Lasik Cost
Written by admin on July 16th, 2009 in Uncategorized.
The Average Cost of Lasik Eye Surgery
Considering Lasik eye surgery? Beyond all the other considerations (such as its safety, if it’s the right procedure for your eyes, its compplications and its benefits), there’s the consideration of cost. Though Lasik eye surgery is not cosmetic surgery, it is considered elective surgery. Therefore, most insurance companies will not cover the procedure. In most cases, neither will Medicare. Still, it’s wise to first check with your health insurance provider.
If you aren’t covered for the procedure, then it’s time to do your homework.
You’ll quickly discover that the cost of Lasik eye surgery can vary dramatically. Prices can be influenced by the area in which you live, your health and ability to pay, even the level of competition. Primarily, you’ll want to make sure you thoroughly understand everything that’s included in any quote you obtain from a local practice. For instance, does it include pre-operative and post-operative visits?
LASIK Price Increase
In the past few years prices have been rising. On the one hand, this has been due to new procedures that customize the procedure, making it more expensive than traditional Lasik surgery. On the other hand, new developments such as IntraLase technology, have also brought about an increase in the cost of the procedure.
In 2002 the average cost of Lasik eye surgery was between $1,550 and $1,600. However, by October 2003 the average had risen to $1,710. At the end of 2004, the average cost of Lasik eye surgery was a little over $1,800, and in 2005 it was $1,965.
More Reasons Why Prices Vary
Another contributing factor to the wide range of prices is the level of pre-operative testing conducted by your Lasik practioner. Because there can be such a difference of care from one practioner to another, you need to fully understand what’s included in any price that’s quoted to you.
As an extension, you’ll want to know what procedures and surgical equipment are being used. Is the practiioner up to date on the latest techniques and equipment? Technologies for tear film analysis, eye tracking, and measurements of corneal thickness, the laser and corneal topography and pupil size can dramatically influence the cost of your procedure.
What Are You Paying For?
Refractive surgery fees generally cover a variety of costs such as lease or purchase and maintenance of the laser, corneal ring segments, microkeratome and/or other devices used. The excimer laser manufacturer receives a royalty fee of $100 to $150 per eye to develop the machine. If it’s a custom procedure the royalty fee per eye can rise to between $145 and $250, depending on the laser manufacturer.
The cost of Lasik surgery will generally include masks, gloves, gowns and other items used to make sure the operation is kept sterile as well. And then there’s the surgical solutions, medications and microkeratome blades used during the surgery; office and surgical staff benefits and salaries, office equipment, rent, and office administration; insurance, patient acquisition costs, which include seminars and advertising, and surgeon’s fees if he or she is not on staff.
While the cost of Lasik eye surgery is an important consideration, it’s vital that you don’t base your decision solely on cost. Ask your surgeon what’s included and what is not, what you’ll be required to pay if enhancement surgery becomes necessary or complications occur, if the newest techniques will be utilized, and how extensive his experience is with Lasik surgery. Remember: a good surgeon is well worth the extra expense.