Dr. Tod Davis | Vision Therapy and Insurance | Vision Therapy Blog ...

There is no better way to treat amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (crossed eyes) than with vision therapy from a qualified doctor of optometry. The success rates for strabismus hover around 75 to 80 percent, while surgical success dips down into the single digits. Yet, some insurance companies do not cover vision therapy in their vision plans, claiming it is experimental in nature, or that it is a non-medical treatment. Other insurance companies may cover vision therapy, but pay only a small fraction of the cost, having set the expected fees quite low. Still others completely refuse to recognize the field.

If you or someone under your insurance policy is in need of vision therapy, it is wise to review policy guidelines before beginning treatment to understand the responsibilities the insurance company expects to accept. First, read through a copy of your policy to see if vision therapy is covered. If the company states that therapy is experimental in nature, an appeal made in writing citing success rates, including costs and success rates of surgical options, might improve their viewpoint, and just may get your therapy covered. Appeals can help when companies state that therapy is non-medical in nature, alerting them that therapy can make life-changing improvements in a patient, reducing their overall lifetime costs covered by insurance.

If your company covers vision therapy, but provides for a very low fee, leaving you to pay a hefty chunk of the cost, check into the comparative options for your area and file an appeal to raise the amount. The company may change their opinion if provided with a well-researched range that proves their fee structure inappropriate.

Vision therapy is a controversial treatment in that there is no standardized method for programs, but rather a set of more individualized programs based on unique needs of each patient. Insurance companies have a difficult time understanding and accommodating for such treatment. Thoughtfully composed, compelling arguments embracing such programs for the treatment of vision disorders can help insurance companies comprehend the value for their policyholders. Additionally, vision therapy programs may prove more successful and financially responsible than accommodating vision disorders for a lifetime.

Dr. Tod Davis of Developmental Optometry & Vision Therapy Services has been providing successful vision therapy for eastern Virginia patients for over 25 years. If you need more information about the importance and value of vision therapy to convince your insurance company, Dr. Davis and his team stand ready with a solid record of measurable achievement to help you get the therapy you need.

Source: http://www.davisvisiontherapy.com/blog/vision-therapy-and-insurance/

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