What to Expect
At your first appointment, you will be asked to complete forms if you have not already done so. A screening takes place, during which a technician will ask questions about your medical history, prescription medications, vitamins, supplements and any over-the-counter medications.
Your vision and eye pressure will be checked and dilation drops will be administered, which take effect in 20 to 30 minutes. Once you are dilated, and depending on your symptoms or reason for referral, a diagnostic retinal scan (OCT) or retinal photography may be performed. You will then meet with Dr. Pappas, Jr. for a complete retinal examination and discussion of your diagnosis and treatment plan. Depending on the doctor’s findings, additional testing, such as fluorescein angiography, may be recommended and performed in the office to confirm a diagnosis or guide treatment. Many treatments such as eye injections or laser can be performed in the office. Surgery, if indicated, is performed on an outpatient basis in the hospital or surgery center. Overnight admission for surgery is extremely rare.
An initial office visit may take 2-3 hours depending on the complexity of the retinal problem, need for additional testing, and treatment. Follow-up visits usually take 1-1.5 hours to include dilation time, diagnostic testing, and visit with Dr. Pappas, Jr.. Of special note, the nature and treatment of retinal diseases frequently requires the need to see unscheduled emergency patients. Delays beyond the times outlined above can and do occur. We respect your time, and our staff will make every effort to apprise you of such delays during your visit. Your understanding and patience during such delays is most appreciated.
Appointments / Cancellations
Please help us serve you better by keeping your regularly scheduled appointment. Our most important concern is your vision. You are being seen here for a retinal problem. Many of these conditions can progress without obvious symptoms or changes in vision. Periodic monitoring of your condition is essential to minimize your risk for vision loss so it is imperative that you see Dr. Pappas, Jr., Jr., or your referring physician, as instructed.
We understand that there are times when you must miss an appointment due to emergencies or obligations for work or family. However, when you do not call to cancel an appointment, you may be preventing another patient from getting much-needed treatment. If an appointment is not canceled at least 24 hours in advance you will be charged a fifty dollar ($50) fee; this will not be covered by your insurance company.
Insurances
We participate in most insurance plans including Medicare. Please be advised that we do not participate with Medicaid. Payment in full is expected at the time of service if you are insured with a plan with which we do not participate. Our office staff is happy to help determine whether we work with your insurance provider.
If your insurance plan requires a referral before being seen by a specialist, it is your responsibility to provide one to our office prior to your appointment. If you come to your appointment without a referral, we regret that we cannot offer medical service unless you sign a waiver and agree to pay for your visit.
As you are aware, coverage and benefits are determined by each patient’s insurance plan. Any co-payments are due at your visit. Please contact your insurance company before your appointment with any questions regarding coverage and how your claims will be paid. If your insurance coverage changes, please notify our office as soon as possible so we can update your account. If we have your current insurance information, we can submit your claims and assist you with the payment process.
Payment Options
We accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover and AMEX for payment.
Patient Forms
To help expedite your office visit, please see the links below to print and complete required patient information forms ahead of time and bring them to your appointment. Also remember a valid driver’s license and current insurance card for your office visit so your claim may be processed.
Helpful Links
EyeSmart® – The world’s most trusted source of eye health information.
