Which Insurance do I use? Vision or Medical?
Your vision insurance will typically cover a routine exam once per year, and part or all of your purchase of glasses or contact lenses. Focusing issues of the eye including nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, etc. are considered routine and are covered by vision insurance, but not by medical insurance.
If your visit is to take care of a physical problem like a blocked tear duct, droopy eyelid, lazy eye, crossed or wandering eye, amblyopia, glaucoma, cataract, headache, etc., your visit will be medical and not covered by your vision insurance.
Learn more about the difference here.
A refraction is the determination of the need for glasses or contact lenses. It is an integral component of any complete eye exam but is identified as a separate service by your insurance company, both the medical and the vision types of insurance. Vision insurance covers the refraction charge, and some medical insurances may cover this charge, but many do not.
With any of your eye care needs, our staff will work with you to get you the best coverage for your situation. Whether the exam is routine (vision insurance) or medical (medical insurance) is determined by the doctor during your exam: if medical issues are discussed and addressed, the exam will be medical. If there are no medical issues, even if your primary care doctor referred you for evaluation, the exam must be billed routine (these are your insurance company rules, not ours).
Should you find your exam is not covered by your insurance, we offer a substantial cash discount for your exam. Many times, our front office staff can help you sort this out at the time of your appointment. If you receive a bill you don't believe you should have received, please call us at 425-823-EYES (3937) and we will do our best to help you sort out the situation!
Approved Insurance Carriers
Don't worry! If you don't see your plan here, call us and we will verify your coverage.
Billing Information
Please call us directly with any billing issue first (425-823-3937).
It is our pleasure and our privilege to help you and your family with the care of their eyes. We work hard to make your visit a positive experience. We thank you for trusting us with the care of your eyes, or those of your child or children. We take this care seriously and are honored you have chosen us for this care.