Family Vision Solutions

11/13/2023

One reason for rising healthcare costs:

A powerful lobbyist convinced a federal agency that doctors can be forced to pay fees on money that health insurers owe them. Big companies rake in profits while doctors are saddled with yet another cost in a burdensome health care system.

10/31/2023

Patient safety and FYI:

The AP reports, “U.S. health regulators are warning consumers not to use more than two dozen varieties of over-the-counter eyedrops because of the risk of infections that could lead to blindness.” The FDA “advisory applies to lubricating drops sold by six companies.” The FDA last week “asked the companies to recall their products...because FDA inspectors found unsanitary conditions and bacteria at the facility producing the drops.”
The Washington Post reports, “Though CVS, Rite Aid and Target are pulling the products from store shelves and websites, they might still...be available for purchase, according to the FDA.”
CNN reports, “The eye drops, sold under the brands CVS Health, Rite Aid, Target Up&Up, Leader (Cardinal Health), Rugby (Cardinal Health) and Velocity Pharma, are supposed to be sterile.” So far, “there are no reports of injuries from using the products at this time, according to the FDA, but the agency says that anyone ‘who has signs or symptoms of an eye infection after using these products should talk to their health care [clinician] or seek medical care immediately.’”

10/08/2023

Holiday update: we will be closed in observation of Columbus Day (or Indigenous Peoples' Day if that's what you call it) on Monday, October 9th. We will resume being in the office Tuesday, October 10th at 8am. Enjoy the long weekend!

07/20/2023

Here is an image of a very common finding. Here’s a multiple answer question to see if you know what it is:
A. Vossius Ring
B. Weiss Ring
C. Posterior Vitreous Detachment
D. Posterior Hyaloid Artery
E. Bergmeister Papilla

07/10/2023

Do your eyelid margins look like this? If you think they might, you should probably get them looked at more carefully to see what can be done to help you best!

07/10/2023

Today, July 10th, 2023, we will be closing the office at 2pm unfortunately because CMP will be shutting down power to the building for scheduled upgrades/maintenance. Due to their inability to provide a timetable, we will be re-opening tomorrow morning at 8am. Thank you for understanding!

12/19/2022

We wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! The office will be closed starting December 23rd and re-opening on January 2nd. Have a safe and relaxing holiday week!

You can still call or text the main line (207.781.7277) and I willl try to get back while I'm out of the office. If it's an emergency, please go to nearest emergency room or urgent care.

12/05/2022

Latest news: over the weekend I signed a provider contract to be in network with Cigna so give us a call if you need your eyes examined!

09/20/2022

Great news! Effective 8-22-2022, I am officially enrolled as a credentialed provider with Aetna.

Similar, effective recently, I am listed as an in-network credentialed provider with Maine Community Health Options.

Both of these insurance plans took close to a year to get accomplished but it was two, local patients who were able to get the process streamlined and moved forward and I can't thank them enough. Unfortunately, I can't announce who they are, but if they are reading this, they know who they are and deserve a lot of appreciate and thanks!

We keep moving forward and looking ahead. Thank you all for your continued patience, confidence and trust. It's truly humbling and I'm forever grateful.

Be well!

08/29/2022

The office will be closed Friday, September 2nd thru Monday, September 5th in observance of Labor Day. We will be re-opening on Tuesday, September 6th at 8am.

The following week Monday, September 12th, we will be beginning a new schedule where we will be open Monday - Thursday every week with some Fridays by appointment only.

Thank you all for your continued support and I hope you enjoy a safe and happy holiday weekend with your loved ones!

06/13/2022

Due to continuing education, our office will be closed June 14th -June 19th. The office will re-open on June 20th at 9am. Feel free to leave a voicemail (I will be checking the messages throughout the week) or send an email to william.gove.od@gmail.com. If you are having an emergency, please visit your local emergency room. I apologize for any inconveniences but will try to help you as best I can while continuing my education!

05/26/2022

Just an announcement that we will be closed from June 14th thru June 17th for educational conference attendance.

On a happier note, we will be open for a few select Mondays this summer. Two dates in June for sure are the 13th and 20th - more Monday dates to come!

05/10/2022

Family Vision Solutions will be closed today out of an abundance of caution because my son tested positive this morning. The rest of the family remains symptom free and healthy. Luckily we are all vaccinated and he has minimal issues currently so this should be a short and quick issue. I look forward to getting back into the office to helping you all out as quickly and safely as possible.

05/10/2022

Starting today, for the next 6 weeks through the middle of June, Family Vision Solutions will be without our amazing receptionist/assistant who is out on medical leave. Please be patient as I will do everything I can to answer all calls and emails in a timely fashion and address all your needs. I thank you in advance for your patience and understanding!

04/07/2022

Something was announced recently that all Mainers should be made aware of as it could affect many of us. As my office has struggled and continues to struggle with Anthem, a decision as large as Maine Med's lends a lot of credence to my thinking of considering ceasing to be an in-network provider with Anthem. Insurance companies have had a stranglehold on our country's healthcare system for a long time and this is truly the way to fight back and lower healthcare costs across the board. While I remain an in-network provider with Anthem, I repeat, I remain an in-network provider with Anthem, I encourage everyone to stay informed with what is happening with Maine Med and Anthem. (I also would encouraged the politicians to stay out of private sectors business!!)

https://www.pressherald.com/2022/04/06/maine-medical-center-will-leave-anthem-insurance-network-citing-overdue-payments/

MaineHealth announced its Portland hospital will no longer be an in-network provider starting in January 2023.

01/21/2022

Thank you all for having patience and understanding as I've been alone at the office for a week now! I will continue to respond to phone calls as quickly and as promptly as I can. (Unfortunately, I will probably continue to check Facebook once a month 😝)

08/23/2021

Quick update: after going through the process of contracting/credentialing with Aetna, I became aware of a bit of bait and switch process: in order to provide in-network care for Aetna subscribers, I was forced to sign up and participate in a vision plan. Unfortunately, I am not going to ever contract with vision plans for a variety of reasons (my colleagues in southern Maine provide a great summary https://www.kitteryeye.com/insurance/vision-plans-why-doesnt-koa-accept-mine/ ) and as such I've begun the process to de-credential with Aetna, effective immediately. I'm still very happy to help and care for anyone with Aetna, but you will have to self submit any claims (and you would probably get reimbursed more than if I were to submit a claim as an in-network provider.... yes, that's how these insurance companies work... very happy to be proven wrong on this if that's the case).

I appreciate you all and am happy to continue to help you see your best!

07/08/2021

News update: Fully credentialed with Harvard Pilgrim, Medicare and Anthem insurances. This means that we will submit your visit to these plans on your behalf. All other insurance companies at this time will still require you to self submit for reimbursement.