Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert
Zoom In on Supervision Requirements
Question: If an NP or PA were to perform a diagnostic test, as long as it was within his scope of practice, am I correct that there are no supervision requirements? Answer: According to Medicare rules, nurse practitioners (NPs), clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) and physician assistants (PAs) may not function as supervisory physicians under the diagnostic tests benefit. -- Advice for You Be the Coder and Reader Questions provided by Maggie M. Mac, CMM, CPC, CMSCS, consulting manager for Pershing, Yoakley & Associates, in Clearwater, Fla.
Maine Subscriber
Example: If your ophthalmologist is out of the office, your NP cannot supervise fluorescein angiography (includes multiframe imaging) with interpretation and report (code 92235).
But when these practitioners personally perform diagnostic tests as listed in the Balanced Budget of Act of 1997, the supervision rules do not apply. An NP or PA may perform diagnostic tests as long as he follows the state scope-of-practice laws and the applicable state requirements for physician supervision or collaboration.
Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert
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Zoom In on Supervision Requirements
Question: If an NP or PA were to perform a diagnostic test, as long as [...]
