Orange Coast Eye Center

I was referred this patient from a retina surgeon for consultation and evaluation of a chronic eye
condition (chronic is usually applied when the course of a disease lasts for more than months) This condition would require a very complex operation done together by myself and a retina surgeon When the patient scheduled the consultation, he was told that a surgery could not be scheduled over the phone prior to any visit.
On the day of service, based upon the patient’s history, the eye problem began at least months prior On exam, there was no ocular urgency to schedule the surgery. His surgery options were discussed at length. Thus, he was to follin one week and was given a surgery date, less than weeks away The patient did not return as instructed
Also, on the day of service, he presented an inactive insurance card, thus after billing his insurance, his usual exam charges became his responsibility He refused to be responsible, despite his signing the office's financial agreement Our office will waive his exam fee, solely as a courtesy to the patient However, I firmly believe that our above actions were more than fair, and completely in compliance with all state medical practice guidelines
Sincerely,
*** ** *** M.D., M.P.H
Board Certified Ophthalmologist

Review: I believe I was subjected to an unfair business practice. I had an urgent medical situation and called to ask if Orange Coast Eye Center had any surgical availability. Orange Coast staff refused to disclose the lack of availability of surgery within the next few weeks and required me to come in person for a consultation. During the consultation, I was informed that surgery would not be available until about a month later. I believe this information should have been provided to me prior, so I would not go for a consultation that was of no benefit to me. As a result, I made a trip down to Orange Coast Eye Center for a consultation for no reason.Desired Settlement: I respectfully request that all charges be waived.

Business

Response:

I was referred this patient from a retina surgeon for consultation and evaluation of a chronic eye condition (chronic is usually applied when the course of a disease lasts for more than 3 months). This condition would require a very complex operation done together by myself and a retina surgeon. When the patient scheduled the consultation, he was told that a surgery could not be scheduled over the phone prior to any visit.

On the day of service, based upon the patient’s history, the eye problem began at least 4 months prior. On exam, there was no ocular urgency to schedule the surgery. His surgery options were discussed at length. Thus, he was to follow-up in one week and was given a surgery date, less than 4 weeks away. The patient did not return as instructed.

Also, on the day of service, he presented an inactive insurance card, thus after billing his insurance, his usual exam charges became his responsibility. He refused to be responsible, despite his signing the office's financial agreement. Our office will waive his exam fee, solely as a courtesy to the patient. However, I firmly believe that our above actions were more than fair, and completely in compliance with all state medical practice guidelines.

Sincerely,

[redacted] M.D., M.P.H.

Board Certified Ophthalmologist