By Jon J. Trutt
Published: 4/30/2024
As an Illinois optician, you may have noticed a growing trend in the industry since the state passed a law allowing you to choose what optical lab you wish to use to furnish patient lenses. Now, more and more independent eye care providers are choosing to opt out of vision care insurance plans. This decision can greatly benefit both you and your patients, as it allows you to prioritize exceptional service and focus on the health and well-being of those you serve.
**Why Opt-Out?**
Managed care plans often make it difficult to provide the level of service and attention that is best for your patients' health. By opting out, you can remove the constraints and demands of insurance companies, allowing you to offer a more personalized, patient-centered experience. Here are some key benefits of opting out:
1. Greater Flexibility in Lens Options: Without the limitations set by insurance plans, you can offer a wider variety of lens options tailored to each patient's specific needs and preferences.
2. Monopolies in the Industry: Many vision care plans are part of larger chain stores, and their parent companies often monopolize the market by buying frames and other products made by their own insurance company. This can limit your ability to provide the best products and services to your patients.
3. Improved Patient Care: By freeing yourself from the constraints of managed care plans, you can spend more time with each patient, offering thorough and individualized care. This is especially important when it comes to eye exams, which should be comprehensive and unhurried.
4. Increased Financial Sustainability: Vision care plans have not increased their reimbursement rates in over 25 years, and some have even decreased payments. With rising costs, this can be financially unsustainable. Opting out allows you to charge fair rates that reflect the quality of your services.
**Supporting Your Patients**
While opting out of insurance plans can benefit your practice, it is important to support your patients through this transition. Here are some ways to do so:
· Self-Submission for Reimbursement: Provide your patients with itemized receipts they can use to submit their claims directly to their insurance company. Tools like Anagram can help simplify this process.
· Assistance with Forms: Offer to help your patients complete the necessary Out-of-Network (OON) forms. Consider providing printed CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) forms, as well as envelopes and stamps, to save your patients time and effort.
· Educate Your Patients: Explain to your patients the benefits of opting out of insurance plans and how it allows you to offer better service and care. Encourage them to communicate with their HR department about the limitations of their current insurance plan.
Opting out of vision care insurance plans can empower you to provide the exceptional patient experience you are passionate about while also supporting your practice's financial sustainability. By offering personalized care and assisting your patients in navigating the transition, you can build stronger relationships and improve the overall health and well-being of your community.
Let's challenge the industry giants and pave the way for a new era of independent eye care! Your questions and concerns matter to us. For more information, please review our "Guide to Opt-Out Contracts" below, or contact AccuLab for personalized assistance.
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