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The following are some questions GEOS members asked Stephenie Kirschbaum in our March CE meeting: If any further questions about VSP changes or subjects related, please call the following numbers:
Stephenie Kirschbaum
(800)852-7600 x 9514 or
(530)477-5556 home or
(530)273-3190 office.
QUESTIONS and RESPONSES
Q: When doctors who are on other panels (in addition to VSP) decide to terminate their membership with that vision plan (EyeMed, MES, etc.) can they send a letter to patients on that plan to notify them and retain them even though the doctor no longer accepts that particular plan? Perhaps doctors can come together to strategize/write a letter that can be sent to the patients on “other” plans, so doctors can have more potential to keep or re-capture the patients, especially when the patient can once again have VSP coverage.
R: Absolutely doctors may send letters to their patients explaining the plans on which they participate and why and that the patient is always welcome to stay with you, their personal, private practitioner.
Q: “VSP On-line” took forever to fin d RNP reimbursement for check reconciliation; it was under a different name, the company name, and a staff member helped him find it. “Please keep it simple.”
R: Perhaps try finding the RNP information in the “Select Network Manual.”
Q: Regarding Eye seek and not getting information on-line/ feedback. Responses depend on what information is listed.
R: Eye seek is only for posting O.D. positions; if a doctor is posting for staff, it will be deleted. Please contact Dana Beards at VSP if you are havin g trouble getting feedback for an O.D. opportunity
Q: Confusion exists regarding coverage for plano sunglasses. Are non-prescription sunglasses ever covered?
R: A patient is covered for plano sunglasses only if: their plan allows it (listed as a “covered” option on their authorization) or the patient has had refractive surgery (not to include cataract surgery) LASIK or PRK. The patient may receive materials as long as they are covered for “Frame – Yes.”
Q: Coordination of Benefits: “Why can’t we use the highest exam coverage benefit as primary if it’s the spouse’s coverage?”
R: You can use the higher exam benefit if you don’t coordinate. When you coordinate, then we must follow industry guidelines for who is primary.
Q: Can VSP put together a comparison “grid” or list for patients showing what they’re getting (or NOT getting) with other plans?
R: Check the “Edge” on VSP on-line; we previously had a one-page flier that was on “myths” that was available on-line. A lot of the information presented at the March 21st meeting can be found on “the Edge” site o n-line. Personally, I feel most patients would want to know the goals and intentions of their vision insurance provider and try to do their part to obtain the best coverage possible.
Q: Individual Plans ~ does VSP want to sell these? Doctors have noticed some “resistance” when contacting VSP about the individual plans.
R: Just FYI, most of the consultants/customer service folks at VSP aren’t as knowledgeable about this topic. In order to get more information, you can always call me &/or:
· Go to VSP on-line
=C 2 On the left hand side there is a heading “Plans and Programs”
· Select “Individual Plans”
· Towards to bottom there is an area: “Order promotional materials for your practice.” There are several types of materials available.
