Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Need strategies for eye MD with poor bedside manner

My health insurance limits coverage to those in network which includes only a 3 county (mostly rural) area so choice is very limited when it comes to specialties such as retina surgery.  I went to get a 2nd opinion and the second opinion retina surgeon sent me back to the first guy who rushes out of the exam room and doesn't communicate.

What are some strategies to get your eye care MD to build a trusting relationship and include you (patient) in the dialogue and decision making?

I'm at a loss.

Thank you.
5 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
233488 tn?1310693103
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
=
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Dear Desperate,
Any chance you can do some research and find out if Dr. Rushed is a good surgeon, even though he's a schmuck with bedside manner?  I've had any number of surgeries (only 1 eye related, though) and have a lot of experiences with good, moderate and truly terrible doctors... lots of surgeons, in my experience, are really good at cutting sedated people, but truly terrible at talking to them.  Others are good at it all, or, you know, really NOT good at any of it.  

If you can find out if Dr. Rushed is a good surgeon but lousy at talking to you while awake, you could maybe private pay for the Out of Network appointment and second opinion, to ask all of your questions.... but go in network with Rushed for the surgery, maybe???  Just a thought, since I understand paying out of pocket for out of network surgery is not an affordable option.
Helpful - 0
2 Comments
=
Thank you, omfi.

I can only surmise from the insinuations and actions of his colleagues that Dr. Rushed is skilled, but I think we live in a bit of a small fishbowl.  What is difficult to ascertain is whether he's of the standards of a top notch surgeon in a large fishbowl.

What you describe is exactly the strategy I was trying to take by getting a second opinion, so we certainly are on the same page here!

Again, thank you!
Avatar universal
My retina surgeon cleared me for cataract removal after vitrectomy to repair retina detachment 3 months ago.  I went to my ophthalmologist who said that he was going to prescribe glasses.  I said I really can see "OK" out of my good eye and am functioning until the cataract can be removed.  He said to come back in 4 months and we will discuss, I stopped him and said can we discuss what my options are?   He said go ahead and get the glasses.   I should have pinned him down.  Anyways, In between that time I saw the retina surgeon for a followup and he was surprised the cataract surgery didn't happen or wasn't even scheduled.  He examined and did OCT on both eyes and said come back in a year unless there are complications from cataract removal.  So, I decided to go to another ophthalmologist.  She is in the same network and will be interesting if I go back to the first guy as he will know I went elsewhere.    I see her in two days, she comes highly recommended by friends and family.  I may go to a third one, will have to be out of network,  if I don't get a good sense of caring / professionalism from her.  Wished the retina surgeon did the cataract removal...he is top notch.
Helpful - 0
6 Comments
An ethical surgeon is not going to be anxious to do surgery on an eye that the person think's see's "OK" and that has had a RD.   Cataract surgery dramatically increases the risk of RD plus you have the problem of matching the two eyes together. By far there is too big of a problem of SOME cataract surgeons pushing people into cataract surgery for financial gains that are doing well and really don't need the surgeon.
Not meaning to hijack, but just to clarify,  My left eye was the operative eye and has cataract.  Vision is very poor out of that eye even with my existing glasses.  There is more than -3.5 diopter difference between the two eyes and operative eye is worse after surgery.  My right eye is able to compensate somehow and can function until the cataract can be removed.   Back to my cave now...lol.  Good luck OP on your issue.
I misunderstood. Thought the eye with cataract saw well.  Cataract surgery would be appropriate with the okay of your retina surgeon.
@xltjim your situation is just like mine was, ERM peel/vitrectomy in my left eye followed by subsequent cataract development. Once my retinal specialist ophthalmologist (who does not do cataract surgeries) had released me back to the optometrist who had originally referred me to him, my optometrist waited to prescribe an updated Rx for contacts until after I had cataract surgery, but he did update the lenses in my glasses once during the 18 month interval after my retinal procedure before the cataract absolutely needed to be addressed.  After he referred me to a cataract surgeon, I got my final Rx for both glasses and contacts updated after about two months, and here a year later am still using the Rx in both successfully.
=
Yes, good luck wished for the O.P. Speaking only for myself, I could put up with a certain amount of gruffness from an eye surgeon who is otherwise highly skilled. Fortunately I have not had to do so, and would consider out-of-network providers only if my health insurance still paid at least some percentage (above 50%) of the cost.  
974371 tn?1424653129
I seldom will stay with a doctor that will not communicate.  I was referred to a Retinal soecialist for Wet Macular Degeneration and now get regular eye injections.  This doctor has a very good reputation but is, excuse me, a pompous a$$.  He does not like questions or to be questioned and can be very degrading.  There is another group here but are actually a satellite location for their main practice almost 2 hours away or I would change.  When I have questions, I address them to this doctor's assistant.  Luckily, I have a PPO.  I agree about writing down your questions and insisting he answer them.  I would also infirm the dictor that referred you of the situation.  Makes you wonder why some people even go into these professions.  
Helpful - 0
233488 tn?1310693103
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
1. You may have to go out of network. 2 If you like the 2nd ophthalmologist better you can say you don't want to go back to Dr. Rushed.  3. You can write down your questions and stand between the surgeon and the door and not let him out till he answers your questions.
Helpful - 0
2 Comments
Is there some magic to getting insurance to pay when they do not cover out of network?  Although I could pay for a check up - I certainly am not in a position to pay 100% for a $25k+ ERM peel procedure!

I am thinking to write to Dr. Rushed and say that I feel ill-informed about risks of 1) doing surgery and 2) postponing surgery, include my questions, and ask for the best way to get his experienced insights on the risks.  How might this be received?
Most insurance plans have an appeal mechanism for out of network care. You will need to ask them how its done. As for a letter to Dr. Rushed probably 50/50  he would answer or call you  50% just blow it off like in the office.
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Eye Care Community

Top General Health Answerers
177275 tn?1511755244
Kansas City, MO
Avatar universal
Grand Prairie, TX
Avatar universal
San Diego, CA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Discharge often isn't normal, and could mean an infection or an STD.
In this unique and fascinating report from Missouri Medicine, world-renowned expert Dr. Raymond Moody examines what really happens when we almost die.
Think a loved one may be experiencing hearing loss? Here are five warning signs to watch for.
When it comes to your health, timing is everything
We’ve got a crash course on metabolism basics.
Learn what you can do to avoid ski injury and other common winter sports injury.