SERA physicians and staff strive to make every visit to SERA offices as pleasant as possible for our patients. Your comments on our service and atmosphere are most welcome. And so are your questions. We've provided some important basic information for new and returning patients below. Click on the topic of your choice to move to that section of this page, or just keep reading!
- Your First Office Visit
- NEW Patient Forms and Information Packets
- Insurance and Payment Information
- Diagnostic Procedures
- Lab Test Results
- Prescriptions
- Surgical Treatment
- Hospitalization
- Vision Rehabilitation and Enhancements
- Telephone Calls to SERA Offices
- Links to Helpful Organizations
- Patient Brochure(printable)
Your First Office Visit
Your first eye examination will be very thorough. It may last up to three hours. We will ask you questions about your eyes, your general health, and about all the medications you take. Please bring a list of all medications you are currently taking. We will dilate your eyes to allow close examination of the retina. Bring a companion to drive you home, as you may not be able to see clearly after the dilated eye exam.
New Patient Forms and Information Packets
Each Southeastern Retina Associates office uses a New Patient Information Forms designed especially for their location and patients. You will need to print and fill out the proper forms. Click here to download your forms and other information that are listed by physician.
Insurance and Payment Information
Assistance Filing Your Insurance Claims: Southeastern Retina Associates staff will assist you in filing claims with all of your insurance companies. We are pleased to be a participating provider for almost every major health insurance plan, including Medicare, Medicade, and TennCare. If you have questions, please call one of SERA's Insurance Specialists.
Becky Hollingsworth, Knoxville Area
(865) 584-4108
Billing Manager, Tri-Cities Area
(423) 578-4364
Paula Thomas, Chattanooga Area
(423) 756-1002
Bring Your Insurance Cards to Every Visit: It is important that you bring all of your insurance card(s) with you�to every visit. We need to make a copy of the information on your cards so we have current information in our files. Bring your major medical insurance cards, including Medicare, Medicaid TennCare cards if you have them, and any cards for supplemental insurance coverage you may have.
You Are Responsible for Pre-authorization Sign-up: Many health insurance plans require pre-authorization from your referring primary care (or family) physician before you receive medical services from one of SERA's specialists. You are responsible for getting authorization from your primary care physician.
Failure to get authorization will mean that your health plan will deny payment for our services, so you will be responsible for payment of all SERA medical services you receive. Services are defined as office visits, consultations, surgical procedures, laser treatments, and all other tests or treatments our physicians provide. If you are uncertain whether your health plan requires referral pre-authorization, call your insurance plan�s customer service representative or your family physician's office.
Diagnostic Procedures
Specialized ophthalmic tests are needed in order to investigate eye and vision related problems. SERA offers the most current diagnostic photography procedures in its offices. Digital imaging uses a computerized camera to instantaneously produce a picture of your retinal circulation. Retina Associates was one of the first practices in the country to offer digital angiography.
It may be necessary for your physician to prescribe other tests off-site, such as a CAT scan or an MRI, in order to properly diagnose and treat your eye disease. Click here for more information on diagnostic procedures.
Lab Test Results
If lab tests have been necessary for your care, we will call you with the results.
Prescriptions
Your physician will prescribe medication at his discretion. To have a prescription renewed, call during office hours and your doctor will review your medical record and call in your prescription to your pharmacy, if appropriate. Prescriptions are not given on weekends.
Surgical Treatments
If surgery is necessary, your physician will decide whether to use a hospital setting or the SERA office setting. Click here to read about the most common surgical procedures and other information related to vitreoretinal diseases, diagnosis, and treatment.
Hospitalization
If your condition requires admittance to the hospital for treatment or surgery, your doctor or doctor's assistant will tell you what to expect during your stay in the hospital. Our staff will will tell you what to expect during your stay in the hospital and will make all necessary arrangements for your surgery. Our doctors primarily perform surgery at the following hospitals.
- University of Tennessee Medical Center
- East Tennessee Baptist Hospital
- Holston Valley Medical Center, Erlanger Health System
- JC Medical Center
- Wellmont
- Holston Valley Medical Center
- Tennessee Valley Surgery Center
Vision Rehabilitation and Enhancements
Some vision disorders cannot be cured by medical treatments or surgery. However, low vision aids may help you function independently and safely. Instruction and demonstration of low vision aids are provided to assist patients make optimal use of vision after medical treatment is completed.
SERA is proud to house the non-profit Low Vision Center in our Knoxville location on Weisgarber Road. The center serves all of East Tennessee and is staffed by optometrists who are expert in helping patients maintain an active lifestyle. Read more about vision rehabilitation in the Eye Health section of our Web site.
Telephone Calls to SERA Offices
We encourage you to call any Southeastern Retina Associates office with any questions you have about your medical condition during or after office hours. A physician is on call 24-hours-a-day for emergencies, telephone consultations or visits.
When you call SERA offices during office hours, our receptionist may ask you to leave a message for your physician or his assistant. They will return your call as soon as possible. Please understand that all of your calls are very important to us, but that your doctor and the doctor's assistant may be with another patient or in surgery when you call. They will need some time to get back to you.
Links to Helpful Organizations
For more information about vision-related diseases, or to find support groups near you, visit the Web sites of the national, state, and local vision-related organizations. Click here for a full list.