[tropicalkaren]

When I went to Ocala Eye to have cataracts removed I was told that Medicare would cover it except for the extra incisions to take care of my astigmatism. I had to pay that in advance, so I expected all bills to be taken care of by my Medicare and Blue Cross.

Now, I get bills almost every day for differing amounts from their surgery center, their eye center and they are threatening to send me to a collection agency. Anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks, Karen

[Quietman]

Originally Posted by tropicalkaren

When I went to Ocala Eye to have cataracts removed I was told that Medicare would cover it except for the extra incisions to take care of my astigmatism. I had to pay that in advance, so I expected all bills to be taken care of by my Medicare and Blue Cross.

Now, I get bills almost every day for differing amounts from their surgery center, their eye center and they are threatening to send me to a collection agency. Anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks, Karen

I would call them and ask if they have billed Medicare and BC/BS. I have the same ins and they paid it all. If unsure check with BC/BS (the easier of the 2 to get thru to)

[Bogie Shooter]

Why not meet with them and understand what the problem really is. That should give you the straight answer rather than the speculation you will get from posters who may have a different set of circumstances.

[tropicalkaren]

Did you get bills separately from both the eye center and the surgery center? We have been billed from both places and for different services. When we would pay one bill the amount would be removed from the total but not show up on the next bill, which would be for a different amount and supposedly a different purpose (i.e.) one would be for testing pre-op at the regular office and another for testing at the surgical center. We will call them on Monday but this has been very frustrating.

[dillywho]

Originally Posted by tropicalkaren

When I went to Ocala Eye to have cataracts removed I was told that Medicare would cover it except for the extra incisions to take care of my astigmatism. I had to pay that in advance, so I expected all bills to be taken care of by my Medicare and Blue Cross.

Now, I get bills almost every day for differing amounts from their surgery center, their eye center and they are threatening to send me to a collection agency. Anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks, Karen

Scam is a pretty harsh word. There are specific things that Medicare will and will not pay for. If your BCBS is a supplement and Medicare doesn't pay, then BCBS doesn't either.

Ocala Eye has always provided me with the best deals possible according to all the guidelines required and I have been extremely satisfied with them, both in their level of care and their business practices.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by dillywho

Scam is a pretty harsh word. There are specific things that Medicare will and will not pay for. If your BCBS is a supplement and Medicare doesn't pay, then BCBS doesn't either.

Ocala Eye has always provided me with the best deals possible according to all the guidelines required and I have been extremely satisfied with them, both in their level of care and their business practices.

I agree.

[784caroline]

Originally Posted by tropicalkaren

Did you get bills separately from both the eye center and the surgery center? We have been billed from both places and for different services. When we would pay one bill the amount would be removed from the total but not show up on the next bill, which would be for a different amount and supposedly a different purpose (i.e.) one would be for testing pre-op at the regular office and another for testing at the surgical center. We will call them on Monday but this has been very frustrating.

Had cataract surgery with Ocala eye...Prior to surgery received 2 bills from the Dr as office visits prior to surgery, then for the surgery itself, received a bill for the professional services of the Dr, and a separate bill from the Ocala Surgery Center.

This is NO different than having surgery at a local hospital where the Dr charges you separately from the Hospital and then you get a separate bill for the Anesthesia.

You are NOT getting Scammed as you say it. Either they did not explain the process clearly to you or you most likely simply did not understand it. I never pay a medical bill until I receive the Explaination of Benefits (EOB) from Blue Cross. You should definitely compare the bills you are receiving by Date and Dollar amount or services rendered with the BC EOBs If BC is rejecting the claim, then I call them and ask questions...either its not an approved procedure, or any deductible/ co-pays are not yet met.

We found Ocala Eye has been very good to work with!

[NotGolfer]

Isn't there varying types of that surgery? I once saw something (maybe when I was at Ocala Eye or somewhere else) about cataract surgery and the varying lens' they can use. There is a "cadillac" type of lense that insurance doesn't pay for, if I remember correctly. I wouldn't get your information here though...it's best to give their office a call and have a conversation with them for further clarification.

I just saw Dr Scott Wehrly at Lake Eye Associates and will be having cataract surgery at their Santa Fe Surgery Center on 466. I received a folder with many pamphlets (which someone discussed with me first) and also information on what bills I would be receiving. I have 2 office visits prior to surgery for a scan & then for measurements (which Medicare won't pay for since they are more detailed since I am having the Multifocal lens implant.) Besides these pre-op bills I will get 3 separate bills after surgery: from Dr Wehrly, from the Surgery Center and from Anesthesia Services. I will have to pay my co-pay and the co-pays are different depending on where the services occurred, i.e. doctor's office and outpatient.

So I suggest that you make an appt with the financial/billing person at Ocala Eye to go over everything. Try to remain calm and, if there is a problem be firm, not angry. Good luck.

[tropicalkaren]

Thanks for your responses. The problem has been resolved and was caused by a lack of communication from Ocala Eye. The doctor told me that Medicare covers all but the extra incisions for astigmatism and that was paid ahead of time. For some reason, the office did not explain the different charges from the different offices, etc., leaving room for bills that had no rhyme or reason. I don't know if this communication problem is common or if someone just dropped the ball in my case.

[784caroline]

Glad it was worked out

However, it would be good (and appropriate) if you could change the heading of your inital post!

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by tropicalkaren

Thanks for your responses. The problem has been resolved and was caused by a lack of communication from Ocala Eye. The doctor told me that Medicare covers all but the extra incisions for astigmatism and that was paid ahead of time. For some reason, the office did not explain the different charges from the different offices, etc., leaving room for bills that had no rhyme or reason. I don't know if this communication problem is common or if someone just dropped the ball in my case.

Now wasn't that easier than trying to understand all the responses?
I agree you should change the title of this thread, I am a patient of Ocala Eye and feel they are an excellant care giver.

[bestmickey]

I'm with 784Caroline and Bogie Shooter. Since you've learned you weren't scammed, and the issue was merely a communication problem, the current thread title is very misleading and unfair to this medical provider.

The problem is that many folks are lazy and just won't take the time to read an entire thread through to its conclusion, so they won't see that you were not scammed. Many will just read the thread title and your note, and perhaps one or two other posts.

Please change the title something to the effect of "Ocala Eye Inst Billing Question"?

[lance.boyle]

My wife had some minor surgery there a couple of years ago and everything was fine. We DID sit down with them prior to the procedure to fully understand what was and wasn't covered. The final billing was fine.