Paying the Price of Lasik 

What is Included?

Lasik vision correction surgery is not cheap. Those considering the procedure can expect to pay at least $2000. The price of your procedure can vary either more or less, depending on the area where you live, the type of procedure you choose and the extent of your vision problem. The Lasik procedure is considered elective, so most insurance companies will not pay for the surgery. The good news is that most Lasik surgery centers do offer financing.

Before you decide on having Lasik surgery, you should always think about the cost. You should never choose a doctor based just on the price. But, you should ask lots of questions about your surgery. You should also know what is included and what is not included in the price of your procedure.

You should always check into your insurance plan before having your Lasik procedure. Most insurance companies will not pay, but it never hurts to make sure. Also, consider checking into what your employer can offer. Some companies offer their employees a special discount when having Lasik surgery. Often, certain Lasik surgery centers are working with the company to operate on their employees. If you have a cafeteria plan or a flex plan at work, check to see if this will cover your Lasik procedure. Many times, a flex spending plan can help pay or defray the cost of the Lasik surgery.

Another option when paying for your Lasik procedure is to check with the finance plans and options offered by the Lasik centers. Most of the time, they can offer payment plans to fit nearly every budget. Sometimes, they can also work in partnership with banks or other loan centers to offer financing with low interest rates.

When you have decided on a payment plan for your Lasik procedure, it is important to work with your doctor to find out what in included in the total cost. Some things to think about are:

Appointments: When you are given the total cost for your Lasik surgery, check to make sure all of your appointments are included in the price. You will have at least five appointments with your Lasik doctor. One will be your first initial appointment and then you will have your surgery and at least two to three follow up appointments. Most Lasik centers do include the price of this appointment in their final billing, but it is always good to double check.

Medications: You will probably be given special eye drops to use for several days after your Lasik surgery. While the cost could be minimal, you should always check to see if the eye drops or any other necessary medications are a part of the final cost of the surgery. Also, if you request a mild sedative to be used during your procedure, see if this is included in the price.

One or two eyes: While it seems simple enough, make sure that the price you are given reflects both eyes. Often advertisements make Lasik seems so affordable by announcing “Lasik for $500”. You should always read the fine print and see that the low price usually only covers one eye. If you need both eyes done, make sure your price reflects that.

Additional Surgeries: Sometimes doctors or patients choose to have one eye done and then the other eye done a couple of month later. If this is the case, make sure you have the final price for both surgeries. Sometimes, additional Lasik surgeries are required if the outcome does not improve the vision. These are sometimes called “repair” or “enhancement” surgeries. Many times, the price you are given does not reflect additional surgeries that may be needed. Some doctors will give enhancement surgeries at no extra cost when they are done in a specified time frame. Other Lasik doctors will give patients a reduced price for these additional procedures. The need for these surgeries is common so it is always a good idea to find out if the price is included.

When you get ready to have a Lasik surgery procedure, you should always check with your eye care professional and ask many questions. It is important to know and understand what is and is not included with the price of your procedure. If you do not feel comfortable with the pricing package being offered, remember that many experienced doctors now perform the Lasik procedure. Look around and do some research on lasik eye surgery prices before making an appointment for any surgery.