Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get an appointment with an eye doctor at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute?
How do I know what kind of specialist I need?
How do I know which specialist I should select?
I don't know what's wrong with my eye, but my vision is deteriorating very quickly / the pain in my eye is intolerable / I've had an accident involving my eye, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
How can I learn more about a specific eye disease or condition?
Where is Bascom Palmer Eye Institute located?
How can I get to Bascom Palmer if I cannot drive?
Where can I get something to eat during my appointment?
How do I get an appointment if I live outside the United States?
Where can I learn more about insurance and financial matters related to my care at Bascom Palmer?

How can I get an appointment with an eye doctor at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute?

To obtain an appointment at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Naples, Plantation, or Palm Beach Gardens, you may contact our Appointments Department from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our representatives speak English, Spanish, and Creole. You may call, for an appointment:

• in our Miami facility: 305-243-2020,
• in our Naples facility: 239-659-3937,
• in our Plantation facility: 954-465-2700,
• in our Palm Beach facility: 561-515-1500, or
• toll free: 888-845-0002.

You may also request an appointment online for all four facilities. A confirmation of your appointment will be mailed to you.

Our Emergency Department in Miami is open, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, call 305-326-6170.

How do I know what kind of specialist I need?

When you make a request for an appointment, you will be asked about your ophthalmic condition or, if you do not know your condition, you will be asked to describe your symptoms. The appointment scheduling representative will guide you in determining which ophthalmic specialty is most appropriate for your visual needs.

How do I know which specialist I should select?

Click here to view a complete list of our specialists or to search for our physicians by their specialty and their office location. This link provides useful information including each doctor's area of sub-specialty and their educational background. You may also contact our Appointments Department for further information. For an appointment in our

• Miami facility: 305-243-2020,
• Naples facility: 239-659-3937,
• Plantation facility: 954-465-2700,
• Palm Beach Gardens facility: 561-515-1500,
• or toll free: 888-845-0002.

I don't know what's wrong with my eye, but

• my vision is deteriorating very quickly
• the pain in my eye is intolerable
• I've had an accident involving my eye.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute has a 24-hour, 365-day-a-year emergency room in Miami for many different types of eye emergencies. If you think you are experiencing an emergency, please come to our emergency room immediately or call 305-326-6170.

How can I learn more about a specific eye disease or condition?

You may visit the Eye Care section of this site to learn about symptoms, diagnostic tests and research into many different eye diseases and conditions.

Where is Bascom Palmer Eye Institute located?

Driving directions to the Miami, Naples, Plantation, and Palm Beach Gardens facilities are available in the Directions section.

How can I get to Bascom Palmer if I can't drive?

Bascom Palmer offers transportation services for a nominal fee to and from its Miami facility for patients who are unable to drive. The Patient Transportation Department is available from 6:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday to assist with transportation. A minimum of two working days (excluding holidays and weekends) is required to arrange transportation. This department promptly responds to all requests made by patients, physicians, and staff.

If you would like to arrange for transportation to or from Bascom Palmer's Miami facility, please call 305-243-4342.

For the transportation needs of our patients traveling to the Palm Beach Gardens facility, you may wish to contact either of two private transportation companies: Palm Beach Transportation 561-689-4222 or Spectrum 561-930-8748.

For transportation assistance at our Naples facility, please call 239-659-3937.  For transportation assistance at our Plantation facility, please call 954-465-2700.

Transportation fees are based on your address and the travel distance. Please contact us for current rates.

Where can I get something to eat during my appointment?

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami has a cafeteria that is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. which offers hot and cold foods including breakfast, lunch, snacks, fresh fruit and baked goods. Vending machines are also located on the patio across from the cafe. Additionally, more than a dozen neighboring restaurants are available on the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine medical campus, within walking distance.

At Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at Palm Beach Gardens, there is a vending machine in the first floor of the Surgery Center and neighboring restaurants are available within walking distance. At Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Retina Center at Naples, the NCH cafeteria is located across the street, and there is a café located in the lobby of the same office building where Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at Plantation is located.

How do I get an appointment if I live outside the United States?

Our International Concierge will gladly coordinate all medical care and patient services. We will schedule medical appointments and procedures, review physician referral requests, and provide medical interpreters. Additionally, our Concierge will assist with travel arrangements, hotel accommodations, translation services, and provide up-to-date information about Miami's exciting dining, shopping, sightseeing and cultural activities. Contact our International Patient Concierge today at 305-326-6309; fax: 305-326-6104; Email: bpei2020@med.miami.edu or click here for English and Spanish information.

Where can I learn more about insurance and financial matters related to my care at Bascom Palmer?

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute's Patient Financial Services Department is available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday to answer your questions regarding insurance, billing and payment information. Some tips that you may find helpful:

• Please bring all insurance information, including insurance cards, when you come to your appointment.
  
  
• We are a Medicare participating facility.
  
  
• Many medical insurance companies, as well as HMOs, require pre-authorization for medical services. Please consult with your insurance company or primary care physician to obtain a pre-authorization, if required, prior to the date of your appointment at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.
  
  
• Bascom Palmer Eye Institute accepts cash, checks, American Express, Visa, Discover and MasterCard for payment of services.
  
  
• For further information, please direct your calls accordingly:
        Hospital Billing . . . . . 305-326-6165
        Physicians' Billing . . . 305-326-6340

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