Insurance and Payments
Insurance
At Hillcrest Vision, we provide both medical and routine eye care. They are very different in terms of the services they cover and it is important for our patients to understand those differences.
Medical insurance is used for medical eye care. When a medical diagnosis or condition is present (such as diabetes, eye infection, dry eye, allergies or cataracts to name a few), it is necessary to file a claim for your visit with your major medical insurance carrier. It typically does not cover routine eye care, glasses or contacts.
Vision plans (like VSP & Eyemed) only cover routine vision wellness exams, along with discounts on eyeglasses and contact lenses. Vision plans do not cover medical eye care (the diagnosis, management or treatment of eye health problems). In most cases, it is a discount plan that offers preventative eye wellness exams and eye wear products at a reduced cost. It is not designed or equipped to deal with medical conditions, diagnoses, and/or treatment plans.
Contact lens fittings are a separate procedure; therefore a separate fee as is customary in all eye care practices. If you are diagnosed as a medical exam from the doctors then you will be billed through your medical plan. The doctors, not the receptionist, determines the type of exam that you will be billed for. If you have questions about your diagnosis or billing for your exam, we are more than happy to answer those for you.
Some insurance companies have specific restrictions as far as frame and lens options are concerned. Most plans offer a discount on your frame and lens choices. These discounts are applied to our costs; you are responsible for the balance. Some plans offer special rates, or co-pays, for lens options; please note that this usually limits your options to a specific list set forth by the insurance company. Higher quality options may only be available outside of your plan and will be billed at regular retail pricing.
Prior to your eye exam, we will help you determine which insurance, medical or vision, will best cover the cost based on your individual needs.
Contact our offices at Winston-Salem: 336.760.2020 or Mocksville: 336.901.2020 to find out if your insurance provider is accepted in our office or for more information about your vision coverage.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Many employers are offering Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options to employees. Sometimes these are referred to as cafeteria plans and are elective, supplemental insurance savings plans. These plans are designed to let you save money in an account, pre-tax, to pay for additional medical expenses such as eye exams, glasses, contacts, and often laser vision surgery. Check with the benefits administrator at your work to see if you are eligible for this program. FSAs can typically be used in conjunction with any vision insurance plan to offset any out-of-pocket costs on your behalf.
Other Payment Options
Our Winston-Salem & Mocksville optometry staff understands that cost is a concern when evaluating vision care providers. We do not want cost to be an obstacle to maintaining proper eye health and good vision. We accept various forms of payment and are able to discuss financing options with you prior to any examination. At Hillcrest Vision, we also accept cash, check, Care Credit and major credit cards. Call Winston-Salem: 336.760.2020 or Mocksville: 336.901.2020 today to schedule your eye exam today.
Medical Plans
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CIGNA
- Champ VA
- Comp Benefits
- First Health Network
- Humana
- Medcost
- Medicare
- Secure Horizons
- Tricare
- UMR
- Unum
- United Healthcare
- WellPath
Vision Plans
- Community Eye Care
- Eyemed
- Humana Vision Care
- Sight for Students
- VSP
- Superior Vision
If you do not see your insurance carrier listed, or to confirm that we accept your insurance, please contact our office at 336-760-2020. We will be happy to discuss other options that may be available to you.