"VSP to Allow Opticians to Provide Services Out-of-Network
Representatives from the Opticians Association of America (OAA) recently met with VSP at Vision Expo regarding participation of opticians in VSP. VSP agreed to allow opticians to provide services on an out-of-network basis. This is a positive first step for the participation by opticians in the VSP insurance program. An optician can now complete the reimbursement form and submit it directly to VSP instead of having the customer submit it. So now, if a customer calls and asks if you take VSP the answer is yes.
When I read this notice, I decided to check it with VSP to ensure that it was accurate. These are the questions I asked VSP:
· Is this information correct?
· Can’t opticians have the patient fill out the paperwork themselves now and get their reimbursement directly from VSP instead of the optician filing it for them?
· What the significance to opticians of being in and not being in the network?
Here is the reply I received:
· VSP recently began allowing providers not on our network to bill on behalf of patients with VSP coverage.
· This was something that VSP was already required by law to do in several states and we have expanded it as a convenience to the approximately 5% of VSP members who are choosing to go out network for services today.
· Members going to a VSP doctor continue to get a better overall benefit than those who choose to visit a non-network provider.
It would seem that the Ohio newsletter was right on target.
Come to the ORBA blog and discuss this issue with your fellow ORBA members!
Ed De Gennaro - Executive Director, ORBA
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