Advanced Search

Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Zoom In on Supervision Requirements

Published on Wed May 16, 2007

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?

Maine Subscriber 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.
 
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.  -- 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.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

View All