Optometry includes curing vision related problems, fitting of lenses, diagnosing and treating certain ailments of the eye, sight testing and correction by initiation of diagnosis, treatment and the supervision of vision changes. Having its own set of issues with billing and reimbursement, Optometry must focus on receiving entire payment for treatment provided. - See more at: http://www.medicalbillersandcoders.com/blog/tips-for-optometry-billing.html#sthash.6dRHy5fc.dpuf

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Optometry includes curing vision related problems, fitting of lenses, diagnosing and treating certain
ailments of the eye, sight testing and correction by initiation of diagnosis, treatment and the supervision of
vision changes. Having its own set of issues with billing and reimbursement, Optometry must focus on
receiving entire payment for treatment provided.
Rules for enhancing Optometry billing:
1. Codes: Enter the appropriate CPT/HCPCS/ICD-10 codes corresponding to the service performed. Also,
include the necessary modifiers (e.g. 26, TC). Code to the utmost level of specificity as per the condition
and not symptoms, and use the CMS-1500 form. List CPT codes in decreasing ‘Relative Value Units’ value
(small procedures-low RVU, large procedures-high RVU). Do not submit a 92000 eye exam procedure code
along with a refractive diagnosis code as many insurance providers do not pay for refractive care. Also, do
not submit the 92000 eye exam procedure code which includes refraction to a medical carrier. This is
termed as fraud as it is considered a bundling option. However, not every test is barred from inclusion in
an eye exam; one can bill for certain procedures such as laser interferometry, corneal examination,
keratometry, slit lamp, tear film adequacy etc.
2. Test definition: Know the definition of the test ordered; i.e. if it is a “unilateral” or “bilateral” test, or if it
is “unilateral or bilateral”? This configuration affects billing units and total charges. Create a carrier specific
manual in your office. Market to older, sicker patients, and identify the new/established ones.
3. CCI: Knowledge of ‘Correct Coding Awareness’ prevents from performing a specific combination of tests
on the same day of service. Also use Mod-59 to break an edit (National Correct Coding Initiative) for two
procedures which should be independently identifiable. Small surgical procedures should be adequately
documented (individually identifiable if reported with E&M with modifier 25).
4. ABN: An ‘Advance Beneficiary Notice’ is necessary if the patient is to be billed for a non-covered service
-pachymetry, fundus photography (these services are not mandatory and the onus of the payment is on
the patient if Medicare does not pay). Attach modifier GA to the code.

2. Call now 888-357-3226 (Toll Free)
info@medicalbillers.com
www.medicalbillersandcoders.com
Copyright ©-2016 MBC. All Rights Reserved2
5. Rule-Out: Document the “rule-outs” when detailing only distorted vision as the chief medical diagnosis;
e.g. bacterial infection, cataract, optic nerve problem, corneal abrasion, glaucoma, tumor.„
6. Compensation opportunity: Optometrists perform the ‘Vision Therapy Services’ as a cash only facility
(CMS-1500 Box 19: Visual efficiency evaluation – 92060 (sensorimotor exam)).
An optometrist makes optimum use of advanced instrumentation for high-tech diagnosing. Consequently,
billing has to be accurate for clean and swift reimbursements.