My eye hurts. do I go to family doc ($10 copay) or eye doc(no insurance)?

Question

My eye is swollen and tender and hurts when I do anything. It has some discharge but I dont think its pink eye cuz I did not wake up with it "glued" shut. Just watery and dischargy - cute I know.

Will the family doc just send me to the eye doc anyway?

Answer 1

Most eye doctors accept health insurance.  Your insurance works the same way at the eye doctor as it does at your family doc.  Why does everyone think you need some special eye insurance to see an eye doctor?

GO TO YOUR EYE DOCTOR.

Answer 2

Of course I am going to suggest going to the eye doctor first since I am an optometry student, but if you are battling with the idea due to money, go to your primary care doctor.  However, eye doctors do specialize in eye disease and infection, not just in giving out glasses.  It sounds like you have a possible infection called preseptal cellulitis.  If it is extremely painful  (like 11 our of 10!) with eye movement, PLEASE go to emergency care since you do not want the infection to spread.  You should not worry unless this is the case, and it can probably be treated with antibiotics.  This is just my take on your symptoms.

Answer 3

He might, he might not.  What do you have to lose?  Just $10 bucks.

Besides, if the eye doc is a referral, it might be covered.