As Medicare pays less for cataract surgery, doctors turn to moneymaking lasers
Summary
Medicare has reduced its payments for cataract surgery by about 20% over the past decade. As a result, many doctors are using laser technology during cataract operations, which allows them to charge patients extra money, even though studies show laser surgery does not provide better results than the traditional scalpel method.Key Facts
- Cataract surgery is common and usually covered by Medicare, with patients paying a small amount out-of-pocket.
- Medicare pays about $520 for a standard cataract procedure, including doctor visits before and after surgery.
- Doctors can charge patients extra, from $1,000 to $3,000 per eye, when using laser-assisted methods that correct vision with premium lenses or fix astigmatism.
- Laser cataract surgery equipment can cost up to $500,000 for a medical practice.
- Research shows no better outcomes or fewer complications with laser surgery compared to the traditional scalpel method.
- Nearly 12% of the 5 million cataract surgeries done annually in the U.S. use laser assistance, and this number is growing.
- Premium lenses that reduce the need for glasses cost patients between $1,000 and $4,000 out-of-pocket.
- Medicare rules generally prevent doctors from charging more than what Medicare pays, except for charges related to laser-assisted vision improvements.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
