Insurance & Medicare Information

Health Insurance

We welcome new patients and accept most major health plans. Our Billing Specialists are here to help you navigate your coverage and submit necessary claims for you. We accept:

Medicare
Anthem-Blue Cross PPO
Blue Shield PPO
Aetna PPO

For other plans, please contact us to verify coverage.

Medicare at Desert Vision Center

We are a non-assignment Medicare provider. This means we accept Medicare but do not accept direct payment from Medicare to our office. Instead, Medicare pays you directly.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1 – You pay Desert Vision Center at the time of service.

Step 2 – We submit your claim to Medicare on your behalf.

Step 3 – Medicare reimburses you with a check, typically within 2-3 weeks.

This process allows us to provide independent, patient-centered care without being limited by Medicare’s fee restrictions or third-party financial influences.

“Medicare non-assignment gives us the freedom to focus on quality, not quantity—ensuring your care is never compromised by outside pressures.” –Dr. Tokuhara, Desert Vision Center

Learn More: How Medicare Non-Assignment Works

Why Non-Assignment Matters

Non-assignment empowers physicians to focus on quality rather than volume-based reimbursement models. It also protects against unethical referral incentives and ensures your care decisions are made based on what’s medically best for you.

We comply with Medicare’s Limiting Charge rules, which means we are only allowed to bill up to 15% over Medicare’s allowed amount. This ensures transparency and fairness in billing.

We stay independent from Medicare’s assignment model, so we can stay loyal to you.

Learn More About Medicare Kickbacks

For more information, visit: Medicare.gov – non-assignment of benefits.

Why Medicare Non-Assignment is the Ethical Choice

Most patients are unaware that how a doctor chooses to participate with Medicare can directly affect their care. At Desert Vision Center, we remain non-assignment providers so we can prioritize your bests interests—not government imposed incentives or hidden referral deals.

Learn More About Competitors

Vision Plans

While we do not participate in routine vision plans, we can assist you with submitting claims for vision exams and prescription eyewear.

Understanding Medicare Non-Assignment FAQ:

Why We Stay Independent—For You

We work with Medicare but choose not to accept payment from them. Instead, Medicare pays its share directly to you, the patient, after you receive care. You pay us directly for services rendered.

No. Medicare still covers your medical services including surgery. Being non-assignment simply changes how payments are processed. You get the same Medicare benefits without the hidden fees and referral incentives common in assignment models.

No. Medicare limits what we can charge through a “Limiting Charge” – no more than 15% above Medicare’s fee schedule. We are fully transparent with costs up front.

Because we refuse to let low Medicare reimbursement rates or kickback-driven referrals dictate how we care for you. Non-assignment gives us the freedom to offer personalized, unrushed, high-quality care.

Yes—in the best way. By remaining independent, we focus solely on what’s medically best for you, not what pays us more or satisfies insurance volume quotas.

*No hidden facility fees

*Eliminates billing for unnecessary or even false claims

*Personalized treatment recommendations

*Clear, upfront costs with no surprise bills

*Care decisions based on medical needs—not financial incentives

*You maintain control over your benefits and your care choices.

You’ll receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from Medicare and your secondary insurance. Medicare will send it’s payment directly to you. We assist you in understanding this process every step of the way.

Questions? We’re Here to Help.

(760) 340-4700