Regular eye examinations are important to maintain your vision for your lifetime. It is important that you be aware of your insurance benefits and how they apply to your visit. We have prepared this form to help you understand how your visit is submitted to your medical or vision insurance. Benefits may vary based upon the reason for your visit.
Routine Eye Examinations:
A routine eye examination takes place when you come for an examination without any underlying medical conditions which may affect the eyes. Vision exams do not cover management or treatment of medical problems. The doctor screens the eyes for disease and checks your vision. Examples that necessitate your visit being submitted as a vision exam include:
Basic Eye Exam. - Glasses and/or Contact Lenses
Medical Eye Examinations:
Medical eye examinations for evaluation of a medical complaint or follow-up of an existing condition are examples of an eye examination billed to your medical insurance. Examples that will necessitate your visit being submitted as a medical exam include but may not be limited to:
- Diabetes Mellitis
- Dryness/Redness of eyes
- Allergies
- Floaters and/or Flashes of light
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Referral from outside physicians Dryness/Redness of eyes
- Eye Irritation or Eye Pain
- High Risk Medications Allergies Floaters and/or Flashes of light
- Eye muscle imbalance or lazy eye Glaucoma
- Macular Degeneration
The purpose of your visit will determine which insurance benefit will be used. Medical eye exams will always be subject to co-pays and deductibles according to your medical insurance plan. Medical insurance typically does not cover the refraction (this is part of the exam used to generate glasses or contact lens prescription. You can pay out-of-pocket for the refraction and/or contact lens evaluation or schedule a return appointment to use your vision examination benefit. We are not able to bill medical insurance and vision insurance on the same day. They need to be done on two different days. We understand the distinction between medical and vision exams is often confusing so we will work with your insurance to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.