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eLearning Series:
Lasik Eye Surgery Questions & Answers
( 50 articles
in this series )
Price
of Lasik Surgery: What's Included?
Lasik vision correction surgery is not cheap.
Those considering the procedure can expect to pay
at least $2000. The price of your procedure can vary either more or
less, depending on the area where you live, the type of procedure
you choose and the extent of your vision problem. The Lasik
procedure is considered elective, so most insurance companies
will not pay for the surgery. The good news is that most Lasik
surgery centers do offer financing.
Before you decide on having Lasik surgery, you should always
think about the cost. You should never choose a doctor
based just on the price. But, you should ask lots of questions about
your surgery. You should also know what is included and what
is not included in the price of your procedure.
You should always check into your insurance plan before having
your Lasik procedure. Most insurance companies will
not pay, but it never hurts to make sure. Also, consider checking into
what your employer can offer. Some companies offer their employees
a special discount when having Lasik surgery. Often, certain
Lasik surgery centers are working with the company to operate
on their employees. If you have a cafeteria plan or a flex
plan at work, check to see if this will cover your Lasik procedure.
Many times, a flex spending plan can help pay or defray the
cost of the Lasik surgery.
Another option when paying for your Lasik procedure is to
check with the finance plans and options offered
by the Lasik centers. Most of the time, they can offer payment plans to
fit nearly every budget. Sometimes, they can also work in partnership
with banks or other loan centers to offer financing with low
interest rates.
When you have decided on a payment plan for your Lasik procedure,
it is important to work with your doctor to find out what in
included in the total cost. Some things to think about are:
Appointments: When you are given the total cost for your Lasik
surgery, check to make sure all of your appointments are included
in the price. You will have at least five appointments with
your Lasik doctor. One will be your first initial appointment
and then you will have your surgery and at least two to three
follow up appointments. Most Lasik centers do include the price
of this appointment in their final billing, but it is always
good to double check.
Medications: You will probably be given special eye drops
to use for several days after your Lasik surgery. While the
cost could be minimal, you should always check to see if the
eye drops or any other necessary medications are a part of
the final cost of the surgery. Also, if you request a mild
sedative to be used during your procedure, see if this is included
in the price.
One
or two eyes: While it seems simple enough, make sure that
the price you are given reflects both eyes. Often advertisements
make Lasik seems so affordable by announcing “Lasik for $500”.
You should always read the fine print and see that the low
price usually only covers one eye. If you need both eyes done,
make sure your price reflects that.
Additional
Surgeries: Sometimes doctors or patients choose
to have one eye done and then the other eye done a couple of
month later. If this is the case, make sure you have the final
price for both surgeries. Sometimes, additional Lasik surgeries
are required if the outcome does not improve the vision. These
are sometimes called “repair” or “enhancement” surgeries. Many
times, the price you are given does not reflect additional
surgeries that may be needed. Some doctors will give enhancement
surgeries at no extra cost when they are done in a specified
time frame. Other Lasik doctors will give patients a reduced
price for these additional procedures. The need for these surgeries
is common so it is always a good idea to find out if the price
is included.
When you get ready to have a Lasik surgery procedure, you
should always check with your eye care professional and ask
many questions. It is important to know and understand what
is and is not included with the price of your procedure. If
you do not feel comfortable with the pricing package being
offered, remember that many experienced doctors now perform
the Lasik procedure. Look around and do some research before
making an appointment for any surgery.
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SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
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