Cataract Surgery

In January 2007, I attended the health insurance3 information meeting held at the Radisson Hotel in Duluth with my husband Todd, who is a heavy equipment operator with the Local 49. One of the things discussed during this meeting was the benefit of using the patient advocacy services through Health systems Management, Inc. I was scheduled for an appointment during the week following this health insurance information meeting with an ophthalmologist whom I have seen several times in the past. In fact, my appointment was at the same clinic that I chose to perform my LASIK surgery nearly 7 years before. During my appointment, the ophthalmologist told me that the reason my vision had become so poor was because I had developed cataracts and required corrective surgery. Under normal circumstances, I would have simply requested a surgery date when leaving the office that day; however, your presentation of Health Systems Management came to mind and I decided to wait to schedule this surgery so I could contact them first. I called Health Systems Management and a gentleman called me back a short time later with his recommendation. After working through the logistics, he ultimately recommended a specific ophthmologist in Duluth to see about cataract surgery. I was able to make an appointment with this particular doctor and at the conclusion of my appointment, she informed me that I did not have cataracts and therefore, did not need surgery. All I needed was glasses. In closing, I just wanted to thank you for pointing out the benefits of contracting Health Systems Management during that health insurance meeting. Had it not been for your presentation, I would have scheduled and received cataract surgery that I didn't need. Not only would this unnecessary surgery have resulted in great monetary cost to the health fund but, also in possible risk to my health because it is common knowledge that no surgical procedure is without risk. Sincerely, Kim Nylander

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