Doctor...how much do you
charge?
Why does LASIK cost so much?
Why is there such a difference in prices in a single city?
Performing LASIK surgery or operating a LASIK center is a business. Despite the good that the procedure accomplishes and the generally high spirits of everyone involved in the surgical process, it's still a business. And businesses are supposed to make money; ideally, lots of money. Fortunately, in healthcare, our efforts to make a profit come second to our allegiance to the welfare of the patient. Or, at least they are supposed to.
Businesses have startup costs and operating costs. Startup costs cover such things as LASIK training for the surgeon, construction of a surgical facility, purchase of the laser, supplies and other ophthalmic equipment, and staff training. Startup costs are eventually paid by operating profits from a successful enterprise. Operating costs are the day to day expenses for salaries, advertising, rent, utilities, supplies, repairs and maintenance, etc. Additionally, there are often amortization payments for loans necessary to get the business going.
A successful business enterprise will generate income necessary to pay for operating costs (operating profit), recover the payments made for startup expenses, and have something left over for distribution to the owners (net profit). LASIK surgery is a business...
It's expensive to get an excimer laser - and expensive to keep it updated. Despite a decline in the $500,000 purchase price of several years ago, they still cost money. And once you get one, you have to pay a lot of dough to make certain that routine maintenance is done, upgrades are purchased, and emergency repairs can be done quickly to reduce 'down time.' You have to put the thing somewhere, hire a couple of people to help operate it, and figure out what to do with those people when it's not being used. The instrument used to make the corneal section, the microkeratome, can cost up to $50,000. Single use blades are $50 each. Royalties paid to the laser manufacturer are another $150. This is not a cheap business to run!
So, why do doctors charge such different prices? Or do they?
My office periodically contacts other offices that perform LASIK and ask, "How much do you charge?" Of course, we don't really do it just like that because the question -> questions are more extensive:
| Questions
to ask about LASIK |
|
| Do you charge for a consultation? | Some offices charge up to $150 |
| Do you charge for the WaveScan? | Most offices charge up to $100 |
| Do you charge for eye drops for the surgery? | Antibiotic drops can cost more than $100 |
| How much is the surgery itself? | Very interesting...see below |
| Are more than three postoperative visits are included? | Some offices start charging after three visits or a number of months |
| How much is an enhancement? | Large variation. Some practices charge the original surgical fee |
| Are there any other charges? | Hopefully not. We are still looking though... |
The truly big item, the surgery fee itself, often is a distant cousin to the price you see quoted in the newspaper. Once you get through the fine print in the ad, you might suspect that you will be paying more than $299 per eye. If you don't need the surgery at all, that's maybe what you would pay; however, in most cases be sure to bring your calculator!
I think it is essential that you be able to receive a price quote over the telephone. I don't know of any other item or service that you can't. If the office you contact won't give you a price, go elsewhere. It's just not right...
In answer to your evolving thoughts about our wonderful office, you don't even need to pick up the telephone:
| Answers
by Dave Edmiston, M.D. |
|
| Do you charge for a consultation? | Free |
| Do you charge for the WaveScan? | Free |
| Do you charge for eye drops for the surgery? | Free |
| How much is the surgery itself? | $2,000 per eye |
| Are more than three postoperative visits are included? | Unlimited |
| How much is an enhancement? | Free by Dr. Edmiston (the surgery center charges $150) |
| Are there any other charges? | No |
Some offices charge extra for the WaveFront LASIK. We don't. Some offices don't perform this major improvement in LASIK surgery for the nearsighted because they don't have access to the proper laser or the surgeon has been certified. To me it's essential to deliver the best vision possible - and for the myopic patient, it's WaveFront LASIK.
The bottom line is that LASIK is expensive. And, everybody charges about the same price once you start looking into things.
But some doctors treat their patients the way they would like their own family to be treated. And some doctors make sure their patients have their cell telephone number so they can always ask even the smallest questions. And some doctors truly and deeply care about their patients.
I'm one of them...
Sacramento Lasik Patients
Schedule a Free Consultations!
|