VSP "Guarantee's" transition satifaction...

[Uncle Fester]

Please pardon my rant-

Who was in charge of the current TV ad campaign "guarantying" VSP patient satisfaction if they choose to get it as an option?

The patient risks the $62 sv $76 multi add on if they return them. As it is not refundable I think it's disingenuous to "guarantee" them. But then again we in the trenches get to handle that flak when they come in for details.

Rant off-:)

[Jim Schafer]

Hi Uncle Fester,
I inquired about the program for you and recieved this response...

VSP members can indeed be refunded their out-of-pocket costs if they received their Transitions lenses from a VSP doctor. Either the doctor or the member can call VSP directly to request a refund.

best regards,
Jim

[Andrew Weiss]

Hi Uncle Fester,
I inquired about the program for you and recieved this response...

VSP members can indeed be refunded their out-of-pocket costs if they received their Transitions lenses from a VSP doctor. Either the doctor or the member can call VSP directly to request a refund.

best regards,
Jim

Jim, Please note that this policy is totally opposite VSP's policies on other partially-covered options. Example: a patient orders a progressive, pays $93 for it, and can't adapt. VSP authorizes a redo in SV or Bifocal at no extra charge, but does not refund the $93 copay. Another example: patient orders lenses with AR coating, then decides (s)he doesn't like it. VSP authorizes the redo without the AR, but that $61 copay the patient pays is not refundable.

I am curious to know whether the refund policy you found out about is limited to Transitions, or whether it reflects a larger change at VSP? It will certainly have an impact on us as practitioners.

[For-Life]

Transition has done a guarantee with us for years. You do not lie the product, the lenses will be redone at no cost. Does the patient get a refund? Of course not. It costs transitions to make up the difference. The patient gets the product removed at no cost. Seems fair.

It is like non-adapts. Why would you give a refund to someone who moves from a PAL to a flat top?

[Jim Schafer]

Hi Andrew,
All I know is that this particular VSP program pertains to Transitions lenses only.

I will pass on your message to our Managed Care folks.
best regards,
Jim