Friday, March 16, 2012

Cataract Surgery Measurements & Medicare

Question: I am interested in knowing more about cataract surgery measurement procedures before the actual surgery. I have been told measurements are not paid for by Medicare.

Answer: You initial Cataract examination and evaluation as well as the minimally necessary measurements to calculate a basic monofocal lens implant prescription are covered by Medicare less any deductibles or co-pays that you might have outstanding. However, should you need the additional measurements necessary for an astigmatism correction with Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRI) or an astigmatism correcting lens implant such as corneal topography or for a multifocal lens implant which may require a second type of biometry, dry eye testing, ocular coherence tomography (OCT) or other types of testing that fall into a more advanced set of testing protocols, these may be “non covered services” and require you to pay out of pocket. Discuss the testing with your cataract Surgeon and I am sure they will be happy to explain why it is necessary and what might be a non covered service under Medicare. Medicare only covers the basic Cataract Surgery measurements, Lens Implants and overall care rather than the most advanced and complete care.

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 Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. 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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