Gland probing

[veteran69]

Hi all, I'm scheduled to get the gland probing procedure done in early June and would like your opinions on wether or not this works well. From the research I've done it seems to be the only option to get some relief for a while.
Any feedback would be most welcome.
Thank you.

[NotADryEye]

I had probing done for the first time in Sept 2011. Before probing I could not even open my eyes and the pain was extreme. After probing, the next day, I opened my eyes for the first time and kept them opened virtually all day. I had, and continue to have, numerous comorbidities which complicate my treatment and slow my progress. Probing was repeated in April of 2012 and again January 2013. Each time I had significant relief. The fact that probing had to be repeated is not a reflection on the efficacy of probing. It is because my glands became plugged again.

Where are you having it done?

[veteran69]

Hi, thanks for the response. I'm having it done in KC Mo.

[NotADryEye]

Great. Let us know how it goes.

[Phillips55]

Who are the doctors that have done this for you? I'm having a hard time finding doctors who do meibomian gland probing aside from Dr ****** who does not take insurance.

[bunnyrabbit123]

Phillips55,
You can contact Rhein Medical- they make the probes, using live chat or e-mail, you can tell them your location and they'll tell you the name of a practice that uses these probes. I found someone that way- I've only seen him once but the initial procedure was billed to my insurance. I go back again in May and we'll see what happens then.

[Phillips55]

Bunnyrabbit.
I did get that list from rhein but I haven't had any luck finding a doctor. May I ask who you are seeing

[NotADryEye]

Who are the doctors that have done this for you? I'm having a hard time finding doctors who do meibomian gland probing aside from Dr ****** who does not take insurance.

Dr. ****** is not considered "in network." Check with your plan and check with the office. He may be out of network on your plan as well. My insurance covered probing by Dr. ****** at an out of network rate. His office submits insurance claims on your behalf.

[Phillips55]

Uh no ******g does not take insurance. I called his office myself. You have to pay every penny upfront and then you/they will submit it to your insurance with zero guarantee of coverage. I even asked about financing and they told me to use my credit card! I was astounded how expensive the procedure there were

[NotADryEye]

Uh no ******g does not take insurance. I called his office myself. You have to pay every penny upfront and then you/they will submit it to your insurance with zero guarantee of coverage. I even asked about financing and they told me to use my credit card! I was astounded how expensive the procedure there were

Phillips55,
You are correct. You will have to pay upfront. However, I'm not sure about Medicare because I don't have it. For private insurance (is that what you have?) you need to check with your insurance plan. Does it cover out-of-network services? If yes, is there a deductiible, co-insurance or copay? If yes, then that is your answer. Also ask about the allowable fee for an out-of-network specialist. So much depends on your specific plan. Mine covers the entire fee, but it is only covered at 60% because it is out-of-network. Some services are not covered but probing was covered 60% (out-of-network) plus with my plan I had to first meet the out-of-network deductible.

If you have a choice, I recommend having the office submit claims. I have never had a problem with claims being reimbursed to me after I met my deductibles for out-of-network services when the office submitted. For other physicians who are out-of-netowrk, and who I see, that do not submit claims, there are frequently "problems" although every time it has been a mistake made by the insurance company, not me. When the office submits, and that includes submitting for surgeries, in-office procedures, and office visits, there was never a problem.

For surgeries, I had to ask for gap exceptions from my insurer. This is another level of complexity with out-of-network providers. Sherry, who handles insurance, walked me through the process step by step. When there were any roadblocks it was always because of the insurer, because they always try not to pay, not because of Dr. ******'s office.

You might be wondering why Dr. ****** doesn't take private insurance. I've never asked, but I do know that insurers frequently require physicians to follow their treatment protocols. Given how many of us have seen countless physicians who have not helped one iota, but who do follow these inane protocols, I, for one, am very happy that Dr. ****** does not allow his hands to be tied by insurers. I would prefer that he treat me the way I need to be treated and not the way the insurer wants me to be treated.

Hope this helps, keep us posted.