cataract Surgery on the docket next Tuesday motnin

[Wagtail]

We have a choice of private or public which is free for low income but there is a waiting list, i HAVE a gold card as I am a vietnam vet and get the best for no charge, this would have cost many thousand $$ or my own insurance if I did not have this, get to choose my own specialist and date within reason.
The public system is very good but you don't get to choose your Dr.

And I'm similar except that I have a 'White Card', which only covers specific military incurred afflictions (hearing always seems to be included, no 'questions asked' :laughing. I also have a public "Medicare" card which covers general Doctor visits.

I've opted for a non-profit private medical insurance plan, "Navy Health" as, due to my Service, I get a 10% discount on my premiums and it includes dental. My cataract surgery(s) were done pretty much when I wanted (no waiting in a queue for when it 'could be' done) and it only cost me A$200 for the 'gap' and a further A$200 for a one night hospital stay (private room) due to having to appear early the next morning for the patch removal/ post op examination. If you have Private Medical you claim a tax benefit as you're reducing the cost of Public Medical.

One other thing that Australia has is the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) which reduces the cost of darn near every medicine/prescription to a miniscule amount.

 

[Complete Turf Care]

I am 60 years old and I do not have cataracts, and I do not qualify for medicare.

I have worn contact lenses since I was 17, until about 2 years ago. My eyes have become too dry for contacts, so now I wear glasses again, which I hate.

I have been to 2 eye doctors asking for lense replacement surgery, and both refused, because it is not 'medically necessary' and my insurance will not pay for it. I even offered to pay 'out of pocket' for the surgery, and both still didn't want to do it.

Eventually, I will probably develop cataracts and the surgery will become 'medically necessary'. But, people spend lots of money on face lifts, and tummy tucks that are not 'medically necessary' all the time. Why won't they do this for lense replacement surgery?

I'm wondering how much my cost would be for this surgery if I paid cash? I was thinking $3000 to $5000 per eye, and I'm willing to spend that to have clear vision and not need glasses again.

 

[fried1765]

I am 60 years old and I do not have cataracts, and I do not qualify for medicare.

I have worn contact lenses since I was 17, until about 2 years ago. My eyes have become too dry for contacts, so now I wear glasses again, which I hate.

I have been to 2 eye doctors asking for lense replacement surgery, and both refused, because it is not 'medically necessary' and my insurance will not pay for it. I even offered to pay 'out of pocket' for the surgery, and both still didn't want to do it.

Eventually, I will probably develop cataracts and the surgery will become 'medically necessary'. But, people spend lots of money on face lifts, and tummy tucks that are not 'medically necessary' all the time. Why won't they do this for lense replacement surgery?

I'm wondering how much my cost would be for this surgery if I paid cash? I was thinking $3000 to $5000 per eye, and I'm willing to spend that to have clear vision and not need glasses again.

You probably should consult with a teaching hospital eye doctor.
Does LSU have an eye facility?

 

[goeduck]

Nice to hear everyone say cataract surgery goes so well as I expect to have to have it one day. Having had Trabeculectomy recently for glaucoma I assumed the recovery time was about the same. Apparently not. Not that Trabeculectomy was horrible, but it certainly was about 5 to 6 weeks before getting back to near where I was before surgery. With almost complete vision loss of the eye at about the 3 to 4 week mark. At least it stopped the vision loss :thumbsup:

 

[bunyip]

Nasty side effect, hitting me hard, not allowed on the tractor for a while due to dust, a must avoid,it is painful watching the tractor just sitting there.

 

[goeduck]

Nasty side effect, hitting me hard, not allowed on the tractor for a while due to dust, a must avoid,it is painful watching the tractor just sitting there.

Side effect of cataract surgery?

 

[Alien]

Nasty side effect, hitting me hard, not allowed on the tractor for a while due to dust, a must avoid,it is painful watching the tractor just sitting there.

Reminds me of when I got mine bogged and had to wait 6 weeks for the ground to dry out. I feel your pain.

 

[bunyip]

Side effect of cataract surgery?

Must be, avoid dusty conditions so no mowing or using the tractor which can stir up dust, check up tuesday to see how it is progressing, so far so good.

 

[Wagtail]

Must be, avoid dusty conditions so no mowing or using the tractor which can stir up dust, check up tuesday to see how it is progressing, so far so good.

So all you're allowed to do is sit inside, quaffing Merlot?

:melodramatic:

 

[bunyip]

Absolutely not!!!
I hate merlot, shiraz if you please