EMERGENCIES

For emergencies call our office, 340-4733. Dr. Shofner, or a qualified staff member, will attempt to be available at all times.

APPOINTMENTS

Except for emergencies, we will work by appointment only. Please call the office as early as possible to make an appointment, 340-4733. Please assist us by being on time for your appointment. Allow approximately two hours for your first visit to our office. If special tests or procedures are necessary, your visit will be longer. Allow 45 minutes to one hour for return visits.

We try our best to stay on schedule, although sometimes emergencies arise. If we are seriously delayed, we will try to notify you beforehand. Occasionally we may call patients in the waiting room out of turn, if they need urgent care or postoperative exams. We ask your patience if you have to wait. We know your time is valuable.

WHAT TO EXPECT

On your first visit, we will begin your permanent record for our office. To help this process along, please complete the enclosed registration form and bring your insurance identification cards, (i.e., Medicare, Medicaid, etc.). We will also take a medical history. We would appreciate any copies of your previous eye exams, but those records are not required.

We ask that you bring your medication list, including any eye drops you regularly use. Be sure to bring your glasses, even if they are broken. If you normally wear contact lenses, be sure to wear them, unless they are causing you pain.

At every visit, please check in with the receptionist when you arrive and inform her of any changes in your registration form (i.e., name, address, telephone number, occupation, insurance coverage, etc.) A medical assistant will call you from the reception room to prepare you for the examination.

Because our reception room is not large, we ask that you limit the number of people you bring with you. We also request that you do not smoke or bring food or drink into the office. Please note: although we can write prescriptions for glasses, there is not an optical shop in our office. However, there are optical shops within walking distance of our office.

DILATION

If you are a new patient to the office or it has been some time since your last thorough examination, your eyes probably will be dilated. This dilated exam allows Dr. Shofner to detect various diseases which could otherwise go unnoticed. In some cases, dilation allows greater accuracy of your prescription for your glasses. Often, dilation will interfere with near vision for several hours. Distance vision will probably be unchanged, although sensitivity to glare may also be increased. Therefore, if you have ever experienced this sensitivity, you should make arrangements for alternative transportation. Disposable sunglasses are often needed in bright sunlight after dilation and are available at the front desk upon request.

REFERRED PATIENTS

When your optometrist, ophthalmologist or medical doctor refers you to our office, Dr. Shofner will help resolve your special problem. Once your doctor and Dr. Shofner are satisfied with your progress in correcting your problem, your follow-up will be managed jointly by Dr. Shofner and your referring professional. Any optical corrections will be handled by your primary eye care provider.

FEES

Our medical fee policy is that first time patients pay when services are rendered. Our contact lens dispensary policy is that a set deposit must be paid upon placing the order. The balance is payable upon delivery. All charges are itemized on your bill.

Office Visits: You are responsible for payment of these fees. All balances on minor surgery are due within 30 days unless special arrangements have been made.

Surgery: An estimate of the charge for any surgery will be given upon request. A specific period of postoperative care will be included in the charge for some operations. This includes postoperative treatment directly related to the surgery, but not for unexpected complications or unrelated conditions which might arise. Surgical fees are usually a major expense, so we will wait a reasonable amount of time for payment from your insurance company. We accept assignment on all surgery filed with Medicare or Medicare/ Medicaid. We do not file any vision insurances.

If you have no insurance, please discuss this matter with our business manager either prior to your visit here or at the time of your visit. We are always happy to work with you in any way possible concerning payment of fees and never wish to create a hardship on you or your family.

TELEPHONE CALLS

Dr. Shofner and his staff invite you and your family to telephone him and his staff if you have questions about our services at 340-4733. Please limit your phone calls to office hours. If you have any questions regarding your condition, medications or treatment, please call. Our staff is specially trained to answer your questions, arrange prescription refills, and to assist you in any way necessary. If you are calling for a refill, please call during office hours and have the telephone number of your pharmacy available.

If you need to speak with Dr. Shofner personally, he will return your call when conditions permit. There will be a minimal charge if you or your family must speak directly with Dr. Shofner.

PARKING

Medical Plaza II has a high rise parking garage, and another parking lot on Hayes St.

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