You are currently viewing How Does an Eyelash Pluck Get Billed as Surgery?

A patient went to his eye doctor for a routine checkup. Why was he charged for surgery after his doctor removed an eyelash?

Q: During a routine visit to the eye doctor, he noticed an eyelash on my bottom eyelid appeared to be poking my eye and said he’d remove it. When the bill came, it was listed as “surgery.” The ophthalmologist’s office billed my insurer for $335, and the doctor’s office said I owed them $200. Is this possible — what are my rights?

— Reese Morgenstern, 28, Los Angeles

A: As with buying a car, paying college tuition, and yes, health care, customers rarely pay the sticker price. The true price you end up paying becomes a game, and it’s up to you to figure it out. Will you have the endurance to make all the requisite calls? Will you relent and just pay what you’re told? Who will win? Capitalism!

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