Adventures in EyeLand

[susandennis]

First I created a post for the seattle community looking for eye doctor recommendations. Then I posted it to my journal. Doh. Saved by machupitchu.

Then I remembered I have no clue about my vision insurance - whether or not I even have any. So note to boss. But, I figured I'm going to an MD, I can probably use my medical insurance. (turns out no but that's part of the adventure!)

I quickly got three good recommendations. I called the first one.

Me: I'd like to make an appointment for a routine eye exam. I've never been in before.

Snippy phone person: What kind of insurance do you have?

Me: Do you not make appointments for people without insurance?

Snippy phone person: Well, of course we do. So you don't have insurance? (using the same tone one might hear with 'ewwww is that infected???')

Me: I actually didn't say that. And I think I'll shop elsewhere, thank you.

Call option #2. This phone lady was very nice. We got nearly done with the appointment making when she asked about insurance. I explained that I was going to use my medical insurance and she said that she didn't think that would work as her doctor was an optometrist. ooops. So sorry. Thanks anyway.

Call option #3. Got a VERY nice lady who actually, after we bonded a bit, explained that likely my medical insurance wouldn't work for an eye exam but that I should call and make sure She offered that they did have a very nice cash discount for those without insurance - $125 for the basic exam. The way she said it was just so nice and, honestly, I know that $125 is only the starter and that by the time I got done it would be way more but still, I though it was reasonable. April 2 at 11:20.

Then I got email from my boss. Not only do I have vision insurance, I have very excellent vision insurance! $10 copay and total coverage of my contacts and 15% off contact fitting. And the doctor I just made the appointment with is 'in plan'.

Some days ya just get lucky.

Comments

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Isn't it amazing how you can tell so much about the level of service of business without setting foot in the door? By the end of your calls, you had the routine down and a good result. So happy that it all worked out exactly how you wanted it to!

HUGS!

[susandennis]

I'm guessing that woman on call number one has in her performance plan - 'help control crowds by weeding out all but the most persistent new customers. She should be getting a raise soon!

[qnetter]

Did you check with Polyclinic? I use Dr. Elizabeth Choy there -- she's at the 1101 Madison building (where everyone knows I'm there to see her because the only practices in that office are opthalmology and OB/GYN...).

[susandennis]

Actually, yep. She's the one that I went to last time. I was underwhelmed with her and really not happy with her staff.

I did get a major giggle out of some of the signs in the bathroom about where to take my urine and NOT to flush without the nurse's permission!

[qnetter]

I figured out that part when I read the first post after I replied here.

She's efficient to the point of being mechanical, I'll grant. But then again, I'm just looking to get in, get my intra-ocular pressure update and any prescription update there is, and get out. I'm not trying to figure out stuff like mismatched contacts... :)

As for the staff, there's some turnover, so I figure it has to do with where they are in their lifecycle. My last appointment was definitely a training session for one of them.

Ah well, at least you've found someone good.