Story thread · 2 reports / 2 sources

As Medicare pays less for cataract surgery, doctors turn to moneymaking lasers — and more UCLA media

newsroom.ucla.edu · 3hShare

CBS News HealthWatch reported on the rising use of pricier laser-assisted cataract procedures, despite studies showing they do not outperform traditional surgery. As Medicare reimbursements for cataract surgery continue to decline, the laser procedures can provide ophthalmologists with an additional source of revenue while potentially reducing patients’ reliance on eyeglasses. “It’s a win-win for patient and doctor,” said Kevin Miller, professor of clinical ophthalmology at UCLA. “Doctor makes a little more money on top of the Medicare reimbursement; the industry gets money to develop new technology; and society benefits because these patients are not going for eyeglasses anymore.” Read more about UCLA in today’s The Guardian, LAist and other outlets.

First report: As Medicare pays less for cataract surgery, doctors turn to moneymaking lasers — cbsnews.com, 1d