THE USE AND COSTS OF PHYSICIAN SERVICES FOR OPHTHALMIC SURGICAL-PROCEDURES IN 1988 AND 1991

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To examine the change in volume and costs of physician services for ophthalmic surgical procedures associated with physician fee cuts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors analyzed the p hysician claims (Part B) data for a 5% random sample of the Medicare p opulation. Number, rate, average allowed charge, and total cost of phy sician services for ophthalmic surgical procedures were compared for 1 988 and 1991. RESULTS: An estimated 3.1 million (98 per 1000) ophthalm ic surgical procedures were performed on Medicare beneficiaries in 199 1, compared with 2.3 million (76 per 1000) in 1988, There was a 35% in crease in number and a 28% increase in rate. The average allowed charg e for these services decreased by 26% ($1155 vs $852 per procedure), w ith an overall cost of $2.6 billion in both years. CONCLUSION: A reduc tion in fee for physician services for ophthalmic surgical procedures from 1988 to 1991 was associated with an increase in the volume of the services, The overall. costs of physician services for ophthalmic sur gical procedures remained consistent between the two years.