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Understanding Your Coverage

Medical vs. Vision Insurance

The insurance billed for your eye exam depends on why you are being seen and which provider you are seeing.

Here is a simple guide to help you understand whether your visit will be billed through medical insurance or vision insurance.

The Quick Answer

Medical or Vision?

Medical Insurance
If you are seen by one of our medical providers for comprehensive medical eye care.

Vision Insurance
If you are seen by our optometrist for a routine vision exam to update your glasses prescription.

Medical Eye Care

When We Bill Medical Insurance

Cataract & Laser Institute will bill your medical insurance when you are seen by one of our medical providers.

Our Medical Providers

Comprehensive Medical Eye Care

Tina Rutar, MD

Justin Spaulding, DO

Allison Jarstad, DO

Clara Castillejo Becerra, MD

Our medical providers do not bill vision insurance for their comprehensive medical exams.

Medical Conditions

Is My Visit Considered Medical?

If you are following up with one of our medical providers for conditions such as those below, you are being followed for a medical condition:

  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma or hypertension
  • Strabismus or eye muscle issues
  • Cornea or conjunctiva-related issues
  • Foreign bodies, ocular pain or trauma
  • Eyelid lesions or chalazions
  • Macular or retinal conditions
  • Lasers
  • Surgeries
  • Other medical eye conditions

Routine Eye Care

When We Bill Vision Insurance

We will bill your vision insurance when you are seen by our optometrist for a ROUTINE vision exam to update your glasses prescription.

This is different from a comprehensive medical exam with one of our medical providers.

An Important Distinction

Medical Providers Do Not Bill Vision Insurance

If you are scheduled with Tina Rutar, MD; Justin Spaulding, DO; Allison Jarstad, DO; or Clara Castillejo Becerra, MD for a comprehensive medical eye exam, that visit will be billed through your medical insurance, not your vision plan.

Glasses Prescriptions

Understanding Refraction

Our medical providers utilize a refraction to track visual acuity for some medical diagnoses.

A refraction will also provide you with a glasses prescription, which can be used to purchase glasses in our Optical Shop.

This service is typically denied by most medical insurance plans. If you have vision insurance, you are welcome to send an itemized statement to your vision insurance company for reimbursement.

Good to Know

Your Refraction & Glasses

A refraction can:

  • Help your medical provider track your visual acuity.
  • Provide you with a current glasses prescription.
  • Be used to purchase glasses in our Optical Shop.

Medical insurance commonly denies this service. Patients with vision insurance may submit an itemized statement to their vision plan for possible reimbursement.

Patient Experiences

What Our Patients Are Saying

“

My appointments were long, but you explained what was going on and I appreciate your taking the time to help me understand my options. I feel good that I made the right choices and also about my vision. I think it is in good care with you. Thank you very much.

Esther
“

I was impressed by the professionalism of the office staff from check in to exams to checkout. At my cataract surgeries I felt safe and secure in their procedures. Dr Spaulding performed my surgeries and I would recommend him to anyone needing the services he offers. He was both personable and professional.

Jan
“

I could not be more pleased by the treatment I received from Dr. Rutar and her staff. She performed two cataract surgeries for me and each time she carefully explained all the options and risks along with the likely outcomes.

Lee
“

Dr. Rutar has a kind, gentle, positive manner in which she cares for my condition. She is honest & thorough. Thank you!

Trish
“

Terry and Wendy in the surgery center were wonderful, professional, and explained everything to me. They are amazing at what they do. I highly recommend the office. It is a caring environment with friendly staff.

Henry