Answer:
Standard cataract surgerywith a monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) in the United States is covered by Medicare and most insurances. What is not included is some of the testing, the post-op refraction (exam for eyeglasses), and the additional fee for an "advanced IOL" (also known as "premium" IOLs, multifocal IOLs, presbyopia-correcting IOLs, pseudo-accommodating IOLs, toric IOLs etc.). The purpose of these advanced IOLs is to limit your need for glasses after surgery. If you don't care about wearing bifocals or trifocals or reading glasses after surgery, then the monofocal IOL covered by most insurance should be fine for you.
For someone who does not have insurance, the following is a typical breakdown:
Surgeon's fee: $1,700-$4,200
Surgery Center fee: $1,000-$2,000
Anesthesiologist's Fee: $300-$600
Additional Testing: $0-$1,200
Advanced IOL: $150-$1,000
Total Cost Range: $3,000-$9,000 (per eye, depending on IOL choice)
More information can be found online from many different sources such as http://geteyesmart.org/ or if desired, on audio CD at:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/DavidDRichardsonMD
Hope this was helpful.
Sincerely,
David Richardson, M.D.
Medical Director
San Gabriel Valley Eye Associates, Inc.
Website: http://www.sgveye.com/
Blog: http://www.about-eyes.com/
Cataract Audio CD: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/DavidDRichardsonMD
San Gabriel Office:
207 S. Santa Anita St., Suite P-25
San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 289-7856
Pasadena Office:
800 E. Colorado Blvd.
Suite 450
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 289-2223