New Patient Information

Thank you for selecting Vision Care Associates for the care of your eyes. The entire staff welcomes you and will make every effort to satisfy your needs.

Describing your health history as well as a few other questions necessary for the doctors to give you their best evaluation of your needs. You may expect your first visit to last 45 to 60 minutes. It is likely that dilation of the pupils may be necessary and it is advisable to have a designated driver.

The best medical care can be provided only on the basis of mutual understanding. We encourage you to discuss any questions you may have regarding our policies with our billing staff.

Private Insurance Carriers

Payment is expected at the time of service for all procedures unless prior arrangements are made. Services covered by an insurance company with which we have a participating agreement will be billed to the insurance company first.

• Medicare
• SD, ND, NE Medicaid
• Vision Service Plan
• Blue Shield of SD
• DakotaCare
• State Workers Program
• TLC
• First Choice
• Dakota Eye Care
• Superior Vision

Vision Care Associates will submit to most private insurance plans

Medicare

Our offices participate with the Medicare program (accepts assignment). We will file all claims to Medicare with a valid signature on file. Medicare does not cover routine eye exams and refractions and so payment for these services are required at the time of service. (back to top)

Health Care Plans

We participate in a variety of insurance plans and will directly bill your insurance under these plans. In this circumstance, you are responsible only for applicable co-payments before the visit. If you have not yet met your deductible, you may pay at the time of your visit or we will bill you after we receive a response from your insurance company. We cannot accept responsibility for negotiating claims with insurance companies. You are responsible for payment of your medical care within a reasonable time, regardless of the status of a claim. Services not covered by your insurance are your responsibility. (back to top)

Co-Payments

When your insurance specifies a co-payment (which is usually indicated on the indentification card), this payment must be made at the time of service. (back to top)

Insurance Plans

Please check your insurance handbook or check with your insurance company before scheduling an appointment to be sure you will be seeing a participating provider. Some plans require you to obtain an authorization for services from your primary care provider (internist, family practicioner, pediatrician, etc.). It is your responsibility to obtain this authorization form from your primary care provider. This is required by your insurance before you visit our office. Failure to obtain a valid referral form will result in the patient being financially responsible for any charges incurred. (back to top)

Claim Form Preparation (where we do not bill your insurance)

If you have insurance coverage through a carrier with which we don't have a PPO contract, we provide an invoice (which is sometimes call a physician portion of the claim form). Our insurance staff will be happy to assist you with instructions for completing your claim form. Most insurance companies will accept this statement with no additional forms needed. (back to top)

Billing

If billing is necessary, a statement will be mailed to you that is due within 30 days. Charges and payments for services received during the last few days before your billing date may appear on the following month's statement.

For your convenience, we accept VISA, MasterCard, and bank debit cards

Please bring all health insurance information with you. We will need a copy of any insurance cards for our records. If you have any questions regarding Medicare, insurance policies and/or procedures, do not hesitate to ask. We will do our best to assist you. (back to top)