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Are Visual Field Test Results Transferable Between Different Doctor's Offices?

asked 8 months ago by Josie2011 in Tampa, FL
Latest answer by Jed H. Horowitz, MD
Question viewed 139 times
Tags: medical history

5 months ago I went to my opthamologist. I had visual field testing, photos--taped and untaped. I also have ptosis of one eye. I received BCBS ppo pre-approval for upper blepharoplasty. I decided to use an ocular plastic surgeon. My opthamologist gave me my tests w/photos. I will pay for lower blepharoplasty. One Ocular Plastic Surgeon office says they can not use the reports from the other doctor and I must redo testing. My insurance is BCBS ppo. Any insight would be appreciated.

7 answers to Are Visual Field Test Results Transferable Between Different Doctor's Offices?

+2

Visual field tests for blepharoplasty

Tests results are transferrable check with your insurance company it is not clear why the doctor would not accept the other results, ask him
Jed H. Horowitz, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+2

Are Visual Field Test Results Transferable Between Different Doctor's Offices?

Visual field tests are part of your medical records. You are always entitled to copies of your medical records that you could then take to any surgeons office for consideration for eyelid surgery (eyelift).
Francis R. Palmer, III, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Are Visual Field Test Results Transferable Between Different Doctor's Offices?

The issue might be the time of these tests being over 5 months. If you desire insurance coverage than best to repeat the tests to a more recent date so there will be no denial issue from the BC/BS for time delay.
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+2

Visual field tests are transferable

I would be very suspicious if the surgeon you have chosen to do your blepharoplasty insists on a new test provided by him. Call your insurance carrier and ask if this is really necessary. If not, you have the right to refuse and seek someone who is not involved in unethical practices. Best of luck, Dr. H
Gary M. Horndeski, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+2

Visual field tests for eyelid surgery are transferable

Visual field test and reports are transferable to any provider or health facility, just as any other laboratory or medical report would be. Seems to be a bit of a red flag here, and perhaps you should get a third opinion before you schedule a procedure. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

Visual Field Testing

I cannot think of any valid reason that the previous testing can not be utilized. If anything, your ptosis has gotten worse and certainly you would still be a candidate for the surgery. I'm not sure what additional information would be obtained by repeating the testing. The procedure is fairly straightforward and I don't think the details of the procedure would be altered by the new test results. Good Luck.
Steven Holzman, MD

Austin Plastic Surgeon
+2

This is nonsense.

I suspect that you are getting the insurance message so the doctor can maximize their insurance yield (which is not very much) related to your ptosis surgery. First call your insurance carrier and ask them if the 6 month old visual fields are ok for use by this new surgeon to document the need for the surgery. While you have them on the phone, you can ask them what documentation is needed to support the surgeon's billing for the surgery so there are no other surprises.... more
Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

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