Costs for Cateract Surgery with monofocal vs. multifocal lens

[CB14022]

My doctor has suggested that I now have my cataract removed and a ReZoom lens inserted.  I don't understand why the cost of this is so high (an additional $3000).  Can some one explain to me why?  It is my understanding that insurance with cover cataract surgery and placement of a monofocal lens.  However, cataract surgery with placement of a multifocal lens (instead of the monofocal) is considered 'elective' and not covered.  Why can't I pay for the difference between the monofocal lens and the multifocal lens?  Is the cost to the surgeon for the ReZoom lens really $3,000 more than the cost of the monofocal lens?  Would the manufacturer be able to help explain how the insurance should cover this?  Thanks in advance for any help!

[mmmmpppp]

I think $3,000.00 is at the high end of the normal range.  There seems to be almost a consensus on MedHelp that Rezoom is the worst of the alternatives, but of course I don't know the specifics of your situation and wouldn't know what the specifics imply anyways.

I would definitely find a another good doctor and talk to him.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

The cost is NOT for insertion of the ReZoom.  It is for the extra work need to make the correct measurement to hit target and remove astigmatism.  There is also extra evaluation not covered by insurance to determine there are not subtle abnormalities which could result in poor vision.

Dr. O.

[JodieJ]

Yes, yes, yes--see another surgeon for a second opinion.  Use the search feature of this forum (upper right corner) to read about all the problems associated with the ReZoom lens.  (I suspect that the surgeon who recommended ReZoom to you at a $3000 surcharge would NEVER agree to have this IOL implanted in his own eye.)

Your insurance will pay for your cataract surgery; you must pay the surcharge for a "premium" IOL out-of-pocket.  Implanting these "premium" IOLs can be quite profitable for the surgeon (and this is undoubtedly why ReZoom was recommended to you.)  Do more research before making a decision.  Currently, the Crystalens HD is thought to be the best of the "premium" IOLs.  However, you can probably get similar (or better) results with aspheric monofocal IOLs set for mini-monovision.  Aspheric monofocal IOLs do not require an out-of-pocket fee, and they are associated with far fewer postoperative problems.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Don't forget astigmatism has to be corrected or a toric IOL used.  This involves additional costs.

Dr. O.