FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We have compiled a list of questions that patients who are NEW to our office often ask. We hope these will help you and your child prepare for your upcoming visit.
DOES CHILDREN’S EYE PHYSICIANS TAKE MY INSURANCE?
We accept the majority of insurance plans. Below is a list of the insurance companies with which we are contracted. If you have any questions regarding payment for services, please contact one of our Patient Account Representatives.
Aetna, Aetna EPO (with authorization), Banner Health (with authorization),Beech Street, BCBS, CHP+, Cigna, Medicaid (Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming, Kansas (authorization needed), Denver Health Medicaid, Denver Health CHP+, Great West, HMO Colorado, Humana, Kaiser PHCS, Kaiser Permanente (with authorization), Medicare, Mutual of Omaha, Pacificare, Healthcare Systems (PHCS), Rocky Mountain HMO, Secure Horizons, Sloans Lake/Cofinity, Tricare Standard, Tricare Prime (with authorization), United Healthcare, Worker’s Compensation
HOW LONG DOES AN EYE EXAM TAKE?
We require that all patients have a dilated exam for their first visit to our office; therefore, a first-time patient should plan to be at our office for 1 1/2-2 hours.
WHAT IS DILATION? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? DOES IT HURT? HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Dilation is the end result of using an eye drop to fix the pupil open to view the structures at the back of the eye. Additionally, in children, their focusing ability is very strong. We use this same drop to paralyze the focusing mechanism which is why there is a side effect of blurred near vision after pupil dilation. With dilation, we are able to visualize all the important, structural parts of the eye to ensure they are normal and determine the appropriate prescription for glasses if they are needed. The eye drops do sting which is why we first apply a numbing drop into the eyes. Most children are inquisitive and apprehensive about the drops but are relieved about how quickly and painlessly they are administered. Expect that the dilation will last anywhere from 12 to 24 hours. Often, children with lighter colored eyes experience the effects of dilation for a longer period of time (24-48 hours). Side effects include: blurred near vision and sensitivity to sun light. It is recommended that children wear sunglasses upon leaving our office after dilation for their comfort. We tell parents that their children can return to school after a dilated exam; however, the teacher will need to be told that your child may require additional assistance with near activities for the duration of the dilation. You can expect that subsequent visits will be shorter in duration; however, your physician may request dilation on some follow-up exams.
OTHER THAN THE EYE DROPS, WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD EXPECT?
You can expect the highest level of comprehensive and accurate eye care, delivered by a highly trained physician. Your child, from the moment they walk in our office, can expect to have fun!
WHAT KIND OF TRAINING DO THE DOCTORS HAVE?
All of our physicians are Pediatric Ophthalmologists who attended medical school, completed a residency in Ophthalmology and a Fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology. In addition to being clinicians, all of our pediatric ophthalmologist are surgeons.
I WAS TOLD MY CHILD NEEDED GLASSES, WHERE SHOULD WE GO?
As specialists in pediatric eye care, we believe that a good glasses fit is incredibly important. For this reason, we have partnered with two optical locations: Highland Family Optical and Children’s Family Optical to provide our patients with the largest selection of pediatric frames in the Denver area. Our opticians have been trained to work specifically with children and make accuracy and patient satisfaction their number one priority.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEDICAL AND ROUTINE?
At Children’s Eye Physicians, we only accept medical insurance. We are always willing to see any patient; however, we are not contracted to bill through vision insurance plans. We will make every attempt to bill your visit with a medical diagnosis (eg: strabismus, amblyopia, blurred vision). Diagnosis codes such as nearsightedness & astigmatism are considered to be routine and do NOT fall under your medical coding.
WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY APPOINTMENT?
We understand that things come up. We ask that any cancellations are made within 24 hours of your scheduled appointment or there will be a $50 no show fee charged. We will be happy to reschedule your appointment to a time that may be more convenient for you and your family.
WHAT IS YOUR PAYMENT POLICY?
We request that all payments are made at the time of service. This policy helps keep our billing costs down and our fees reasonable. If you are not able to pay your co-payment at the time of your visit, you will be charged a $10 billing charge. Additionally, if you are a self pay patient, payment is expected at the time of service. If you are unable to pay for your visit in full, please contact one of our Patient Account Representatives to arrange payment.
WHAT ARE THE OFFICE HOURS?
Appointments are available from 8:00am to 4:30pm. Some providers have modified schedules for certain days of the week. Our staff is available via phone calls from 8:30am-4:30pm. We offer email communication on-line through a secure web-portal (NextMD). Non-urgent email communication can be sent 24 hours per day; however, responses will be made during operating hours (8am-4:30pm).
HOW ARE PHONE CALLS HANDLED DURING THE DAY?
Our Patient Service Representatives are available during our operating hours to answer general question. Non-urgent requests that involve patient care will be first addressed by one of highly trained technicians. Our policy is to return phone calls within 24 hours.
WHAT IF I HAVE A PROBLEM DURING OFF HOURS?
If you have an urgent eye condition that arises outside of our normal business hours, you should call our office. One of our doctors is on call every day including weekends and holidays. Of course, if there is a life threating emergency please contact 911.
