Vision Tests

[Linda/NJ]

I am kind of disgusted. I went for my 2 year eye exam. My prescription is the same, so no change in my vision which is great. They gave me a pre-glaucoma test - (GDX) looking through a machine with red background & you have to stare at a red spot. They thought my results were a little off on that. She did the dialation test (the kind that your are fine after), my pressure looks normal. They said you have to come back (which was today) for more tests as a precaution. So I get the same test (compare against last weeks & they say it is the same then they measure the thickness of my cornea and that is normal. Now when I am about to leave - the doctor said you have to come back for 2 additonal tests.:eek: A field test & a different dialation (you will be totally blurry after & need someone to drive you home). The field test has to be done in the morning, so now I have to try & find someone a friend or relative that is available to take me to & from this appointment. What a nightmare! I wonder if this is all a money making insurance thing or they being overly cautious!:confused: Now I am worried & disgusted. I guess a red flag goes up since they are aware my close Aunt has glaucoma. Does anyone have experience with these vision tests or work for an eye doctor? Your feedback would really help.

 

[Austin's Mom]

My Mom goes for the glaucoma test every 5 or 6 months to watch the pressure. The visual field test is a waste as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Linda/NJ]

Chris, why do you say field test is waste of time? Funny you should say that. My 76 year old Aunt, said it is 1/2 hour test & very tiring to follow this light & press button, after awhile she said she was pressing whenever. I am only 40 and feel I am too young to have such a problem. The very few people that I have talked too say why aren't all these tests done in 1 visit. It may be an insurance money making deal. I am done after these tests if they say as a precaution we will put you on medication or come back for more tests - I will go somewhere else and seek a 2nd or 3rd opinion.

 

[Austin's Mom]

All that test is for is to see how far you can see to the left and right of your eyes without moving them. Your periferal vision I think it's called. It's for their own use, not yours. IMO it's just a way for them to collet more money.

 

[Poohsmom]

You can always do what I did,call your insurance company and ask about the tests. I had a gastro specialist that wanted to have all kinds of tests done-all at a different visit or hospital out patient. My husband & I thought they were a bit excessive,so I called the insurance co.& explained things to them.Turns out most of the tests could be done while I was there-all at the same time. Seems he was trying to pad his pocket with a little extra insurance money.

Sue and the kids,Pooh,Bownser,Dozer & Cissy
Buddy & Dusty,romping at the bridge

 

[Mya's_Mom]

I would call the insurance company also. I work for a health insurance company and it is fraud if the dr is performing excessive unnecessary testing.

 

[littleone]

Hi Linda,

Unfortunately on my maternal grandfather's side of the family there are many vision issues involving glaucoma, cataract, etc. I know of at least 6 family members that suffered with or are currently dealing with these sorts of problems. IMHO, it's better to run more specific tests if there is a family history with certain things. Maybe the Dr's. calendar for that day was overfull, so they needed to schedule the additional tests for another time? So far, I'm v-e-r-y lucky, I still don't need specs and they began running these types of tests on me at about 18 (I'm now well over the age of 40). I'd rather my opthalmologist erred on the side of caution considering what I know about my genetics vision wise.

Just my .02, hope it helps,

Penny

 

[Linda/NJ]

Thanks for all the advice. I will go Tuesday for the other 2 tests, that will be my 3rd visit. DH is taking off of work to drive me home. But if they ask me to come back for more - I have to say that is it and start going somewhere else and get their opinion. I ran this by someone that works in another eye doctors office, the tests are normal but she said it is RIDICULOUS that I have to go back 3times & not done all at one time. She too thought it was all to get paid more through the insurance:(

 

[Coco'smommy]

My boss calls it "insurance dissection" If you have it, they'll have you come back as many times as they can, if you don't, they send you out the door without any treatment because they won't get paid. Harsh sounding I know but probably very true. I'm sure not the case in every instance but unfortunately more than we'd like to think.

Linda, I hope everything comes out okay for you, sorry they're being such a pain.

 

[Linda/NJ]

My boss calls it "insurance dissection" If you have it, they'll have you come back as many times as they can, if you don't, they send you out the door without any treatment because they won't get paid. Harsh sounding I know but probably very true. I'm sure not the case in every instance but unfortunately more than we'd like to think.

Linda, I hope everything comes out okay for you, sorry they're being such a pain.

You are probably 100% right. This is how the medical world is. I am all fired up for when I go on Tuesday. The most recent tests are covered under medical not the vision plan. I think they want to pay for all the fancy equipment in their office:(