What is the difference between vision insurance and medical insurance for my ophthalmology visit?

Notice: Insurance Coverage for Eye Exams

Dear Valued Patients,

We are dedicated to providing you with the best possible eye care experience. To ensure clarity regarding our insurance policies, we'd like to explain the differences between vision insurance and medical insurance for eye exams.

Vision Insurance:
Vision insurance typically covers routine eye exams, prescription eyeglasses, and contact lenses. It focuses on maintaining your visual acuity and correcting refractive errors. However, vision insurance may not cover eye exams related to medical conditions or concerns. If you need glasses and contacts, we recommend our local optometrists for those specific needs. Sometimes, you need glasses, contacts, and medical or surgical care. What then? Many of our patients fall into this category, and we are happy to see your for any eye concerns beyond what is covered at your annual exam with your optometrist. 

Medical Insurance:
Medical insurance covers eye exams that are necessary due to medical conditions, eye diseases, and concerns beyond routine vision correction. These exams are related to the health of your eyes and visual system and are crucial for diagnosing and treating various eye conditions. Dr. Creekmore, DO is a board-certified ophthalmologist and surgeon with over a decade of experience, specializing in medical and surgical therapies of the eye. Our most common procedures are cataract surgery and clear lens exchange with premium lenses, and eyelid procedures to correct drooping or malpositioned eyelids.

Our Policy:
Please note that we currently accept only medical insurance for eye exams. This policy allows us to thoroughly address any medical concerns you may have and provide comprehensive care for your eye health. If you have a medical issue, such as redness, irritation, sudden vision changes, or other eye-related health concerns, your medical insurance can help cover the costs of these exams. If we do not contract with your insurance, it is most likely because the insurance panel was closed and did not accept our request to contract at this time. Currently, that includes Humana and United. If you have out of network benefits, you may still be eligible to apply that benefit. Otherwise, we do accept self-pay for patients who still wish to be seen in our practice.

We appreciate your understanding of our insurance policy, as it enables us to focus on delivering the highest quality of care for your eye health needs. If you have any questions or need assistance with insurance-related inquiries, our friendly staff is here to help.

Thank you for choosing us as your trusted eye care provider.

Sincerely,
Tampa Bay Eye