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 |  | With Insurance: Both Eyes $1,000 or more |  | Without Insurance: Both Eyes $10,000-$20,000 |
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Cataract surgery is used to correct a clouding of the lens of the eye that affects vision and usually is caused by aging. Surgery sometimes is recommended when cataracts have caused blurring of vision too severe to be improved with new glasses, better lighting, anti-glare sunglasses or a magnifying glass.
Typical costs: | - For patients not covered by health insurance, cataract surgery typically costs $5,000 to $10,000 per eye, for a total of $10,000 to $20,000 for both eyes. For example, at Park Nicollet, a hospital in Minneapolis, Minn., it costs about $4,365 per eye -- a total of $8,730 for both eyes. At Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center[1] in New Hampshire, with an uninsured discount, it costs about $7,140 per eye -- a total of $14,280 for both eyes.
- Cataract surgery is covered by most health insurance plans. Many patients who need cataract surgery are 65 or older, and Medicare covers cataract surgery.
- For patients covered by insurance, typical out-of-pocket costs would consist of coinsurance of 10 to 20 percent or more -- or $1,000 or more for both eyes. However, a supplemental Medicare policy could cover those costs.
Related articles: LASIK Eye Surgery
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What should be included: | - The Mayo Clinic[2] has an overview of cataract surgery.
Additional costs: | - Special artificial lenses that block ultraviolet light or have multifocal capability can cost as much as $1,000 more than standard lenses.
- Prescription eye drops usually are required after cataract surgery.
- Within five years after cataract surgery, one in four patients develop cloudiness on part of the lens capsule that remains in the eye after surgery; to correct this, a five-minute procedure, called YAG laser capsulotomy, is needed. This typically costs $250 to $450 and usually is covered by insurance.
Shopping for cataract surgery: | - Cataract surgery generally is considered safe and effective. However, risks include swelling of the retina, infection, new astigmatism, development of glaucoma and an increased risk of retinal detachment.
- The National Eye Institute[3] , part of the National Institutes of Health, recommends that surgery be considered only when cataracts interfere with everyday activities such as reading, driving or watching TV, and that you consult a doctor to make the decision.
- It is important to look for a doctor who is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and who specializes in cataract surgery. It is a good idea to ask how many years of experience a doctor has and how often the doctor performs cataract surgery.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: pablo q in Fresno, CA. | Posted: June 15th, 2021 12:06PM |
| One or Two Eyes: one | Type Lens: monovision |
| Doctor/Medical Center: Fresno Surgical Hospital |
Breakdown of cataract cost. Dr. charged $3015, insurance covered $2278, my responsibility $736.
Hospital cost $10,158, in network savings, $4462, Insurance covered $3126, my responsibility $2569. 10 minute procedure at best.
Anesthesiologist cost $720, in network savings $370, insurance paid $351, my responsibility 0.
I need a follow up YAG surgery, and was told the Dr cost will be minimal, but the hospital told me my responsibility is about $2500. I have a high deductible insurance plan, but I really have a difficult time paying $$$$ for a 5 minute surgery. Really feel like the hospital is screwing it's patients and insurance companies, because they can get away with it. Then find out that this hospital is owned all by physicians, they are double dipping. Dr had done the other eye a few years earlier, and the cost was significantly lower. By a lot |
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| Posted by: a user in Austin, MN. | Posted: October 30th, 2020 02:10PM |
| One or Two Eyes: One | Type Lens: Standard |
| Doctor/Medical Center: Mayo Clinic |
This is the estimate given to me that will be sent to my insurance. I pay 20% of this amount. For one eye. I am flabbergasted. |
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| Posted by: Stephen arden in New York, NY. | Posted: December 29th, 2017 07:12AM |
| One or Two Eyes: 2 | Type Lens: multifocal |
| Doctor/Medical Center: Menger-Eye-Center |
Thanks for sharing the information regarding how much cataract surgery cost. |
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| Posted by: Paperconcepts in New Albany, IN. | Posted: December 25th, 2017 06:12PM |
| One or Two Eyes: both | Type Lens: monovision |
| Doctor/Medical Center: John Kenyon Eye Center |
Having second eye surgery tomorrow. First one done 2 weeks ago - spent $2700 over what insurance paid. But I elected to have the laser surgery at a cost of $1500 per eye, plus deductible plus doctor co pay of $200. Not cheap even with insurance. But can see well and should be perfect after 2nd eye done tomorrow |
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| Posted by: Red Rock Surgery Center in Las Vegas, NV. | Posted: April 28th, 2014 09:04PM |
| One or Two Eyes: one | Type Lens: multifocal |
| Doctor/Medical Center: Red Rock Surgery Center, David Malitz |
It is sad the lack of transparency in medical pricing. We operate two surgery centers, are dedicated to helping patients but need to cover our outrageous costs, licenses, certifications, staff, fees, medications, supplies, malpractice insurance, heat, light, equipment, instruments, disposables etc. It should not be complex to get a straight answer on the cost of surgery. Our all inclusive fee for Cataract Surgery is 5000-5500 for a "premium lens" (multifocal or accomodating). The multifocal works more consistently (almost always! and 4000-4500 for a standard (monofocal) lens. With this lens, plan on wearing glasses for fine tuning. We have centers in Las Vegas and Indiana. We have colleagues throughout the country. redrocksurgerycenter.com, oveye.com, Yes, like everything, you can probably find it for less or more. Don't waste money on the laser, the outcomes in a skilled surgeon's hands are virtually identical. Our technique is less than 10 minutes and is no stitches! |
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| Cataract |
| Amount: $0.00 not covered by insurance |
| Posted by: stetson in Augusta, ME. | Posted: February 1st, 2010 10:02PM |
| One or Two Eyes: both | Type Lens: progressive |
| Doctor/Medical Center: Dr. Steve Witkin |
I had my eyes done in 2004 and 2005 this surgery
was basically painless and was a miracle because
I could see again.With my right eye I didn't wait as long so the cataracts came out a bit harder. |
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External Resources: | - patients.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/billing_questions/charges_for_healthcare_services...
- www.mayoclinic.com/health/cataract-surgery/MY00164
- www.nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts.asp#4a
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