Optometrists in Louisiana should soon be entitled to receive the same reimbursements as ophthalmologists for the provision of medical eye care or vision services from participating insurance companies or health care plans. 

This includes compensation for medical and vision services from participating health maintenance organizations (HMOs), preferred provider organizations (PPOs), managed care organizations, plans or contracts of insurance, or any medical hospital service contracts.

These proposals were outlined in Louisiana State Bill 669, which was approved by the Louisiana House and Senate on June 3. At press time, the governor was expected to sign the bill into law.

In addition, SB-669 stipulates:

• An HMO, PPO, managed care organization, plan or contract of insurance, or any medical or hospital service contract shall not impose a co-payment, co-insurance amount, or any other fee on a covered participant or insured party that is greater than the amount charged for the same service when provided by an allopathic physician or an osteopathic physician.
• It shall be unlawful for an HMO, PPO, managed care organization, or plan or contract of insurance to require a duly licensed optometrist to participate as a provider in another medical or vision care plan or contract as a condition of or requirement for participation by such a duly licensed optometrist as a provider in any medical or vision care plan or contract.

“We’re not asking for special treatment,” said James Sandefur, O.D., president of the Optometry Association of Louisiana, in his testimony to the legislature. “We just want to be treated fairly. It’s not right for health plans to pay optometrists less than ophthalmologists for the same identical services.”