Plan Your Visit

Option 3: Alternatively, we could always mail these forms with a return envelope.  Please mention this option while making an appointment.

INSURANCE PLANS

We are in-network with most major medical plans (Medicare Part B; BCBS; Aetna; Humana, UHC, and more).  Dr. Hickman is an ophthalmologist and therefore we are out of network with vision plans (optometrists).  Please call your medical insurance to confirm if AD ASTRA EYE/ M SCOTT HICKMAN, MD is in-network with your specific plan.

If you do not subscribe to any medical plans, we offer self- pay rates.  You are expected to pay in full on the day of your visit, or minimum of $100 deposit.

POLICIES TO REVIEW

HOW LONG IS MY APPOINTMENT?

Your time spent with us will depend on the condition of your eye, complexity of the issue, and the type of tests and or procedure required.  Here are some examples based on the appointment types:

• COMPLETE EXAM: 45 MINUTES – 1 HOUR
• CATARACT CONSULTATION: 2 HOURS
• YAG PROCEDURE: 45 MINUTES – 1 HOUR
• POST OPERATIVE VISITS: 10 MINUTES – 30 MINUTES
• PRESSURE CHECK: 15 MINUTES

DILATING THE EYE

Whether you’re having an initial visit or follow up appointment, Dr. Hickman may need to dilate your pupil with eye drops. These drops allow the doctor to obtain a better view of the eye’s inner structures (retina, macula and the optic nerve), which is extremely useful for proper diagnosis and treatment. The effect of dilation can last 4-6 hours, depending on the individual, and can include blurry vision and light sensitivity.  Many patients are comfortable driving themselves with a pair of dark sunglasses after the appointment, but others are not.  If you are uncertain or have concerns about driving safely, we recommend that you have a driver.

CANCELLATION POLICY

We understand that canceling or rescheduling appointments is sometimes a necessary fact of life. If you know you must miss an appointment, please notify us at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment time, when possible.

NO-SHOW POLICY

When a patient misses an appointment without notifying the office at least 24 hours in advance, we call this a “no-show.” We know that sometimes there are circumstances beyond your control that cause you to miss an appointment without notifying us the day before. If there is inclement weather, hospitalization, or another extenuating circumstance that prevents you from attending your appointment, we won’t consider your missed visit a no-show. However, non-adherence to the physician’s prescribed appointment and follow-up schedule may result in delayed diagnoses and treatments. Frequent no-shows also cause challenges for our office, as unutilized appointments can cause delays in necessary medical care for other patients.
Following a first and second no-show, we’ll provide you with a letter alerting you of the missed appointment so that you are aware. After three no-shows within a 12-month period, our provider will review your situation and medical needs. The doctor may determine that you need to seek care with another provider who can best meet your medical and scheduling needs for continued care.