Cataract Surgery: appointment and planning tools

Questions for my surgeon

Untick any you don't need, add your own, then print a sheet with space to write the answers.

How much is the cataract causing my vision problems, and is anything else going on in my eyes? Why ask this
Which lens do you recommend for me, and what will I still need glasses for? Why ask this
Do I have astigmatism, and would a toric lens help? Why ask this
What will I pay out of pocket for each lens option and for laser-assisted surgery? Why ask this
How often do your patients with this lens report glare or halos? Why ask this
Is laser-assisted surgery likely to make a difference in my eye? Why ask this
Will you do both eyes on the same day or separately, and why? Why ask this
Do I take any medicines that could affect surgery, like tamsulosin or other prostate or urinary drugs? Why ask this
What signs after surgery mean I should call you right away? Why ask this

Questions for my surgeon: cataract surgeryDate: ____________ Surgeon: ________________________

From informedsurgery.com. For education only, not medical advice.

Use the button to print, or choose "Save as PDF" in your browser's print window.

Preparing for surgery

Practical arrangements to make before surgery day. Your surgical team's instructions come first.

Insurance call worksheet

Call the number on your insurance card and fill this in as you go. Ask the surgeon's office for the procedure codes first, since insurers often ask for them.

Estimates aren't guarantees. What your insurer tells you on the phone is an estimate. Final coverage depends on the claims that are actually billed, so keep the reference number and the name of the person you spoke with.

Insurance call worksheet: cataract surgery

Insurance companyPhone number calledDate and time of callName of the person you spoke withCall reference numberAre the surgeon, hospital or surgery center, and anesthesia group in network?Is prior authorization needed? Who requests it, and is it approved?How much of my deductible is left?What is my coinsurance or copay for surgery?How much is left of my out-of-pocket maximum?How many physical therapy visits are covered, and do they need approval?Is equipment like a walker, sling, brace or cold therapy unit covered?Estimated total I may owe (and what it includes)Other notes

Phone estimates do not guarantee final coverage. From informedsurgery.com.

Recovery planning worksheet

A place to plan the practical side of recovery. It doesn't set activity limits or return dates. Ask your surgeon about those.

Recovery plan: cataract surgery

Work or school: who to tell, paperwork for time off, and plans to discuss with your surgeonWho is helping, and when (first days, first weeks)Rides to follow-up visits and physical therapyMeals and groceriesHelp at home: children, pets, caregiving, cleaning, laundryImportant numbers: surgeon's office, after-hours line, therapist, pharmacyOther things to arrange

Follow your surgeon's and therapist's instructions on activity. From informedsurgery.com.

Appointment and planning tools

Questions for my surgeon

Preparing for surgery

Insurance call worksheet

Recovery planning worksheet