Eye Care

[ALCapshaw2]

With the number of OHS patients who report eye problems / symptoms, I'm wondering if there is a standard recommendation for eye examinations for us?

My insurance only provides for routine eye exams by an OPTOMETRIST every 2 years. Does anyone know what it would take to have BCBS cover an exam by an OPHTHALMOLOGIST? Are annual exams recommended?

'AL'

 

[JimL]

I saw an ophthamologist a couple months after my one month dose of amiodarone to see if there were any adverse effects. That was about two years ago.

 

[tobagotwo]

Anyone having symptoms of atypical migraine, or rainbow, broken glass, or "grey curtain" effects, or other bizarre eye symptoms should be able to get a reference to an opthalmologist through their primary physician. The opthalmologist can determine if there are thromboses or other issues in the back of the eye.

Insurance should cover that. Opthalmologists are doctors, vs. opticians, who are skilled technicians.

I would think it shouldn't be difficult to talk your physician into referring you to an opthalmologist at least once, if you are over 45, just as a precaution. If they'll send you off for colonoscopy just because of your age, then they should certainly be willing to send you for a proactive eye examination.

Best wishes,

 

[Marguerite53]

I will ask on friday about standard procedure...

I will ask on friday about standard procedure...

I should think Bob was right. Also, insurance companies are big on diagnostic codes. I'm actually seeing my opthamologist friday (finally!) about my own "grey curtain" symptoms. I'll want him to do a vision test, too, though, since my 50 year old eyes are weakening on the reading end of things. Once I do that, I think the insurance just cancels out the health issue and charges for the visit if it's not at the 2 year mark. So, you should check with your insurance how they work those and possibly avoid a vision check unless you're due. Sometimes it's helpful to actually ask the insurance what the diagnostic code is for certain symptoms ahead of time and kind of aim for that kind of visit. If the insurance company balks, the business office at the opthamologist will be very familiar with the codes.

I had a lengthy "battle" recently when my son had gone to see the doctor for what turned out to be a post concussive headache. Someone kept putting down a code about his toes which wasn't covered and it took me forever to figure out what was amiss!!

Marguerite

 

[Marty]

I not only was referred to an opthamologist but to a retinologist after I had a retinal vein thrombosis. Medicare and my supplement pay everything. The key is to have your PCP refer you.

 

[Sherry]

I've had gray curtains for seven years, and after the last one (last spring), I referred myself and had a checkup with an opthamologist. Everything checked out o.k., and the bill was paid almost entirely. He did say that they (the episodes) can cause partial blindness, and that it was quite reasonable for me to come in for checkups should they continue.

 

[epstns]

I've been seeing an opthalmologist for 10 years plus, for normal eye exams. I've been covered by several different health plans over the years, and some cover it - some don't. Currently we have Humana, and they cover it without any issues.

 

[Rain]

Tell them you're concerned about more then just a prescription.

Tell them you're concerned about more then just a prescription.

With our old insurance (Blue Cross) we had to have a referral to see a specialist. My PCP sent me to a opthamologist when I was pregnant with my daughter, looking for Marfan?s characteristics. Since then we?ve changed insurance and don?t need a referral. I?ve taken Ryan and myself in for check ups several times since then. Each time I tell them that we have Marfans characteristics and that I want a checkup and prescription... for Ry that is.... I?m happy to say I don?t require glasses. They give us a very in depth exam of the eyes and a prescription for our fee of seeing a specialist... $30.00

I don't know how long you have to wait between exams. I've only gone twice in the last twelve years. I think Ryan's went twice in the last five years.