tested for glaucoma. My eyes were dilated to check for retinal problems. That I have cataracts was noted, and that the cataracts should not be obstructing my vision was noted.
So, my eye exam was on a Friday, and Saturday morning, I went to Vision Mart https://www.eyemartexpress.com/stores/view/id/9 to get glasses. The tech who assisted me was great, she was willing to explore all of the options and their various costs. I opted for HD lens, and two pair of glasses, one with polarized sunglasses lens, and one with clear lens. I was not surprised that I would have to wait from 6 to 14 business days to get my glasses. My eye glass prescription has never been completed the same day. So, wow, I was amazed that a few hours later, I received a text that one of my 2 pair of eye glasses was ready.
I was so excited. I retrieved the eyeglasses, and was amazed to learn that the sunglasses were ready! And, they were great! Wow! So, I wore them out, and wore them as much as I could. I went to an outdoor play that night, and finally had to change back to the clear/transitions lens in the old pair of glasses so I could see outside in the dark, and drive home in the dark.
But, my vision with the new sunglasses is so much better than the old pair of glasses, I do everything I can to wear the sunglasses, even turning on lights in my house and office!
So, when I went to work Monday, people were asking me if I "went Hollywood" or was "going dark?" I was not sure what "going dark" meant, but I think it means being angry, anti- authority, and in general anti-establishment.
So, I explained my situation Many of my colleagues could relate to being in limbo until they were able to get their new pair of glasses. A few of my co-workers understood the HD and polarization of UV rays my sunglasses offered.
I do not care if my co-workers think I "went Hollywood." Come on, if they do not know me by now, they will never know me. I am wearing this sunglasses as a survival tool. Pure and simple.
Saturday, June 13, 2015
My Eyeglasses
More than any other mechanism, falling asleep while reading is the most effective way for me to get a good night's sleep. I have had sleep problems all of my life, so I should know. As a pre-teen, our family doctor refused to prescribe "sleeping pills" at my mother's request, and, to her chagrin he just told her to let me stay up late enough until I was ready to go to sleep. He did tell her and me that if my school grades suffered, or I had other problems, we would revisit this plan. There was never any reason to revisit this plan.
So, I often fall asleep reading, and the problem with this is that it affects my eye glasses. My current pair of eye glasses were obtained in December of 2013. Several months into my possession of these eye glasses, I fell asleep reading, and bent an ear piece. I think I could have returned to the provider, to get the eyeglasses adjusted, but I never did.
I have had some vision problems recently, and knew it was time to get another vision exam. I have been putting that off. For several reasons. The last optometrist I saw for a vision exam was not one I trusted. I had seen him once before, and did not like him, but forgot that, so when I went to him again in 2013, I was reminded that I did not like him, his staff or his practice. I had seen another provider before seeing him and I knew I was developing cataracts. When I saw this other optometrist, he told me I had the beginning of cataracts, which I knew, and he told me I had nerve problems with my left eye.
Because of the nerve problem to my left eye, he had me come back to do another test. I called my primary care provider, and was given an authorization for this other test. I went to the optometrist for this test, and then discovered he was not authorized by my insurance for this other test. His office told me they did not know this, and were trying to get authorized for this test. As far as I can tell, this authorization never occurred.
When I was scheduled for a follow up exam, and the insurance issue had not been resolved, I called to cancel the follow up exam. I was told I could not cancel the follow up exam. I told the person on the phone that I could cancel the follow up exam, and why. A few days later, someone from this optometrist's office called me and told me why they had not resolved the insurance issue from the previous exam, and why it was okay to keep the follow up exam. Which I did not do. I have never received notification from my insurance that this follow up exam was ever covered by this provider.
So, recently, I wanted to change providers, because I wanted to establish myself with someone who has my eye health history regarding my cataracts, specifically an ophthalmologist. I have decided on the Texas Tech Eye Consultants https://www.ttuhsc.edu/som/ophthalmology/clinics/southwest.aspx. They told me that if I just wanted a vision exam, they would set me up with an optometrist This is okay with me, because if I have cataracts, or other eye health issues, the medical records will be at the clinic, and an ophthalmologist will have that information.
So, I have an appointment pending. Hopefully, this will help.
So, I often fall asleep reading, and the problem with this is that it affects my eye glasses. My current pair of eye glasses were obtained in December of 2013. Several months into my possession of these eye glasses, I fell asleep reading, and bent an ear piece. I think I could have returned to the provider, to get the eyeglasses adjusted, but I never did.
I have had some vision problems recently, and knew it was time to get another vision exam. I have been putting that off. For several reasons. The last optometrist I saw for a vision exam was not one I trusted. I had seen him once before, and did not like him, but forgot that, so when I went to him again in 2013, I was reminded that I did not like him, his staff or his practice. I had seen another provider before seeing him and I knew I was developing cataracts. When I saw this other optometrist, he told me I had the beginning of cataracts, which I knew, and he told me I had nerve problems with my left eye.
Because of the nerve problem to my left eye, he had me come back to do another test. I called my primary care provider, and was given an authorization for this other test. I went to the optometrist for this test, and then discovered he was not authorized by my insurance for this other test. His office told me they did not know this, and were trying to get authorized for this test. As far as I can tell, this authorization never occurred.
When I was scheduled for a follow up exam, and the insurance issue had not been resolved, I called to cancel the follow up exam. I was told I could not cancel the follow up exam. I told the person on the phone that I could cancel the follow up exam, and why. A few days later, someone from this optometrist's office called me and told me why they had not resolved the insurance issue from the previous exam, and why it was okay to keep the follow up exam. Which I did not do. I have never received notification from my insurance that this follow up exam was ever covered by this provider.
So, recently, I wanted to change providers, because I wanted to establish myself with someone who has my eye health history regarding my cataracts, specifically an ophthalmologist. I have decided on the Texas Tech Eye Consultants https://www.ttuhsc.edu/som/ophthalmology/clinics/southwest.aspx. They told me that if I just wanted a vision exam, they would set me up with an optometrist This is okay with me, because if I have cataracts, or other eye health issues, the medical records will be at the clinic, and an ophthalmologist will have that information.
So, I have an appointment pending. Hopefully, this will help.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Health Insurance
I am an employee of the State of Texas. Until most recently, the State of Texas contracted with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas to provide health care coverage to its employees. September of 2012, that changed, and we are now covered by United Health Care. So many people say that United Health Care is an inferior health insurance provider. Especially medical providers: they negotiated lower rates of pay than many other insurance providers. But these negotiations were widely although not universally accepted. And the State of Texas changed to this insurance provider for the lowered costs.
There have been some things that for me are good about this new coverage. Wellness prevention checks are covered. For years, my major medical expense was the co-pay for my yearly gynecological exam. Now, there is no co-pay. I have had to have some x-rays this past year, and there has been no co-pay for some of these, as they were preventive, not diagnostic.
I am careful to use my insurance as I am supposed to: My primary care physician is excellent at following up on getting referrals and authorizations. I check that these have been obtained, and I try to make sure I understand what the parameters of these authorizations are.
I needed new glasses and went in for a vision exam. The optometrist discovered some problem with my left eye, and he suspected it was with the optical nerve. My PCP obtained authorization for follow up appointments, and I went to that appointment.
Recently, I received an explanation of benefits from the insurance, which indicated that the optometrist was "out of network." Well, when I checked the list of "network" optometrists, he was still listed, as he had been when I went for that appointment.
So, I called the insurance company to find out what was going on. The wonderfully understanding representative assured me that I had a valid authorization and referral. She quickly ascertained that the problem was that the optometrist billed under an ID number that was not a current provider number with the insurance. She said that if I have to have additional follow up, WE need to find me a new provider who will be covered for this problem. The insurance representative asked me if she could put me on hold, called the optometrist office, and then got back to me. She told me with whom she spoke. She said that the office person said they thought, including the optometrist thought, that he was authorized with the insurance as a provider, and that they would correct that. The insurance representative said that if they did correct that, they could retroactively submit my bill as a courtesy, so I would not have to pay the uninsured bill. She also told me to check back with the provider in a week or so, to make sure that they follow through.
I had dreaded contacting the insurance. I was pleasantly surprised by the customer service that I received. I do not know how this will be resolved. I have little faith that the optometrist and his clerical staff will do the right thing. I am sure I need to find a new optic provider: probably an opthamologist, since I know I have cataracts, and now possibly some other problems.
This was a good lesson regarding health insurance. I know no matter what authorizations there are, there are no guarantees.
I was pleasantly surprised by the help from the insurance company. I hope this can be resolved in my favor, but I am anticipating a protracted negotiation, which I hate, but which I suspect I will have to negotiate.
Well, this is true. There are no guarantees in life So why should I think there are guarantees in insurance.
There have been some things that for me are good about this new coverage. Wellness prevention checks are covered. For years, my major medical expense was the co-pay for my yearly gynecological exam. Now, there is no co-pay. I have had to have some x-rays this past year, and there has been no co-pay for some of these, as they were preventive, not diagnostic.
I am careful to use my insurance as I am supposed to: My primary care physician is excellent at following up on getting referrals and authorizations. I check that these have been obtained, and I try to make sure I understand what the parameters of these authorizations are.
I needed new glasses and went in for a vision exam. The optometrist discovered some problem with my left eye, and he suspected it was with the optical nerve. My PCP obtained authorization for follow up appointments, and I went to that appointment.
Recently, I received an explanation of benefits from the insurance, which indicated that the optometrist was "out of network." Well, when I checked the list of "network" optometrists, he was still listed, as he had been when I went for that appointment.
So, I called the insurance company to find out what was going on. The wonderfully understanding representative assured me that I had a valid authorization and referral. She quickly ascertained that the problem was that the optometrist billed under an ID number that was not a current provider number with the insurance. She said that if I have to have additional follow up, WE need to find me a new provider who will be covered for this problem. The insurance representative asked me if she could put me on hold, called the optometrist office, and then got back to me. She told me with whom she spoke. She said that the office person said they thought, including the optometrist thought, that he was authorized with the insurance as a provider, and that they would correct that. The insurance representative said that if they did correct that, they could retroactively submit my bill as a courtesy, so I would not have to pay the uninsured bill. She also told me to check back with the provider in a week or so, to make sure that they follow through.
I had dreaded contacting the insurance. I was pleasantly surprised by the customer service that I received. I do not know how this will be resolved. I have little faith that the optometrist and his clerical staff will do the right thing. I am sure I need to find a new optic provider: probably an opthamologist, since I know I have cataracts, and now possibly some other problems.
This was a good lesson regarding health insurance. I know no matter what authorizations there are, there are no guarantees.
I was pleasantly surprised by the help from the insurance company. I hope this can be resolved in my favor, but I am anticipating a protracted negotiation, which I hate, but which I suspect I will have to negotiate.
Well, this is true. There are no guarantees in life So why should I think there are guarantees in insurance.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)