Retinal Detachment Treatment Cost

How Much Does Retinal Detachment Treatment Cost?

With Health Insurance: Copay + 10%-50% Coinsurance

Without Health Insurance: $5,000-$10,000+ Per Eye

Retinal detachment[1] is a potentially sight-threatening condition in which the retina[2] becomes detached from its normal position and is separated from supporting blood vessels. It can occur without an underlying cause or as the result of trauma, complications from diabetes, an inflammatory disorder, or problems with the vitreous fluid that fills the eye. Without prompt treatment, the condition can cause blindness.

Typical costs:

Patients experiencing symptoms[3] typically first visit to an eye doctor. The national average charge for a comprehensive eye exam is $114 for those without insurance. For patients with vision insurance coverage, the typical copay is $5-$35.
There are several procedures[4] a doctor might enlist to address the condition, and the price of treatment will vary depending on the particular method, as well as the extent of the detachment, the presence of complications, and the patient's geographic location. In general, retinal detachment treatment typically costs about $5,000-$10,000 or more per eye, once fees for the doctor, hospital and anesthesiologist have been included. According to a recent report[5] on ambulatory surgeries performed in Utah, the average cost of repairing a retinal detachment with a commonly used surgery called vitrectomy[6] is $5,394. At Phillips Eye Institute[7] in Minneapolis, MN, treatment ranges from $5,000 to $7,000.
For insured patients, out-of-pocket costs typically consist of a specialist copay, possibly a hospital copay of $100 or more, and coinsurance of 10%-50% for the procedure, which could reach the yearly out-of-pocket maximum. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average hospital copay for outpatient surgery is $132 and for inpatient surgery is $232. The average coinsurance rate is 17%-18%.

Related articles: Eye Exam, Vitreous Detachment Treatment, Health Insurance

What should be included:

A patient who experiences symptoms of retinal detachment, such as bright flashes of light or floaters, will be treated by an ophthalmologist, who will conduct tests[8] to check the retina and pupil, such as using a lighted instrument called an ophthalmoscope to examine the eye, or ultrasound to create an image of the retina. A retinal detachment requires medical attention within 24 hours of the detection of symptoms.
Common treatments include a vitrectomy, in which eye fluid is removed so that the retina can be repaired; scleral buckling[9] , in which silicone, rubber, or plastic is used to repair retinal holes; and laser surgery[10] .
The exact treatment a surgeon recommends depends on the type, location and extent of the detachment. Some procedures may be performed in a doctor's office, but more complicated detachments may require surgery in an operating room.
Surgery typically takes between one and four hours.

Additional costs:

According to the Mayo Clinic, though surgery can generally treat most cases of retinal detachment, a second treatment is sometimes needed.

Discounts:

Many hospitals offer discounts of 30% of more to uninsured or cash-paying patients. At St. Joseph Hospital [11] in Orange, CA, for example, patients without health insurance may qualify for a 45% discount off billed charges. They'll also be offered an additional 10% discount if payment is made within 10 days of receiving a bill.

Shopping for retinal detachment treatment:

The American Academy of Ophthalmology provides a database of ophthalmologists[12] patients can search.
The Mayo Clinic offers a list of tips[13] to help patients prepare for a visit to the ophthalmologist.

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

Retinal detachment

Amount: $80.00

Posted by: Mani 995 in Pittsburgh, PA.	Posted: October 27th, 2021 06:10PM
Treatment: Laser photocoagulation	Insurance: None
Ophthalmologist: Bhavin patel

So funny, i went to india and had it done in $80 for both the eyes without insurance. Woow i am amazed what a fake money health system is in here in USA.
PEOPLE HERE PAY $1500 FOR AMBULANCE????
WE CAN GET HEART BYPASS SURGERY THERE IN THAT AMOUNT