Billing Policies

Insurance Information

Medicare – As of March 1, 2024, Dr. Garwood will longer be a Medicare provider. What this means is that you will be responsible for the charges. Medicare will not reimburse you for the services provided. Facility fees for cataract surgery will be covered by your Medicare Part A.

Indemnity Plans (Blue Cross/Blue Shield, etc.) - Dr. Garwood is a non-participating provider for all other insurances. This means that payment for services are expected at the time of service. You will be reimbursed directly by your insurance company according to the specifications of your plan, usually within two weeks. Our office handles the billing for major insurance plans.

Medi-Cal and HMOs – Dr. Garwood does not participate in these programs.

Vision Service Plan (VSP) – VSP covers refractions (eyeglass measurements) and healthy eye examinations. Our office does not bill VSP directly, but we will guide you through the process so you can be reimbursed for these services.

Credit Card Payments - There is a 3% surcharge automatically added for credit card payments. There is no surcharge for payments with debit cards or cheques (or cash!).

J. Lawrence Garwood MD, A Medical Corporation

Billing Policies

Insurance Information