Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Cost of Lens Implants and Cataract Surgery

Question: I need to have a Cataract removed. I have investigated the AcrySof®ReSTOR® IQ lens. I have Secure Horizons Insurance.What is the estimated cost out of pocket above insurance coverage?

Answer: When you state that you have "investigated" the AcrySof®ReSTOR® IQ Lens Implant it is important to be certain that you have first had a consultation with a top Cataract Surgeon who in fact has thoroughly examined you, discussed your lifestyle needs and your vision expectations and requirements of Cataract Surgery and Lens Implantation. Choosing a Lens Implant for vision correction after Cataract Surgery is not like buying a car where you can read about the manufacturers specifications and marketing hyperbole and get "sold' on it. Each type of near vision presbyopia correcting lens implant available today has very different optical characteristics and thus corrects the range of clear vision after Cataract Surgery in a different manner. This leads to different ranges of clear vision as well as producing different optical side effects and limitations for each one. Thus, the "brand" of near vision presbyopia correcting lens implant should be chosen after considerable discussion with your Cataract Surgeon. That said, assuming you have indeed had an examination and consultation and your Cataract Surgeon has selected the AcrySof®ReSTOR® IQ Lens Implant as being the best one to meet your vision and personal lifestyle needs it is the eye surgeon that sets the fees for the incremental fee to be charged for the AcrySof®ReSTOR® IQ Lens Implant, Each Cataract Surgeon determines their own fees and thus they should be able to tell you what they are. Generally, the incremental cost of a near vision presbyopia correcting lens implant ranges from $1,000-$3,000 above what is reimbursed by standard insurance and Medicare. However, THE DEDUCTIBLES, PERCENTAGE COVERAGE AND ANY CO-PAYS ARE UNIQUELY INDIVIDUAL TO YOUR INSURANCE AND YOUR SPECIFIC HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY and thus should be reviewed with you by the Cataract Surgeon's office and your insurance company.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on www.aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to LASIK. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of www.aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.

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