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.