Spectera is one with bad reputation
If you r part of chain w/ in-house lab, as per their requirements, you can sell ur own frames, use ur own lab and it is as good (or bad) as any other insurance plan. (2 of such places I worked in the past: Costco & For Eyes).
If u r independent, not that good (at least on glasses). U have to use their lab, which been labeled as slow and poor quality. U supposed to sell the ugly frames they provided to u, but heard u can send ur own frame (but been reimbursed at wholesale upto $50). U collect add-on charges, they subtract them from the reimbursement. That's how u get into negative and have to write checks to them.
There are no need to purchase any frames from them. Ugly frames are sent to u to show the members at no charge. They will even pick up the shipping charge when u decide to become a non-provider and send back ugle frames (true in 2003).
Their reimbursement on eye exam of CL fitting is ok. CL fitting is part of CL materail fee. Reimbursement on CL is so-so.
Things I do not know is "are their charges on the add-ons competitable to what I pay (a discounted rate) to my lab?".
I think their "true reimbursement" = "listed reimbursement amount" - "co-pay u collect from the patient" (my memory is fading on this one)
Essilor labs are onboard now
Just talked to Optical One (Essilor's lab in N. California). Confirm that starting today, there is a pilot program they will take jobs from a selected group of Spectera providers in Califronia. Starting 1st of the year, they will serve all Spectera providers. Believe this is also valid for the "southwest" region on other Essilor labs.
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Not that I'm a fan of Spectera or Essilor. just the fact.