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VSP postpones plans for minimum purchase requirements
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BOSTON – VSP notified the American Optometric Association that it will postpone the implementation of a plan to require doctors to purchase a set amount of its company frames to maintain reimbursements for non-VSP frames.
Outgoing AOA President Steven A. Loomis, OD, shared the news with the House of Delegates here at Optometry’s Meeting.
Loomis said he and incoming President Andrea P. Thau, OD, sent VSP Global Chairman of the Board Daniel Mannen, OD, a letter regarding the intended policy changes.
“The policy would require doctors to purchase a certain amount of VSP-owned frame lines to maintain current levels of reimbursement for non-VSP frames purchased by VSP enrollees,” according to a statement issued by the AOA.
On July 1, Mannen issued an email on behalf of the VSP Global Board of Directors and VSP, which stated: “We’ve heard from VSP doctors who perceive this policy change as one that limits choice. With that in mind, we’ve made a business decision to postpone the original effective date of July 1 to allow further review and consideration of frame reimbursements in relation to industry pricing practices.”
Loomis told the House of Delegates: “Although the AOA can’t represent its members in all of their interactions with vision plans, we are a resource. We remain vigilant in advocating for vision plan practices that ensure high quality patient care and protect your ability to apply all of your skills and education and professional judgment in care you provide to patients.” – by Nancy Hemphill, ELS, FAAO