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September 2012 Moms
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Pediatric ophthalmologist stress

melody921melody921 member
in September 2012 Moms
Our pedi wants DD to see a pediatric ophthalmologist. When she was shining the light in her eyes in the dark, she said one eye reflects light differently than the other. Apparently, this can mean that one eye is weaker/doesn't focus the same. She asked me all these questions about whether anyone in our families has a history of lazy eye (no) or if I've ever noticed that DD's eyes aren't both focused on the same spot (also no). But she said if they do need to fix an eyesight deficit, it's easier to do when she's young, and they could patch one eye or something to let the other get stronger.

So I left the pedi, called the eye doc and explained what the pedi had said. The receptionist was so rude. She said she didn't know what I was talking about when I said that DD's eyes reflect light differently. And she told me that if I bring DD in and they don't find anything wrong with her eyes, then I need to pay out of pocket for the visit. Is it just me, or is this absurd? I hope DD's eyes are perfectly fine. But if my doc is telling me to see a specialist, that should be a covered medical expense. If they find that DD's eyes don't need correction, awesome, but how are we supposed to know that without having her seen? I was so mad that I called the pedi's office back and asked them to call the eye doc and explain the situation (and of course, I still haven't heard anything back from them).

Seriously, crap like this makes me want to punch someone.

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Re: Pediatric ophthalmologist stress

  • PokedotPokedot member

    I don't have experience with this exactly but DS had to see an eye dr. for a lump on his head. Apparently the Juvenile Xanthem Granuloma (fancy word for the lump) on his head can put pressure on the optic nerve causing vision problems and even lead to glaucoma! Awesome right? So I took him in. All was fine and dandy and the lump has almost disappeared! I work right next to the eye dr. and know him personally but when asked if they need my insurance card they said no. That eye visits are covered when under 2. I'm not sure if this is his policy or the entire field. I'd call back and ask to talk to someone else or maybe call at 12 when they receptionist would typically be at lunch. Maybe you'll luck out and get someone else!

     

     

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  • PenelopePondPenelopePond member
    I was a receptionist at an ophthalmology office for four years. I've never heard of this. As far as the payment goes, I would warn someone of the same thing. No medical problem=routine exam=not covered by medical insurance (usually). However, if you are referred it should be covered by medical. I would warn people so they weren't surprised just in case.

    Were you calling a pediatric ophthalmologist? I'm thinking that's why the receptionist may not have known. We were did not usually see children, so if this is something commonly found early in life they may not have experience with it.

    Sorry she was rude though.
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  • MrsMannyMrsManny member
    We have seen the eye dr. for the same thing.  It was closer to when he was 6 months and we were able to use the infantSEE program.  I would check that out for sure, it was free and it was a complete exam.  That doesn't seem right at all that insurance wouldn't cover it if they don't find anything. Can you call your insurance company?  I know our insurance company covers an exam per person per year, so that should fit under that.
     When we went, one eye was weaker than the other,and the eye dr said this was super common with all people. 
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  • melody921melody921 member
    MrsManny said:
    We have seen the eye dr. for the same thing.  It was closer to when he was 6 months and we were able to use the infantSEE program.  I would check that out for sure, it was free and it was a complete exam.  That doesn't seem right at all that insurance wouldn't cover it if they don't find anything. Can you call your insurance company?  I know our insurance company covers an exam per person per year, so that should fit under that.
     When we went, one eye was weaker than the other,and the eye dr said this was super common with all people. 
    This makes me worry a little less. I'll look into infantSEE. Thanks!

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