Updates: Medi-cal and Glaucoma certification

Medi-cal:
As I'm sure you already know, after July 1 optometrists will not be able to bill for any Medi-cal services for patients over 21. This is not just a proposal, it will happen. This means routine eye care, glasses, and medical visits. Under Medi-cal definition optometrists are "other health care providers" whereas ophthalmologists are physicians so ophthalmologists will still be able to bill for services. It is my understanding that Medi-cal will still pick up the co-pay on medi-medi patients. This issue can be reviewed again in 18 months, however considering the state's current budget crisis it is unlikely that there will be any changes in the near future.

Glaucoma Certification:
The issue of certification went to a 3 OD and 3MD committee to come up with a recommendation and not surprisingly no agreement was reached. It then went to an independent consultant who is currently drafting a report that should be done towards the end of summer. The consultant, I was told, is an optometrist so we should be getting a favorable recommendation.