Medical Billing Tips for Ophthalmology

1. Medical Billing Tips for Ophthalmology Every practice owner wants to submit clean claims to get paid fast and in a timely manner. But anyone who is involved in ophthalmology billing knows that it’s not that easy. Any small errors in billing can impact on your revenue. Let’s talk about ophthalmology billing tips that will help you stay in compliance, and in the money: Eye Codes and E/M Codes Ophthalmology is not like other specialties, as it has two sets of codes to choose from for ophthalmology billing. Your medical biller may confuse while choosing any one of these two sets of codes. To choose the correct code your biller must check payer rules, medical necessity requirements, the exam elements performed by you, and the reimbursement rates for the medical codes you are considering. As a practice owner ensures the below things to reduce denials and get paid at first attempt: Diagnosis code(s): Eye codes are more limited as to what diagnosis meets medical necessity, www.medicalbillersandcoders.com Copyright ©-2020 MBC. All Rights Reserved Call now 888-357-3226 (Toll Free) info@medicalbillersandcoders.com 1

2. and the exact codes can vary by payer. However, E/M codes don’t share those similar limitations. If the visit has a medical element then you should use E/M codes. When the exam is strictly visual and contains no medical elements, an eye code is a right choice. Patient history is important as eye codes have frequency edits. For example, provide is limited to billing code 92014 once in a year period per patient. E/M codes do not share those similar frequency edits. E/M codes require documentation, and its standardized across all payers, the required documentation for eye codes may vary Out-of-network billing Many providers result in out-of-network at some point. We at Medical Billers and Coders can take care of your risk including denials, delayed payments, and violations of fraud and abuse laws. There are some best practices in out-of-network billing: Always stay transparent with patients about practice out-of-network status Provide estimation of patient payments upfront to avoid balance billing Do not make a routine to waive patient co-pays or other out-of-pocket payments. This may be considered an incentive to refer, violating the anti-kickback statute Charge payment on claims must be the same that you use to calculate the patient payment Patient Billing Statements Normally patient billing statements are confusing. It is good practice to make your statement clear, simple, and easy to read. In case patient statements are not clear then you are increasing your practice A/R days, and unnecessary frustration from your patient. To keep patients satisfied with your practice’s services then keep patient billing statements clear and precise. www.medicalbillersandcoders.com Copyright ©-2020 MBC. All Rights Reserved Call now 888-357-3226 (Toll Free) info@medicalbillersandcoders.com 2

3. Payers Updates Commercial, as well as Medicare, have different coverage determinations and ophthalmology billing guidelines. Even in Medicare, the individual MACs will differ as to how they want providers to code a bill and what required documents they want to see. To submit clean medical claims you need to be updated with each payer’s guidelines. Accurate billing for diagnostic testing Auditors always keep their eyes open whenever they check for Ophthalmology billing for diagnostic tests. Every provider needs to pay attention to use the right modifiers, meet medical necessity guidelines, and document clearly and complete the services provided by you. About Medical Billers and Coders We are catering to more than 40 specialties, Medical Billers and Coders (MBC) is proficient in handling services that range from revenue cycle management to ICD-10 testing solutions. The main goal of our organization is to assist physicians looking for billers and coders. www.medicalbillersandcoders.com Copyright ©-2020 MBC. All Rights Reserved Call now 888-357-3226 (Toll Free) info@medicalbillersandcoders.com 3