Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about appointments, insurance, and visiting Dr. Nicola. Looking for information about a specific eye condition? Browse conditions we treat.
Appointments & new patients
Is Dr. Nicola accepting new patients?
Yes. Dr. Paula Nicola is accepting new patients. Call (423) 243-3330 to schedule.
How do I make an appointment?
Call our office at (423) 243-3330 during office hours and our staff will find a time that works for you. You can also email info@eyecarechattanooga.com with your name and a phone number and we will call you back — please don't include medical details in email.
What are your office hours?
Monday 8 am – 4:30 pm; Tuesday 8 am – 2 pm; Wednesday 8 am – 4:30 pm; Thursday 8 am – 4:30 pm; Friday 8 am – 2 pm. We are closed Saturday and Sunday.
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Nicola?
Many patients don't need one. Some insurance plans, including some TennCare and Medicare Advantage plans, require a referral or prior authorization for a specialist — our staff is happy to help you sort that out when you call.
What should I bring to my first visit?
A photo ID, your insurance card(s), a list of your current medications and doses, your current glasses or contact lens prescription if you have one, and the names of your other doctors.
How long does a new-patient visit take?
Plan for about one to two hours. Most comprehensive exams include dilating drops, which take time to work.
Will I be able to drive after my exam?
Dilation can make your vision blurry and light-sensitive for several hours. Many patients drive with sunglasses, but if you're unsure, bring a driver.
Does Dr. Nicola see children?
Yes. Dr. Nicola evaluates children and adults, including children with lazy eye (amblyopia), misaligned eyes, and eyes that only appear crossed (pseudostrabismus).
Insurance & payment
Do you accept Medicare?
Yes. Medicare covers eye exams and office visits when there is a medical reason, such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes, or an eye symptom. Medicare does not cover refraction (the glasses prescription), and Medicare pays 80% of the allowed amount; we will file your supplemental insurance if you provide it.
Do you accept TennCare or Medicaid?
Yes, we accept Medicaid / TennCare. Please call to confirm that your specific plan is accepted.
Which insurance plans do you accept?
We are a participating provider for most major medical plans, including Medicare, Medicaid / TennCare, BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Humana, Tricare, Railroad Medicare. Call to confirm your specific plan.
What if I don't have insurance?
We will work with you to provide your eye care at an affordable self-pay rate. Call our office to ask about pricing.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash, Personal Check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover.
About the practice
What is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist?
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD) who completed medical school, an internship, and a surgical residency in eye care, and can diagnose and treat all eye diseases, prescribe medications, and perform surgery. An optometrist (OD) is a doctor of optometry focused primarily on vision testing, glasses and contact lenses, and some eye conditions. Dr. Nicola is a board-certified ophthalmologist.
Does anyone at the office speak Spanish?
Yes. Dr. Nicola is fluent in Spanish and can conduct your entire visit in Spanish. Sí, la Dra. Nicola habla español.
Where is the office?
We are on the second floor of the Erlanger Medical Mall, 979 East 3rd Street, Suite 240, Chattanooga, TN 37403, on the Erlanger main campus.
What areas do you serve?
Patients come to us from throughout the Chattanooga region, including Hamilton County, Cleveland and Bradley County, and north Georgia communities such as Dalton, Ringgold, and Fort Oglethorpe.
What is Dr. Nicola's connection to Erlanger?
Dr. Nicola is Director of Ophthalmology Services at Erlanger Health System, the region's academic medical center and Level I trauma center, and completed her ophthalmology residency at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Chattanooga.
What should I do in an eye emergency?
During office hours, call (423) 243-3330. After hours, call the Erlanger operator at (423) 778-7000 or go to the Erlanger emergency department. Sudden vision loss, a curtain over your vision, new flashes with floaters, chemical splashes, or a serious eye injury need immediate care.