Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

Consolidated billing -- in which you bill the SNF directly for some services, and the SNF in turn bills Medicare – can require a lot of coordination between your practice and the SNF.

If your physician performs frequent services with a SNF, you should consider creating a contract between your practice and the skilled nursing facility. Consider tailoring the following sample contract to your ophthalmologist’s needs:

Date:

I am Dr. ___________. Occasionally I may be providing services to patients in your skilled nursing facility. My protocol is [insert brief clinical protocol written by doctor here]. I will then bill your facility for the services provided at your request. Payment will be expected regardless of your facility’s reimbursement status with Medicare.

Payment should be sent to the address below within X number of days from receiving my bill.

Provider tax ID number:

Please send payment to:
Billing Office Address
City, State, ZIP code

Signed:

Dr. __________________________________ SNF administrator: ___________________________