Medical and Surgical Specialists Serving Washington D.C., Maryland & Virginia
Main Call Line Serving DC, MD & VA:

301-530-5200

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Your Initial Visit

What Can You Expect?

Your initial visit to our practice will include a comprehensive examination and evaluation of your retina. First, you will meet with an experienced ophthalmic technician who will take a detailed medical history, perform visual screening tests and administer drops that dilate the iris. The dilation process takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on the color of your eyes. Next, your physician will review your medical history with you and examine your eyes, paying special attention to your retina. Your physician will explain the findings, and if necessary, will recommend diagnostic testing. Once a diagnosis is established, your physician will discuss your treatment options with you, respond to your questions and concerns and send an extensive report to your referring doctor, including recommendations for your future care.

Due to the complex nature of retinal diseases, your initial evaluation may take 2 to 3 hours. Subsequent visits may be considerably shorter; however, the duration of your visit depends on the complexity of disease, the need for diagnostic testing, and possible treatments. Because dilation of your pupils may result in blurred near vision and increased sensitivity to light, you may wish to bring sunglasses with you and arrange to have someone drive you home afterward.

HILARY SCHWAB PHOTOGRAPHY

Billing & Insurance

We participate with most insurance companies and will file claims on your behalf. Although the majority of the professional services performed in our offices are likely to be covered by your health insurance plan, we recommend that you be familiar with the terms of your policy. For patients not covered by insurance, individual arrangements may be made with our practice administrator. All co-pays and deductibles are collected at the time of service. If you should have any questions about our fees or your financial obligations, please let us know.

Patient Forms

To save time during your first visit and help ensure you have the information you need to complete the forms accessible, we have provided our patient registration form and health history questionnaire, among others, on this site. Please download the needed forms, complete them as thoroughly as possible, and bring them to your first appointment. New patients and patients with insurance changes should arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment.