eye dr...is this normal??

I've never been to an eye doctor before. Anyway, I went yesterday for a full eye exam and vision exam. Within the "new patient" papers they made me fill out, there was a page that asked me to sign to any additional fees I may be charged for a prescription, or something like that. Anyway, I have BC/BS, one of the best insurance companies. I have to pay 30 for a specialist. When the exam was finally completed (with a script in hand for eyeglasses), they charged me 65! They charged me 35 for the physical prescription. I NEVER heard of a doctor charging for the script. I mean, you write down two words and sign your name. Isn't giving scripts part of being a doctor and part of exams or check ups?? In fact, many times I've spoken to my primary doctors and they've called in scripts over the phone, or mailed me new prescriptions. It's not like i've been charged for that. I'm confused and angry. Is this legal? 35 dollars for the script on top of my co-pay?? I wasn't sure where to post this so i will post it in FHF and Health. TIA!

Re: eye dr...is this normal??

I wear glasses, go to the eye doc regularly and I've never heard of such a thing.

Re: eye dr...is this normal??

Are you sure the charge was for the prescription? I know that eye doctors almost always charge a "refraction" fee and I think it is usually $35 so I bet that is what it is. It is something that they do during the exam that insurance doesn't pay for. Why don't you call them up and ask exactly what they charged you? I have a feeling the $35 is the refraction fee.

Re: eye dr...is this normal??

I did have an eye doctor who refused to give me my prescription because he wanted to fill it. I called & complained to my carrier & switched doctors.

Re: eye dr...is this normal??

Thank you!!! I called and they said it was part of the refraction fee...but that I couldn't get my script for glasses without paying it?! Whatever. Just slightly annoyed. No one even explained what a refraction fee is. i just think 65 is A LOT for an eye exam!

Re: eye dr...is this normal??

I was a medical biller at an eye Doctors office. Yes it is totally normal for the Doctor to charge for the refraction. Some charge, some don't. Insurance companies allow it as a seperate charge billable to the patient. They should have explained that to you but ultimately it is your responsibility to know what is covered under your insurance. I think it suck$ personally because there is SOOOO much to know about any one insurance it is impossible to keep up.

Re: eye dr...is this normal??

This is why I dont buy vision

Its easier for me just to pay for it. I went to Eye Masters for my hubby and it was $54. Costco too is pretty affordable.

I use FSA to pay for the glasses/contacts and since that is taken pretax i still get it cheaper than paying for the insurance premium.

I buy health and dental only.

Re: eye dr...is this normal??

When I went to an eye doctor they charged me 40 to write the prescription. They don't charge when I had it done at lens crafters tho.