PATIENT INFORMATION

The following information will help you understand our services and our goals to help you take better care of your eyes.

SCHEDULING A REGULAR EXAM
Regular appointments can be made during working hours Monday through Friday, 9am - 4pm.

Sebastopol: (707) 823-7628
Clearlake: (707) 994-8644
Northern California: (800) 848-8911

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HOW LONG IS THE EXAM?
You will usually be brought to an examination room within 15 minutes of your scheduled appointment time. Our office staff does an outstanding job of screening problems on the telephone, but every so often a serious problem is uncovered during a routine visit and an appointment scheduled for 15 minutes may actually take 45 minutes or even 60 minutes.

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TRANSPORTATION
Free transportation is available for special tests, treatments or surgery for those patients who are unable to drive and/or cannot readily make such arrangements with friends or relatives. Please discuss your transportation needs with our receptionist or with one of our patient counselors.

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SMOKING
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the premises of Eye Associates.

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PAYMENT
We accept insurance, cash, check, Visa, American Express or MasterCard for services. Payment is expected at the time of service. Emergency and special situations may be exceptions.

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CANCELED APPOINTMENTS
A $25.00 fee will be charged for appointments canceled within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment time.

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INSURANCE

Since January 1, 1987, we have been a Participating Provider in the Medicare program.

MEDICARE FOR OFFICE VISITS
Medicare insurance will cover you only for those times in your life when you have an illness or require surgery.

Routine eye exams are NOT a Medicare benefit. However, if you have a medical complaint, our office will bill Medicare for you. We will bill for each transaction separately. Because we accept assignment, Medicare will pay 80% of the allowed fee. According to Medicare law, you are expected to pay the 20% that Medicare does not pay. It is also your responsibility to meet your deductible before Medicare will pay.

We will courtesy bill your secondary insurance. They may pay the remaining 20%.

Refraction is NOT a Medicare benefit. The charge for refraction is $45.00. This charge will not be paid by Medicare. It is due and payable at the time of examination. Your supplemental insurance will usually not pay for the refraction charge either.

If you do not receive an Explanation of Medical Benefits (EMOB) from Medicare within two months from the date of service, call Medicare's toll free number: 1-800-952-8627.

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GENERAL INSURANCE FOR OFFICE VISITS
Most insurances will cover you only for those times in your life when you have an illness or require surgery. We must let you know, however, that most insurance companies will NOT cover adult eye examinations when there is no medical condition, or when you simply need a new prescription for glasses or contact lenses.

Refraction is often NOT covered by insurance. Even when your examination is covered, often your insurance carrier may disallow the refraction portion of your exam as a noncovered benefit. The refraction portion of your payment is $45.00 and must be paid in addition to your co-pay at the time of service.

We belong to the majority of insurance plans. Because of the ever-changing situation with health insurance companies, it is impossible for Eye Associates to belong to every plan. You are welcome to call your insurance company to see if we are providers. Our insurance department will be happy to help you with any specific questions you may have. You are ultimately responsible for all charges incurred.

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INSURANCE FOR SURGERY PATIENTS

We bill Medicare directly and accept assignment. We will courtesy bill secondary insurance. You are responsible for the deductible and co-payment.

For patients with private insurance, we do our best to get authorization and determine what your financial responsibility will be. However, you are ultimately the person responsible for all fees incurred. As a courtesy to our patients, we will bill private insurance for surgeries and special testing procedures, however payment is due at the time of the service. It is the responsibility of your insurance company to reimburse you. Special payment arrangements can be made for patients with financial difficulties.

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PATIENT FORMS

COMING SOON

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MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
(707) 823-7628 or  
(707) 994-8644
(800) 848-3911 toll free
or click here to email.

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