Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Poer?

Most insurance programs require a referral from your primary care physician (PCP) or ophthalmologist. We recommend checking with your carrier prior to your visit if you're unsure. If you do receive a referral from your physician, we will contact you to schedule an appointment at your convenience.

Can I make an appointment in email or on your website?

Not at this time. We find that it helps to speak with our patients regarding the nature of eye problems, insurance and an appointment time most suitable to your schedule. Please call us at (317) 582-1118 or (800) 899-3937 for personal attention.

Can I bring someone with me the day of my appointment?

Yes, please do. Our primary focus will be on you, our patient, but the added support can make you feel more comfortable and help you remember details of the appointment or instructions. Regardless of whether this person accompanies you into your appointment, you will want to arrange for a friend or family member to wait for you or pick you up after your appointment. Your eyes will likely be dilated and/or you will often receive diagnostic testing or procedures in-office as a part of your appointment.

What should I bring to my appointment?

We recommend our patients bring several things to their appointment, including completed paperwork. These printable patient forms are identical to the ones you would receive in our waiting room and can be completed prior to your visit. Here's what else you should bring:

• your best glasses
• insurance card
• referral from your primary care physician or ophthalmologist
• a list of all current medications, inhalers, atomizers and vitamins, including dosages (if you have not already listed on your completed patient forms)
• a list of all surgeries (if you have not included on your patient forms)
• Pre-arranged transportation home from your appointment (with dilated eyes and in-office testing and procedures, you'll want to let a friend or family member do the driving)

What can I expect on my first visit?

First, you should expect to be warmly welcomed. We'll try not to keep you waiting, but we appreciate your understanding if Dr. Poer is finishing up with the patient before you. Rest assured, he will dedicate the same focused attention to you.

You will be asked to complete some patient information forms (if you haven't printed from our website and completed in advance) and a member of our staff will take your complete medical history. We will most likely dilate both of your eyes, which may temporarily blur your vision. Dr. Poer will review your medical history and perform a complete examination of your eyes, including a discussion of your condition, any additional testing required for diagnosis, and recommended therapies or procedures. Prior to leaving, he will also discuss your follow up care instructions and/or recommended follow up appointments.

How long will my eyes stay dilated?

Most dilations last 3-4 hours, but dilation length can vary by individual, type and strength of the drop, etc.

How long will my appointment take?

Some diagnostic tests and procedures can be performed in-office and during your first appointment, which is why appointments can last up to four hours. We recommend that all of our patients have a friend or family member on call and prepared to pick you up at a certain time and/or when you call them.

Do you accept my insurance?

We accept most major insurance providers, Medicare and Medicaid, but ask that you verify with your insurance plan prior to your appointment. We also ask that you bring your insurance card with you for every visit.

It is considered each patient's responsibility to handle co-payments and/or deductibles at the time of service. We will gather the necessary information and permission to bill your insurer directly and process the claim. If there is no response from your insurance company after a reasonable amount of time, the balance may become your responsibility.

If you do not have insurance or anticipate a problem in paying for services, payment arrangements should be made with the Patient Accounts Representative (317-816-4600) before seeing the doctor. We also accept cash, check, Visa, Mastercard and Discover.

Will you work with my primary care physician or ophthalmologist to coordinate my ongoing care?

Yes, absolutely. Dr. Poer and his staff are in regular communication with referring physicians to exchange vital patient information, including test results and recommended courses of treatment, as well as follow up care.