Tecnis Aspheric IOL vs Crystalens

[mspepperq]

I am 65 years old and recently diagnosed with cataracts.  I have Medicare and a supplement insurance with Aretna Medicare.   My doctor has recommended Crystalens IOL as first choice with a cost (after insurance) of $2,695 per eye.   His second choice is Tecnis Aspheric IOL with additional cost (after insurance) of $1,000 per eye.  After doing some research, I have decided to go with the Tecnis Aspheric IOL.  However, from what I have read on this site, there should not be an additional charge for Tecnis because these are considered "standard" and, therefore, covered by Medicare.   I just want to make sure that the $1,000 additional fee is correct and not just this specific doctor's cost.
Is this fee correct or should I obtain a second opinion from another doctor?

[mspepperq]

Thank you doc.  I phoned the office and asked why additional doctor's fee of $1,000/eye and was told the cost  was because the Tecnis Aspheric IOL is a special lens and not because of any astigmatism correction.   I cancelled my appointments for surgery and will seek 2nd opinion.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

You are correct unless he is also correcting astigmatism.  Unless there is a good explanation, I would seek care elsewhere.