Our Surgery Center

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Minnesota Eye Laser & Surgery Centers are state-of-the-art, dedicated ophthalmic surgery centers, where our internationally recognized surgeons perform a wide range of eye surgeries including cataract surgery, corneal transplants, glaucoma procedures, eyelid surgeries and much more. Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) offer a cost-effective, comfortable and convenient alternative to hospital-based surgeries. Patients benefit from clinical and surgical staff who are singularly focused on providing the best eye care possible.

Our teams are also focused on patient safety: For the most updated information regarding COVID-19 protocols and surgical procedures, please click here.

Important Reminders for your Surgery

2 weeks before Surgery:

Fax over documentation of your Pre-Op Physical at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. Pre-op physicals are valid for 60 days. Your surgery may need to be rescheduled if we do not receive your pre-op physical paperwork at least 14 days in advance. This documentation helps us to ensure there are no health issues that would complicate your planned surgery.
Verify insurance coverage

The Day Before Surgery:

Fasting – Follow the appropriate fasting instructions provided during your pre-operative phone call. Depending on the type and time of your procedure, you may be asked to refrain from eating and drinking anything after midnight.
Driver – Please have a driver accompany you to and from your surgery and remain in the waiting room while you undergo the procedure. Depending on the surgery, they can plan to be at our facility for 2.5 – 4 hours, considering there is the time needed in both the pre-op and post-op areas in addition to the time needed to perform the procedure itself. **Please note, you will also need a driver to accompany you to the post-operative appointment that is scheduled for the following day (if applicable).
Surgery Folder – At the time of scheduling the procedure, you will likely receive a surgery folder containing post-op appointment information and discharge instructions, etc. Please bring this folder with you on surgery day. Read through all of your surgery paperwork in your packet
Medications – Pick up your drops for surgery (If applicable)
Payment – If you are undergoing an elective procedure or are opting into an upgraded, non-covered service package, please be aware that we will collect payment at check-in.

Click below to learn more about each of these important reminders.

For patients undergoing surgery in our ASC, a Pre-operative History and Physical is required within 60 days of the procedure. Please wait to schedule this until surgery dates have been booked, as this exam is time-sensitive and will need to be repeated if it falls outside of the 60-day window. Documentation of your physical should be faxed to our office 2 weeks prior to surgery.

Where to get an exam?
We are pleased to offer these convenient pre-operative physical exams to patients preparing for surgery. Rather than schedule an appointment with your primary physician, we can do your exam at any of our locations, eliminating the hassle of having your records transferred. Our in-house Physician Assistants, Jill Englund and Mark Dsouza are familiar with our surgeon’s guidelines and have a clear understanding of what information is required for surgical clearance.

Please review the below information as it pertains to the financial aspects of your upcoming surgery. Having comprehensive information regarding both the medical and financial details of your procedure is important and helpful in making decisions about your care.

Insurance Coverage Verification

First and foremost, please check with your insurance carrier to discuss your healthcare benefits and plan coverage details. Although our Business Office staff are here to help, it is ultimately your responsibility to know and understand your insurance benefits.

Prior to your surgical appointment, a member of our Surgery Verification team will confirm the insurance we have on file is active and will gather data regarding your current benefits for outpatient surgery. If you have additional questions about your insurance coverage or are interested in obtaining a pre-surgical estimate regarding your out-of-pocket expenses, please contact our Surgery Verification team at 952-885-2462.

Note: If you know your insurance plan will be changing, it is imperative that you contact our team immediately to review coverage and possible new authorization requirements. Information regarding the insurance policies we accept can be found on our billing and financing page.

Good Faith Estimates

Approximately 2-3 weeks before your procedure you may have received an email with your Good Faith estimate. If you need to search for your benefits email- the subject is “Your letter from Minnesota Eye Consultants.”

Collecting Payment Prior to Surgery

If you are proceeding with an elective or cosmetic procedure, or a surgery that you know your insurance will not cover, the fee for these services will be due in full prior to, or on the day of surgery. This includes the additional fees involved for those patients opting into an upgraded surgical lens package. These elective or cosmetic fees are in addition to any insurance out of pocket expense that may be applicable to your surgery.

If you have a high deductible insurance plan, it is our policy to collect a portion of your estimated patient responsibility (out of pocket expense) prior to, or on the day of surgery. If this is required, our Business Office will be in contact with you within 1-2 weeks of your surgical procedure. At that time, we will inform you of your insurance benefits, provide you with an estimated out-of-pocket quote, and advise the amount that will be collected on, or before your surgery.

Billing for a Procedure

There are a variety of fees that may be billed for a procedure performed within our practice.

Clinic/Evaluation Fee Clinic charges prior to or on the same day of surgery are not part of your surgical fee and will be billed separately.
Professional Fee includes the surgeon fee and post-operative care provided by Minnesota Eye Consultants.
Facility Fee includes use of the operating room, supplies, personnel, and equipment, and will be billed separately for services rendered at our Minnesota Eye Laser & Surgery Centers.
Anesthesia, pharmacy, and pathology fees are provided by an outside party and will be billed separately (if applicable).

Financing

If you are interested in financing any out-of-pocket expenses related to your procedure, Minnesota Eye Consultants offers two convenient financing options: Alphaeon Credit and CareCredit. Information for both can be found on our billing and financing page.

https://www.carecredit.com/go/253QRJ/
https://go.alphaeoncredit.com/credit-portal/store/1681

Contact Us!

If you have further questions about your insurance coverage or the financial aspects associated with your procedure, please feel free to contact us.

Surgery Verification Team: (952) 885-2462

Confirms insurance eligibility and benefits
Reviews and coordinates authorization or referrals for surgery
Calculates pre-surgical quotes for estimated patient responsibility

Patient Accounts Team: (952) 567-6003

Assists with financing options, or payment arrangements
Answers questions regarding payment collection on, or before your surgery

Business OfficeTeam: (952) 567-6063

Schedule a time to talk to patient accounts: https://bit.ly/MECpat

Within one week of your procedure, you can expect a call from our pre-operative specialist to review a variety of reminders and instructions. They will discuss with you the surgery and arrival time, eating and drinking restrictions and any other instructions related to your specific procedure. Our pre-operative specialists are happy to answer any remaining questions you may have and will make sure you feel comfortable and prepared for your upcoming surgery.

Patients undergoing surgery of any kind are required to have someone drive them to and from the procedure. We also require that the driver remains in the waiting room until the patient is discharged. If the patient wishes, the individual accompanying them is welcome into the post-op area to listen to the discharge instructions following surgery. Many patients appreciate the second set of ears to ensure they understand all of the medication and healing instructions before they leave.

Please inform the scheduling team if you’d like an interpreter for your upcoming clinic appointment and/or surgery, and we’ll take it from there.

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