Do we have a right to not go to my mom's eye doctors so often?

You don't say what she is being treated for but in any case I think you are absolutely justified in reducing the eye appointments. Sending a certified letter? Unless she has an out of control communicable disease that is 100% over the bounds of appropriate communication. Who do these people think they are?

My mother's opthamologist wanted her to come in every four months. She had formerly only been going once a year. She is on maintenance drops for glaucoma. There is no way to improve her eyes. I told her doctor that we should make it every six months. That was okay with him. It really isn't their clients' job to fill their books. It wastes time and money for old people who are simply on maintenance.

Thank you for your answer. She has macular degeneration and glaucoma but little has changed in the 15 years she has gone there. Her eye pressure is always "good". And she can still see and read with a magnifying glass. She is 96 bless her!

Dear Luvmymum,

Good of you to look out for your mom. My father also had macular degeneration but his eye doctor only saw him twice a year. But I too hated how they made my father wait in the office for sometimes over an hour for his appointment.

I find 6 times a year excessive. I hate to even say this but it feels like the doctor only wants to see your mom to get more money out of her. I wouldn't hesitate to seek out a second or third opinion.

At almost 99, my father's on a 6 month schedule. Unless your mother has MD and glaucoma that might have a propensity to accelerate rapidly, I wold agree that 6x a year is far too much.

Not knowing your mother's actual history it is difficult to comment but in general I would think six times a year is overdoing it. Once or twice should be sufficient for someone whoose eye health does not change. Talk to Mom's PCG. and see what is recommended. No one can make you go to any Dr's apointment. As long as grandmother is cared for properly there should not be a problem.

Thank you all for your answers. It's very comforting. I believe that we are being taken advantage of but it's for my mom not me. I'm sure you all agree we worry more for them then ourselves. We are going to her PCP Thursday. I will ask him. After receiving that certified letter saying if we don't respond in 30 days they will assume we found another doctor. After 15 years! Really really made me question their ethics. That's why I question our rights. Thank you so much. And yes she has supplemental insurance which covers all.

Medicare allows for one eye doctor appointment per year if you have diabetes. That is a condition that could damage your eyes, and yet once a year seems to be enough.

Six times a year? Maybe for the first year after her conditions were diagnosed, but since they are stable I can't imagine that is justified. Does her insurance cover all these visits?

I would go for twice a year, since prescriptions are only good for 6 months. It is most practical. The doctor may choose to drop your mother as a patient, luvmymum. That isn't something you can control. I hope that his office will see things your way so you don't have to find another opthamologist.

You didn't answer - does insurance pay for mom's visits, or is there an out-of-pocket for her (or does she pay the full shot herself)? I would question whether they're making more money off of her than most.

I would totally do what you are doing and find another doctor group that is not so high pressure.