David H. Aizuss, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist living in Calabasas, Calif., where he runs Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley, a multispecialty ophthalmology group. Dr. Aizuss has been in practice in Encino and West Hills for more than 30 years. He also serves as an assistant clinical professor of ophthalmology at the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine, Stein Eye Institute. He was elected to the American Medical Association Board of Trustees in June 2020. Additionally, he has served as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the California Medical Association and President of the California Medical Association. Dr. Aizuss previously served as President of the Los Angeles Society of Ophthalmology as well as President of the California Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons.
Beginning July 1, Aetna now requires prior authorization for all cataract surgeries, across all its members and plans. Here in California and across the country, ophthalmologists are going to great lengths to secure approval from Aetna for cataract surgery, while the backlog caused by prior authorization and delayed elective care during the Covid-19 pandemic only grows.