Originally Posted by
DanLiv
Consult with your patient about the restrictions of the Eyemed lab. If it takes longer, if the warranties aren't as good as what you provide through your private lab, if they have to give up their own frames, if they can't get Chemistrie, if certain products you recommend aren't available, tell your patient. If your patient agrees and prefers to forgo their benefits and let you do the work privately, then all fees are between you and patient. Some will decline and prefer to go with the cheapest option, and you really have little choice then as you are contractually obligated to send and bill to the lab at patient request, but if the patient agrees with you it is their choice, they are not required to use their benefits to purchase eyewear.
Additionally, patients may be able to purchase privately from you and subsequently submit their receipts for out-of-network reimbursement from Eyemed. The net result could end up being the same cost to the patient, at the expense of a bit more billing hassle. I had a family of four long-time patients with whom I had the discussion, and they were all uninterested in having the insurance lab make their glasses since I have made them myseld for years. I advised them about submitting for out of network. I haven't heard back, but if I do I'll let you know how that goes.
But if your private work *isn't* any better or faster or more convenient than through the Eyemed lab, you have little to offer.
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