Your eyes are one of the most crucial and complex parts of the body. Without proper eyesight, you might not be able to work, drive, or participate in hobbies and activities you enjoy. This is why annual eye exams are essential. However, there is a difference between a routine test and a medical exam, and each is billed by different insurance providers. Here’s what you should understand about each type of visit and how they are billed. 

Vision

When you think of a vision test, you probably picture a routine eye exam. Insurance companies define this as a visit which includes measuring sight and checking for vision issues, such as near and farsightedness or astigmatism, that require corrective lenses. If you already wear glasses or contacts, the eye exam measures visual acuity and determines if you need an updated prescription. Most vision insurance plans cover one visit of this kind per year. They typically also cover all or part of the cost for corrective eyewear. During the routine eye exam, as your doctor evaluates your overall vision health, they may determine you need more testing if they notice potential symptoms or indications of an underlying condition. This additional testing may be considered a medical eye exam, rather than a vision test.

Medical

Medical eye exams are used to determine if you’re developing a disease or condition that requires more-than-standard vision correction. This can include conjunctivitis, dry eye, cataracts, or glaucoma. Instead of prevention, this type of diagnosis is medical, requiring specialized treatment. During these comprehensive medical eye exams, you might be required to provide your health insurance information. Your doctor will talk to you about insurance and financing options before performing tests which are not covered under vision care. 

If you’re a Cincinnati, OH, area resident, turn to Daniel J. Kroger O.D. for comprehensive eye care. Dr. Kroger and his team are dedicated to helping patients of all ages see clearly and maintain healthy eyes for life. From routine vision tests to medical eye exams, they provide a full range of services to care for everyone in the family. Call (513) 777-3936 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about the practice and how they can help you.