[shawano1]

My wife is in need of an opthalmologist. Any good recommendations?

Thank you.

Jim
shawanoresearchcenter@yahoo.com

[dbussone]

Dr Ahmed at Ocala Eye. 466 and Buena Vista. My wife used Dr Pollack in the same practice.

[MSGirl]

Dr Vocci at Lake Eye found a problem with my husbands eye when no other specialist could.

[mac9]

I have been seeing Dr. Ethiraj Ramchander for the past 7 years. He was recommended to me by my former ophthalmologist in NJ. Both of us have been extremely pleased with him as he is thorough and knowledgable.

[Biker Dog]

Dr Kim Ireland at St Luke's in LSL.

[KayakerNC]

Originally Posted by Biker Dog

Dr Kim Ireland at St Luke's in LSL.

Ditto.

[Quixote]

Originally Posted by shawano1

My wife is in need of an opthalmologist. Any good recommendations?

Thank you.

Jim
shawanoresearchcenter@yahoo.com

Ocala Eye seems to have the most comprehensive practice with ophthalmological specialists for different eye conditions. Except for their retinal department, which is located in Ocala, the bulk of their practice seems to be in their offices across from the Laurel Manor Rec Center. Their Villages office phone number is 352-430-3356.

[jetcapt]

Cataract surgery is an ultra-safe eye procedure that normally takes 15-20 minutes and requires only eye numbing eye drops, not general anesthesia.

During your pre-op visits, Ocala Eye 'recommends' a 'Optical Path Differential test' to help the doctor determine the best procedure to use. The test will probably not be covered by your insurance, they say. The charge is $295.00, out of your pocket. OK, you say. who would want to refuse what the doctor who will be operating on you is recommending. Then it gets more interesting.

After waiting a few weeks, you notice that a claim hasn't been filed with Medicare or your supplemental carrier. You call Ocala Eye and they say that the test is a new procedure, and there is no Medicare code for it (Medicare has a procedure for such things). You say, file a claim with my supplemental, because you are looking for a denial, or other option. You even mention this to your doctor during a follow-up visit, who gets defensive saying how much this test helped him. But he will look into your concern.

You get a call from billing saying they do not submit this claim to Medicare and will not. They also will not provide you with a copy of this test, or results of this test. It is against their policy. They could have said this when they recommended the test.

Now you feel something doesn't seem right with this so-called test. Why was it recommended? Was there a risk of not having the test? Was this test really for the benefit of the patient, or the bottom line of Ocala Eye? I probably will never know since Ocala Eye will not provide any answers or documentation.

Fortunately, the surgery went fine. But if you go to Ocala Eye for Cataract surgery , beware, and expect Ocala Eye to recommend this test. When they do, ask "Is this test necessary?', 'How will it benefit me?'. See what they say. Good luck.

[GolfinIrishLass]

I agree that Ocala Eye seems to be billing patients for uncovered procedures. For example every routine eye exam I had for the past 20 years in New York included refraction as part of the cost of the routine checkup. However, at Ocala Eye this was billed separately, was not covered by insurance and cost me $50. When I called I was told this is how it is. Too bad. I even asked to speak with the office manager while on a 2 hour wait after driving to their Ocala office for follow-up. Never saw the manager. Asked Dr. Polack if refraction was a necessary part of an eye exam and he said yes, then why was billed for this separately. It seems like this place wants you to buy extra stuff, do extra tests, and have treatments that may or may not be necessary. Beware of this office. I am going to get a second opinion elsewhere.

[begonia]

I would NOT recommend Dr. Kim Ireland. She is unprofessional and condescending and rude. The staff; however, if very professional and friendly. I will NOT return, nor will I recommend her.

[REDCART]

Originally Posted by begonia

I would NOT recommend Dr. Kim Ireland. She is unprofessional and condescending and rude. The staff; however, if very professional and friendly. I will NOT return, nor will I recommend her.

My wife and I have seen Dr Ireland several times and we've always found her attentive, thorough, and very easy to speak with. I have been seeing Opthalmologists at least twice a year for all of my life, and I think Dr Ireland is the best. Her staff is also excellent.

As far back as I can remember, health insurance carriers have never covered the charge for refractions. I used to ask my Opthalmologists not to include refractions in their billing and the carrier would then honor the full cost of the visit. Now that health care billing has gotten so specific or granular as they say, they have to identify every minute procedure during the visit. St Luke's (Dr Ireland) also requires separate payment for refractions.

George

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by GolfinIrishLass

I agree that Ocala Eye seems to be billing patients for uncovered procedures. For example every routine eye exam I had for the past 20 years in New York included refraction as part of the cost of the routine checkup. However, at Ocala Eye this was billed separately, was not covered by insurance and cost me $50. When I called I was told this is how it is. Too bad. I even asked to speak with the office manager while on a 2 hour wait after driving to their Ocala office for follow-up. Never saw the manager. Asked Dr. Polack if refraction was a necessary part of an eye exam and he said yes, then why was billed for this separately. It seems like this place wants you to buy extra stuff, do extra tests, and have treatments that may or may not be necessary. Beware of this office. I am going to get a second opinion elsewhere.

The reason Ocala Eye bills you for refraction is that Medicare (and many insurance companies) does not cover it. Never has, probably never will. Has your insurance changed since you left NY. Please be careful how you discuss professionals when you may not be aware of all the variations. My wife and I use Ocala Eye and are very pleased. I understand medical insurance and the billing process very very well. Please get your second opinion, but be careful what you say unless you completely understand the consequences. They are an upstanding organization. No need to suggest fraud or anything untoward.

[JoMar]

Dr. Holman, Lake Eye

[fred53]

Might have better luck searching for an "ophthalmologist" in lieu of an "opthalmologist" as there isn't such an animal...good luck.

[livinlife]

I had the same experience at Ocala Eye regarding the extra charges. We have coverage with two insurance companies and neither would pay the extra charge. Interesting that others have the same issue.