Welcome to our new patients
Thank you for your confidence in Southern Retinal Institute. We know that your vision is paramount to you, and it is our most serious desire to preserve and treat your vision while also giving you excellent and compassionate care. In order to provide a smooth first visit, please allow us to make some important suggestions.
- Make an appointment (see required information below)
- Download Patient Paperwork
- Download our Patient Welcome Packet
- Download and review our Patient Privacy Policy
These forms are all available on our Patient Forms page
To Make a First Appointment
Please call us at 504-264-9428, and please have the following information available:
- + Your name as it is listed on your insurance card
- + Your insurance (including any secondary/ tertiary insurances)
- + Your address, phone number, and date of birth
- + Your eye doctor
- + Your general physician
Please be aware that some insurance companies require that we obtain referrals from your eye doctor or your regular doctor. In addition, some insurance companies, require authorizations in order to be seen or have certain procedures performed.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Once your first appointment is scheduled, we recommended printing the New Patient Forms and completing them before your arrival. If you would prefer to wait and complete the forms on the day of your appointment, please arrive 30 minutes before your appointment time in order to give yourself ample time.
Your first appointment will be comprehensive. We will ask you about your vision and what is occurring with your eyes. We will also dilate your eyes in order to have the physician to see your retina well. In addition, you will likely have an OCT and IVFA testing. Additional testing may be required depending on the physician’s assessment. A typical first appointment lasts 2 – 3 hours. Your eyes will still be dilated at the end of your appointment. We will provide sun shades to help shield your eyes when you drive home or you may prefer to bring someone to drive you home.
Please make sure to bring the following to your first appointment:
- + Your driver’s license or other state ID
- + Your insurance (including any secondary/tertiary insurances)
- + A list of your current medications
If you have any questions prior to your visit, please don’t hesitate to call us at 504-264-9428!
Go to New Patient Forms page.
Insurances
- + APWU
- + Aetna
- + Blue Cross Blue Shield
- + Cigna
- + Gilsbar
- + Humana
- + Medicaid (all Bayou Health Plans)
- + Medicare
- + Medicare Supplements
- + Tricare
- + Triwest (VA patients)
- + United Health Care
- + Wellcare