Is Cataract Surgery Covered by Insurance?

Vision deteriorated by cataracts is like looking through a screen of film or fog. You may have double vision and sensitivity to light, and colors may look faded and less vibrant. That is to say that cataracts can have a significant impact on your life. They can be quite dangerous because night driving may become difficult or impossible, and falls and accidents can become more likely due to poor vision. Fortunately, cataract surgery is a safe, effective way to restore your vision.

Is it covered by your insurance? The answer is, it depends. It depends on your policy and the procedure chosen. While the medically necessary portions of conventional cataract surgery are covered by most medical insurance plans, laser-assisted cataract surgery is not.

Dr. Chris Walton is an experienced ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon in Mobile, Alabama. His approach is to help you choose which procedure is right for you by arming you with all the information you need. To learn more, please call us at 251-341-3385.

LenSx® Laser Cataract Surgery – Not Covered by Insurance

Laser-assisted cataract surgery is precise and efficient. Because it automates several of the steps in cataract surgery, it produces reliable and predictable outcomes. Unfortunately, like LASIK, laser-assisted cataract surgery is not covered by insurance. But it can be very advantageous.

Here is how the laser helps Dr. Walton provide cataract surgery:

• Makes a precise, customizable incision in the cornea
• Automates removal of the outer layer of the lens, so that the cataract can be removed (this step is critical to a good visual result, and a laser-assisted removal means the replacement lens can be placed in an ideal position)
• Automates fragmentation of the lens, which makes removal of the cataract easier and more efficient

Do these things sound technical? Truth be told, they are quite technical! The benefits of laser assistance are technical benefits, with the end result being a great visual outcome that eliminates the need for glasses. By using automated laser energy at certain steps, Dr. Walton can perform these steps very precisely. The machine maps out the anatomy of your eye, allowing Dr. Walton to offer a highly customized procedure. Talk to us today about the benefits of this surgery. If you’re interested, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Walton. He is enthusiastic about the benefits of the LenSx®, but he also provides conventional cataract surgery, which also comes with a high success rate and very low complication rate. He will make sure you have all the information you need to choose one over the other.

Conventional Cataract Surgery – Covered by Most Insurance Policies

Conventional cataract surgery is performed with traditional surgical instruments, similar to scalpels but made very small so as to make fine incisions in the cornea. The major difference here is that those instruments are used instead of a laser.

Dr. Walton provides a highly successful, efficient and safe conventional technique. Laser-assisted isn’t necessarily any safer, but you will likely still need to wear glasses afterward. The conventional procedure remains a good option for many people – particularly because it is covered by most health insurance plans. The coverage varies depending on your policy, such as your out-of-pocket maximum. Our front office can help you sort through all of these variables.

Another thing to discuss is coverage of the implantable, intraocular lens (IOLs). This is the artificial lens that replaces your clouded lens, allowing you to see clearly. Certain IOLs are not covered by certain insurance policies. We will help you determine what your policy covers and what you may be responsible for paying.

Next Steps

Dr. Walton wants each of his patients to choose the cataract surgical technique that is the best match for them. He knows that insurance coverage is often one of the primary factors in the decision. Don’t feel as though you need to make the decision right now – first, visit Dr. Walton for a consultation. He’ll make sure cataract surgery is appropriate, and discuss each option with you. Our helpful staff will provide information about costs, insurance coverage and financing options, and then we’ll provide whatever other guidance you need in order to make a decision.

Ready to arrange your FREE consultation with Dr. Walton? Please call our Mobile, Alabama office at 251-341-3385. We proudly serve the Gulf Coast area.