Vision Correction FAQ
What is co-management?
Co-management is when a patient’s primary eye care provider works together with a specialist to give the patient optimal care. NWES believes that once patients are stable following surgery, their care can be managed safely and successfully by their primary optometric physician. Co-management, in an atmosphere of mutual trust, shared learning, and continuous communication can be the most successful way to optimize patient care. Please contact us any time you have questions or concerns.
When do we begin co-managing a patient?
Referring optometric physicians usually begin co-managing patients at the 1-week post-operative appointment, or after the NWES surgeon determines the patient is stable. At the 1-week visit, co-managing providers will need to document any second-eye complaints.
Why didn’t our patient come back after surgery?
It is the patients’ choice as to where to receive their post-operative care. If a patient elects to be co-managed by his or her OD, we instruct them to return for remaining post-operative care after the 1-day post-op exam at NWES, unless there are complications. We notify referring optometric physicians of patient complications or preferences to remain with NWES for post-operative care.
How long does a surgical evaluation appointment take?
Most evaluations for cataract take two hours. glaucoma and retinal evaluations may require more time. Evaluations inform patients about:
- if they need and/or qualify for surgery
- how surgery is performed
- consents for surgery
- what treatment best suits the patient’s needs
If surgery is warranted, it is scheduled at a later date with our surgery coordinator, who reviews pre- and post-operative medications, day-of reminders, co-pays, and insurance coverage.
How long does it take to schedule surgery?
Surgery is scheduled about 4-6 weeks after a patient consults with our surgeons. This allows the time required to perform additional tests, to receive history/physical information from the patient’s primary care physician, and to verify insurance coverage.
What patient information do we need to share with Northwest Eye Surgeons?
Before Surgery:
- A Consultation Request that includes patient and doctor contact information.
- Chart notes or the reason for the referral.
- Recommendations regarding the patient’s care or information about their ocular history, that would guide our decision making.
After Surgery:
- 1-week post-operative measurements on a Surgery Follow-up form.
- Important: We use 1-week measurements to plan how to proceed with the second eye surgery. Surgeries are usually scheduled two weeks apart.
- Second eye complaints.
- 1-month and 4-month post-operative measurements.
- Notes on any complications or problems the patient may be having post-operatively. Please contact us immediately.
- Please inform us if Vision Correction patients aren’t achieving their desired vision.
What is Cataract Surgery with Vision Correction?
We offer two elective Vision Correction packages, that use advanced technology lenses and diagnostics to reduce patients’ dependence on glasses. Patients will discuss their needs with our surgeons to determine if cataract surgery with Vision Correction is appropriate. It is considered optional, and not covered by insurance.
- Cataract Surgery with Vision Correction 1 (VC1):
Decreases the need for glasses for near (reading) OR distance (driving). Patients will still need glasses for the uncorrected range of vision. - Cataract Surgery with Vision Correction 2 (VC2):
Decreases the need for glasses for near AND distance. Patients will need glasses for some specific activities.
Vision Correction also includes any refractive enhancement not normally covered by insurance, for one year. See the table below for services included in each package.
What does an OD charge for co-managing a Vision Correction patient?
Each referring practice is different. When co-managing with referring optometric physicians, NWES reduces our fees by $195. We notify patients of this price reduction and that their co-managing physician will separately collect fees for post-operative care at their 1 week visit. Please notify your patients of your fees for postoperative refractive services. We recommend that co-managing physicians participate in our Vision Correction Partnership program, and refer to these guidelines in determining fees for postoperative, non-covered refractive treatments.
