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(EMAILWIRE.COM, February 07, 2011 ) Milwaukee, WI - Dr. John Suson, of Suson Eye Specialists, said "If you have begun your research into Lasik eye surgery, you may have already noticed that the price can vary widely from the Premium Eye Surgery Clinics to the Low Cost Discount Chains and Centers.
Why are there such significant price differences?
Many of the “discounters” are able to advertise a low fee for their services by using an ala Carte pricing structure. The Lasik surgery itself may be $699.00/eye, but this fee will not include all prescriptions, from mild to severe, nor the necessary necessary preoperative exams and the postoperative follow-up visits that are necessary. And often the latest technologies available, such as bladeless “All Laser LASIK”, are not an option with this pricing structure.
By contrast, a typical Premium Surgery Clinic price structure might include the following:
• Comprehensive pre-op examination determines if one is a good candidate for LASIK and also determines overall health of the patient’s eyes
• Surgeon’s fee
• All follow up visits
• Laser Center/Technology fee
• Cost of any enhancements (re-treatments) for a specified period.
The “discounters” thrive on a lower technology, high volume business. They generally rely on a less demanding group of patients where the biggest perceived difference by some consumers is price. In other words, the focus at many of these centers is on price and profitability, not on the patient, technology, and potential complications.
What are typical problems to look for and avoid?
Unreliable Evaluation and Follow-up: In many low cost centers the surgeon does NOT perform the pre and post–op exams and care. A surgeon is only involved in your care on the day of the surgery and only during the laser treatment. Often a patient will not meet their surgeon until the day the treatment is being performed. Additionally, some LASIK providers even charge extra to see the surgeon before or after your surgery. Occasionally, even in the case of emergency, a surgeon may not be available to see the patient as some discount providers do not maintain regular business hours. Typically, the “discounters” charge additional fees for enhancements as well. These additional costs have a tendency to add up quickly.
Lower Technology and Quality Control: Premium Laser Surgery Clinics typically use the latest technology such as blade free “all-laser” Lasik systems. On the other hand, most discount centers use bladed systems (microkeratomes) and, in the past, many even used poor quality “knock off brand” blades in the microkeratome since the best blades are very expensive. There are actually a number of different bladed microkeratomes on the market and they are of varying quality and precision in their function. Extreme care must be used to maintain these instruments and the blades (which are disposable) should not be reused. The blades become dull with use and can develop scratches or nicks which could damage the cornea. Also, reuse of blades can potentially spread certain types of infections including, but not limited to, HIV, Hepatitis B etc. The lasers also are very sensitive and may need adjustments in order to provide the safest most accurate treatment for the patient. An attitude of excellence and attention to detail must be maintained without question by the surgeon and the entire staff with regard to the care of all of these instruments. All of these steps require attention, time, and some cost.
Trained Personnel: Some discount providers may inadequately train their staff in all aspects of the LASIK procedure as compared to staff at a Premium Lasik Clinic. Although your surgeon is the primary individual performing your Lasik, he is really the central part of a highly trained team of people that must work together for your successful Lasik surgery. Surgeons often make an analogy between eye surgery and flying an airplane. Each surgery requires a clear, consistent, precise checklist to “take-off” for a smooth and successful Lasik. The team of technicians that supports the surgeon and maintains the equipment in top working condition is every bit as important as the surgeon himself. Although, a “discount” surgeon may be credited with tens of thousands of cases based on their high volume business model, the training, skills, and attitude of excellence of all members of the team and the entire surgical facility is just as important.
Restrictions May Apply: Generally, the best of current technology is not used when discussing “Super Low Price” surgery and it may only apply to the lowest, or mildest, of prescriptions. Many centers will use a “bait-and-switch” tactic to draw people in, and then use up-selling price techniques for stronger prescriptions and the use of newer technology. Patients often find the final cost to be several times more than what was expected initially. However, with high volume as a priority, some centers are willing to negotiate to virtually any price. Their philosophy is that maintaining as high of a surgical volume as possible will ensure profitability; quantity over quality.
Whatever Lasik center you choose, whether it is a Premium or a Discount Center, make sure that you research it fully. In the end, you should be fully satisfied that they properly utilize a technology that you, as a patient, are comfortable with. Be confident, as well, that they will be available 24/7 for routine follow-up as well as in the case of an emergency. Use the internet and Google to research the backgrounds of the laser centers that you are considering as well.
Verify for yourself, that they have the kind of commitment and attitude of excellence that is required for this very important and delicate eye surgery.
For more information about blade-free Lasik eye surgery - in addition to scores of other eye related procedures, such as cataract surgery - visit Dr. John Suson's blog, at http://www.supereyes.com/blog/
To book a consultation with Dr. Suson, or to learn more about Suson Eye Specialists, visit http://www.supereyes.com/
Suson Eye Specialists
Dr. John Suson
414-778-2020
doctorjohnsuson@gmail.com
Source: EmailWire.com
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