With all the recent changes to healthcare and a new year just around the corner, we want to continue to provide high quality eye care to our patients without slowing you down. 2012 brought many challenges with the implementation of a new Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system, converting our old paper chart method entirely to the computer. This year, 2013, our 30-year-old office underwent a major renovation to the back office to bring you a new, fresh look with updated equipment and exam rooms. Now we are looking to 2014, with many new challenges on the horizon with the healthcare law. While most of this, our patients never see, we are tirelessly working behind the scenes so your visit is as seamless as it has been in the past. Below are a few tips you can do to make your visit to the Kansas City Eye Clinic as easy as pie:
- Remember to bring your current insurance card with you to your appointment. If you have vision insurance (VSP, EyeMed, Superior), please let the front desk know so we can pull an authorization for your visit.
- Bring your last glasses and/or contact lens boxes or prescription with you so we know what you are currently wearing.
- If you are a new patient, please go on to our website and fill out your patient information and health history form prior to your visit: https://www.www.kceyeclinic.com/patient-form/ and when you arrive just tell the receptionist you filled it out online and they will put the documents into your chart for you. This will save you about 10-15 minutes worth of paperwork in the waiting room.
- If you are an established patient and you have not been seen for a year or more, you can print the health history form pages 4-6 here: https://www.www.kceyeclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/New-Pateint.pdf and bring them into your appointment to save you time.
- If you do not have access to our website, please bring in a copy of your current medication list, major surgeries, and health conditions. This will help the technician easily update your information. We must update your health history once a year to stay current.
- If you are coming in for a yearly exam, you will most likely be dilated so bring your sunglasses with you (we also provide some very stylish disposable ones if you forget). Dilation allows the doctor to get a clear view of the back of your eye to rule out any pathology or to continue to monitor any previously diagnosed conditions. It is extremely critical for all diabetics and people with a family history of macular degeneration or glaucoma to be followed with yearly dilated exams. With dilation you can still see at a distance and most everyone can drive themselves home, however the computer and near vision will be blurry for about 4-6 hours before resolving.
- If you have been referred by another eye doctor or physician, if necessary, please make sure they send your records prior to the appointment so that the doctor may review them. We will send a letter and any necessary information back to them to keep them updated on your condition.
- If you would like a copy of your exam, please let the technician know so one may be printed for you before arriving at checkout.
- Refractions (what the technician/doctor performs to see if there is a need or has been a change in your glasses or contacts prescription) are not covered by Medicare and most medical insurance plans; you may be asked for payment of this service at checkout. Some medical insurances carry some routine vision coverage, please check with your insurance, and Vision Plans such as VSP, EyeMed and Superior Vision will grant one routine vision check per calendar year which includes a refraction.
- We always work to stay as close as possible on schedule, however emergencies do arise. If you have waited longer than 20 minutes in the waiting room, please let the front desk know so that we may try to resolve the issue. Please allow about an hour for a yearly check-up and about one and a half hours for a surgical evaluation. If you are pressed for time, we always recommend making your appointment first thing in the morning or first thing after lunch to ensure timeliness. We will try to accommodate all appointment requests, however the doctor’s schedules do not always allow for us to do so. We do recommend calling about 3 months before your scheduled recall to make your yearly appointment; all postcard reminders are mailed out around this time. If you wish to be seen sooner, you can check our Twitter account or Facebook page for appointment cancellations which are updated daily if there are any available.
- At this time we are accepting many major medical insurances, including Medicare and beginning Jan 1st will begin to accept those plans bought on the Marketplace. However, we strongly suggest that you check with your insurance plan to make sure that the doctor you are seeing is “In-network” so that you do not have any unpleasant surprises. Please be prepared to pay any copays at the time of checkout. If you are Self-pay, please let the front desk know when you make your appointment.
We hope this helps ease the stress of your appointment and is a helpful guide to what you can expect during your visit. If at any time during your visit you are unsatisfied, please let someone know. We take pride in our long-standing relationship with the Kansas City area and continue to strive everyday to provide high quality eye care with a personal touch.