Why Do I Have to Fill Out so Much Paperwork
With every trip to Eye Doctor it seems there is more paperwork to complete. The goal of this article is to answer:
Why is this information needed?
How much information should I disclose?
Is there any way to make the process faster or less inconvenient?
Eye Doctors dislike additional paperwork just as much (if not more than) their patients. The information gathered does serve a purpose. First of all, a medical history is required to complete the legal definition of an eye exam. Also, for insurance to cover exam fees, personal information (social security number, date of birth) must be included. Contact information is utilized for tasks such as: reminding patients of appointments or inform patients that glasses and/or contacts are ready to be picked up.
How much information should be disclosed? In reference to medical history. Be as thorough as possible. When the Eye Doctor knows of any current medical conditions they can examine the eyes more precisely for subtle signs that if treated early can significantly reduce or prevent vision loss. Benefits can be vision saving as in neovascularization of the iris in a diabetic patient or life saving for a patient with headaches, who is found to have papilledema. Remember that HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) protects patient privacy. These are extremes, but many systemic conditions and medications produce signs visible in the eye. Your doctor cannot discuss your medical history with anyone (except you) unless given your approval.
Personal information (ss#, dob) should be included if you have medical or eye insurance to help cover the cost of the exam. If you have medical and/or eye insurance bring each card. The cost of the exam may be less to the patient depending on the health status of the eye. Without this information the office won't be able to bill your insurance. Patients can pay the bill in full, then request repayment from their insurance company. Insurance companies often make the process as difficult as possible. To avoid wasting your time and patience, just provide the information and let your Eye Doctor take care of it.
It is also a good idea to supply contact information (phone, address). The Eye Doctor only uses the information to make it easier to remember appointments and to pick-up glasses and contacts. In some instances it helps in scheduling appointments in more dire circumstances. The information can be used to set appointments with retinal specialists, neurologists, etc. if a severe vision problem is present. Also, thanks to HIPPA, it is illegal for a practitioner to sell your information to advertisers or any other third party. Your information is safe and could be used to help out in an unfortunate situation.
The process of filling out paperwork can be made easier. Check your Eye Doctor's web page. Most practioners today have medical history forms that can be filled out at home before your visit. Remember to bring vision and medical insurance cards (a copy is needed of each). Paperwork is an inconvenience to you and your Eye Doctor, but it does help to provide you a better eye exam, to keep you informed, and (in certain circumstances) to keep you safe.
Summary
Bring ID cards - vision and medical
Fill-out medical history before coming in to save time.
Provide a complete medical history to help the Eye Doctor look closely for specific signs.
Provide personal information and make the insurance company pay - not you.
Provide contact information for emergencies and reminders about appointments, glasses and contacts.
Why is this information needed?
How much information should I disclose?
Is there any way to make the process faster or less inconvenient?
Eye Doctors dislike additional paperwork just as much (if not more than) their patients. The information gathered does serve a purpose. First of all, a medical history is required to complete the legal definition of an eye exam. Also, for insurance to cover exam fees, personal information (social security number, date of birth) must be included. Contact information is utilized for tasks such as: reminding patients of appointments or inform patients that glasses and/or contacts are ready to be picked up.
How much information should be disclosed? In reference to medical history. Be as thorough as possible. When the Eye Doctor knows of any current medical conditions they can examine the eyes more precisely for subtle signs that if treated early can significantly reduce or prevent vision loss. Benefits can be vision saving as in neovascularization of the iris in a diabetic patient or life saving for a patient with headaches, who is found to have papilledema. Remember that HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) protects patient privacy. These are extremes, but many systemic conditions and medications produce signs visible in the eye. Your doctor cannot discuss your medical history with anyone (except you) unless given your approval.
Personal information (ss#, dob) should be included if you have medical or eye insurance to help cover the cost of the exam. If you have medical and/or eye insurance bring each card. The cost of the exam may be less to the patient depending on the health status of the eye. Without this information the office won't be able to bill your insurance. Patients can pay the bill in full, then request repayment from their insurance company. Insurance companies often make the process as difficult as possible. To avoid wasting your time and patience, just provide the information and let your Eye Doctor take care of it.
It is also a good idea to supply contact information (phone, address). The Eye Doctor only uses the information to make it easier to remember appointments and to pick-up glasses and contacts. In some instances it helps in scheduling appointments in more dire circumstances. The information can be used to set appointments with retinal specialists, neurologists, etc. if a severe vision problem is present. Also, thanks to HIPPA, it is illegal for a practitioner to sell your information to advertisers or any other third party. Your information is safe and could be used to help out in an unfortunate situation.
The process of filling out paperwork can be made easier. Check your Eye Doctor's web page. Most practioners today have medical history forms that can be filled out at home before your visit. Remember to bring vision and medical insurance cards (a copy is needed of each). Paperwork is an inconvenience to you and your Eye Doctor, but it does help to provide you a better eye exam, to keep you informed, and (in certain circumstances) to keep you safe.
Summary
Bring ID cards - vision and medical
Fill-out medical history before coming in to save time.
Provide a complete medical history to help the Eye Doctor look closely for specific signs.
Provide personal information and make the insurance company pay - not you.
Provide contact information for emergencies and reminders about appointments, glasses and contacts.
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