we do pay an extra $90.00 for a macular nerve picture that is digitally recorded. Were both 70 so we have to watch that. Bob,
That reminds me of when my optometrist started recommending that annual scan to me, in my 60s. I asked my sister who is an ophthalmologist in Germany running her own practice. Here was her advice to me:
"Ok, I‘m assuming they are talking about an OCT picture of the macular area. That is 1) a fascinating colorful picture with pseudo histologicial properties (showing the different layers of the retina), 2) important when following the development of macular problems e.g. macular edema, macular degeneration, etc), 3) not necessary if vision is good, without any macular-related distortions „metamorphosis“. 4) As in most medical exams, it is only ‚sinnvoll’ when the results result in therapeutical consequences, i.e. if your are going to have something done on your eye depending upon the result."
Translation: It is useful as a diagnostic tool when treating macular issues, but not particularly useful if there are none. She told me to save my money because it was essentially an extra revenue stream for the office, and compared it to having our 90+ year old mother go to Ob/Gyn "checkups" as her doctor was doing.
I thought it sounded like the over-priced "treatments" added on to new car deliveries, which my friends have always referred to as "extra dealer profit." I'm sure you are familiar with those. ;-)
P.S. She also claims that German ophthalmology is advanced compared to the U.S. When she & colleagues go to international conferences and hear U.S. doctors reporting on new breakthroughs in the field, they look at each other and shake their heads, "We've been doing that for years." |
