Corneal Associates, PC
840 Walnut Street
Suite 920
Philadelphia, PA 19107-5109
Phone: 866-337-7167
Fax: 215-928-3854
- About the Corneal Associates at Wills Eye Institute
- The Benefits of Our Location
- Financing and Insurance Coverage
- Our Team of Corneal Specialists
About the Corneal Associates at Wills Eye Institute
Corneal Associates is a private practice specializing in the cornea and external diseases of the eye. Dr. Christopher Rapuano, Dr. Kristin Hammersmith, and Dr. Peter Laibson specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of corneal diseases, corneal transplantation, LASIK, anterior segment surgery, and contact lens services, as well as the treatment of diseases of the tear film (dry eyes).
We are a clinical care and teaching center affiliated with Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Our practice is contracted to provide teaching services to the Wills Eye Institute Residency Program and to Jefferson Medical College students, as well as clinical services to the Wills Eye Institute Cornea Clinic. In addition, we have an active Corneal Fellowship Training Program. As the cornea department of Wills Eye Institute, we set the standard of care for the treatment of cornea and external diseases of the eye.
The Benefits of Our Location
We are conveniently located within Wills Eye Institute at 840 Walnut Street on the 9th floor. Our location gives us proximity to the new, state-of-the-art Wills Eye Institute Ambulatory Surgical Center devoted to ophthalmic surgical procedures, and lets us utilize a modern teaching and research facility. Additionally, our position within Wills gives us easy access to the best ophthalmic sub-specialists in the country. Some of the world’s best specialists in glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, retina, oculoplastics, ocular oncology, and pediatric ophthalmology practice within Wills. Frequently, we collaborate in the treatment of patients who may have conditions that require the coordinated care of different ophthalmic sub-specialists.
Financing and Insurance Coverage
We accept cash, personal checks, and Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Payment plans can be arranged when necessary.
Please note that insurance does not cover refractive procedures like LASIK. If you have a cafeteria plan, you may be able to pay for the procedure with that fund.
We have participation agreements with and will directly bill the following insurance companies (please note this list is subject to change without notice):
- Medicare
- PA Medicaid
- NJ Medicaid
- Pennsylvania Blue Shield, and the Preferred Provider Network
- Horizon Blue Shield of New Jersey HMO and PPO products
- Aetna HMO and PPO
- Amerihealth HMO and PPO
- Amerihealth 65
- Cigna HMO and PPO
- HealthNet
- Keystone Healthplan East
- Keystone 65
- Keystone Mercy
- Personal Choice
- Personal Choice 65
- United Healthcare
In addition, we are part of the Multiplan Network.
We do not participate with any vision programs, as we generally treat patients with medical conditions in the eye. Unfortunately, very few insurance companies have coverage policies for contact lens fittings for keratoconus under their medical coverage. We expect payment for contact lens fittings on the day the fittings is provided. Aetna is the only insurance company that we will accept for contact lens fittings, and with Aetna we will only accept you insurance coverage if your diagnosis is keratoconous. If you have questions about coverage for this service, you can contact our billing manager at 215-928-3173.
If you are covered by an insurance company with which we do not have an agreement, payment for services is expected at the time of the office visit. If we do not participate with your plan, we can help you submit your insurance forms so that you may be reimbursed, but payment for the visit will still be due at the time of service.
If your insurance company requires you to have a referral for the visit, you must have the referral prior to being seen, as per your insurance carrier’s regulations.
All co-payments need to be paid at the time of your visit, as per your agreement with your insurance company. You are responsible for all deductibles and services not covered by your insurance. We are happy to answer any questions regarding insurance coverage.
Our Team of Corneal Specialists
We have a team of corneal specialists with differing areas of expertise. Drs. Hammersmith, Laibson, and Rapuano all perform consultations and second opinions for corneal disorders and specialize in corneal transplant surgery. Dr. Rapuano performs refractive surgery procedures for the practice. Learn more about our physicians and their specialties.