What started out to be a pleasant experience turned into a nightmare . . . I had an appointment at 3:15 p.m. (needed to leave work early, or course), and was taken in immediately (nice). I had my yearly eye exam (or MOST of it), then received a blepharoplasty test (for upper eyelid surgery, a "lift" so to say). Between my partial "exam" and this test my eyes had been poked and prodded for nearly 1 hour, so needless to say, my eyes hurt terribly and I had a horrible headache. Apparently I passed this test and was taken in to see Dr. Rubin (in all fairness, Dr. Rubin was very nice). Opposed to discussing my "vision" all conversation was about this surgery. I was exhausted and in pain. After all was said and done, Dr. Rubin stated that they now wanted to "finish" my eye exam by dilating my eyes for completion. This, she stated would take yet another 1/2 hour. I told her my eyes and head were already hurting and might I come back for this "dilation" the next day. She told me that would be fine (yet she never mentioned that I would be charged ANOTHER $45.00 for the completion of my eye test (ANOTHER office visit charge). She also stated that she would have ALL the codes needed given to their "tech and surgery scheduler" so when I came in the following day everything would be ready.
When I arrived the next day the tech took me in immediately and began telling me about my surgery, i.e. when, where, etc. I stopped her and
asked, prior to scheduling anything, what was the cost? Apparently Dr. Rubin hadn't given her ANY information regarding "codes", hence I waited 20 minutes for her to gather this information. Upon her return she stated "well, the Doctors portion to you will be $1,200 and the surgery center will be 20% of your deductible. My deductible is $3,000!!! The tech found it unfortunate that I hadn't "used more of my deductible" then the cost wouldn't be so high". I couldn't believe when she stated "well, something may come along down the road, so maybe you can wait until closer to the end of the year". Oh my God!!! Thank you for wishing an illness on me so as I can "use up my deductible". At that point she also stated that Dr. Rubin "was sorry" but to finish my eye exam (dilation of the pupils), I would be charged ANOTHER $45.00 for the office visit.
Needless to say, I walked out. I've always been a patient of the Balian Eye Center, and the only reason I chose this particular place was due to location (near my office). Of course, I paid $45.00 for the first visit and I'm sure something was billed to my insurance company, so now I have to wait another full year to be able to get a COMPLETE eye exam.
Stay away form this place. read more