Optometric services and private health insurance.

This article provides an overview of the private health insurance system and its relevance to optometric practice. The extent of private health coverage in the U.S. and the projected decline of fee-for-service income mandates a working knowledge of the insurance system by optometrists and their staff members. The coverage of eye examinations and related services is dependent upon the diagnosis. Using a well-designed fee slip will expedite claims processing for patients and reduce insurance paperwork for the practitioner. Fee slip design and implementation are discussed in detail and illustrated with clinical examples.