(no subject)

[geminigirl]

Can anyone here tell me what's different about a "contact lens appointment" as opposed to a "routine eye exam?"

I've worn contacts on and off for ten years or more, and can't ever recall the doctor doing anything different at an appointment regarding contact lenses as opposed to a regular appointment, and I'm trying to find out why my HMO wants to charge me more than three times as much for a contact lens appointment than a regular eye exam.

I'd ask the woman I spoke to on the phone, but well, she couldn't even seem to get that the numbers on my insurance card are xxyy...she got stuck on the second y. And couldn't explain to me anything different. I'd have been satisfied with "the contact lens exam covers the initial visit and the follow up visits" or something like that, so I don't have to pay the co-pay three times or something like that.

I'll try again this evening or tomorrow morning.

Comments

[messyjessy.livejournal.com]

I think during the "contact lens" exam they measure your eyeball so that the lens fits in there correctly. Plus they do extra vision tests - with your lenses in, with your glasses on & with your naked eyes.

Doesn't seem to be worth 3x more tho ...

[geminigirl]

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking...I'm thinking that considering what my HMO charges me for my lenses (well over $200) and the appointment, (and quite possibly for any follow up appointments) it may be cheaper to go elsewhere for it. Might have to call For Eyes or something.

[mskathy.livejournal.com]

fwiw, it's always cheaper for me to pay out of pocket for contacts.

And, the appt is always explained to me as a "fitting" appt so the lenses fit right, which is what your other responder said :)

[geminigirl]

I'm seriously thinking I'll pay out of pocket for the lenses next time...my glasses too, I think. But it's the exam...all I want to know is what's different, what's covered, and I can't get an answer.