Medicare’s Paying Less for Cataract Surgery. Eye Doctors Are Turning to Lucrative Lasers.

Key Points:

• Tammy Chalala, a retired dietitian, paid nearly $4,000 out-of-pocket for laser-assisted cataract surgeries, opting for the method due to perceived better precision despite Medicare typically covering standard cataract procedures with minimal patient cost.
• Laser-assisted cataract surgery is increasingly popular, accounting for nearly 12% of the 5 million annual procedures in the U.S., but research shows it does not yield better outcomes or fewer complications compared to traditional scalpel surgery.
• Medicare reimbursement for cataract surgery has declined about 20% over the past decade, prompting doctors to charge patients extra for laser use when it involves premium lenses or astigmatism correction, with fees ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 per eye.
• Some ophthalmologists view laser surgery as a financial necessity amid reduced Medicare payments, while others caution patients to weigh costs since traditional surgery remains safe and effective without added expense.
• Patient preference for laser surgery often stems from the desire for precision and the potential to reduce dependence on glasses, though not all patients are suitable candidates for the laser method.