Easing the Financial Burden

Recently, in many publications, there have been articles offering methods to help consumers save money while we are enduring this economic roller coaster. One such suggestion is to “avoid going to the doctor.” In short, I understand. However, I don’t think this has to mean that you cut off all communication with your provider. I understand that when you have three children and one of them gets “pink eye” or conjunctivitis and then two others wake up the next morning with red eyes, you likely do not want to pay three copays for three separate doctor visits . This is just common sense. But, avoiding care all together is not the answer. Letting your children marinate in this infection is not the answer. Relying on over the counter remedies that promise quick recovery is not the answer. Allowing your children to attend school, to avoid the cost of daycare, where they can spread the infection to others, is also not the answer. The answer is, just email or call me. The cost of a phone, or (preferably) an email consultation for an ESTABLISHED patient, is often minor compared to a copay for a full visit. Often, after listening carefully to what the symptoms are, I can offer a treatment for all three children, and both parents as well! This makes financial sense for BOTH of us. It also keeps sick eyes out of my office where it can easily be spread to other healthy individuals. I anticiapte that most optometrists offer this type of service for a small fee . If yours does not, you may want to SEE if you can find one that does 🙂