Optometry Coding & Billing Alert
Latest CPT Edition Updates Fluorescein Angiography Reporting
Changes could impact your reimbursement.
Although the calendar hasn’t yet turned to 2017, you should already be prepping for the New Year, because it could change the way you report fluorescein angiography. This change and others will be among the most impactful adjustments to CPT for optometry practices effective Jan. 1.
Caution: These updates are based on the preliminary list of code adjustments, and changes may occur before the code set is final. Keep checking back in to Optometry Coding Alert for news about the final codes and details on proper use of your updated options.
Angiography Codes Now Bilateral
CPT 2017 will update two angiography codes to explain that the codes apply for both unilateral and bilateral procedures, as follows. The underlined text is the new verbiage:
This change could lead to a cut in reimbursement for optometrists, since you can currently append modifier 50 (Bilateral procedure) or modifiers LT (Left side) and RT (Right side) to 92235 and 92240 when billing bilaterally, allowing you to collect higher payments for bilateral services. Once the code changes go through as indicated above, it’s likely that you’ll only report one unit of 92235 or 92240 even if you perform the angiography service on both eyes.
Keep in mind: It is unclear whether CMS and other payers will adjust the RVUs for these codes due to the changes, but keep an eye on Optometry Coding Alert for more on these codes as payers release information about how to report them going forward.
Optometry Coding & Billing Alert
- CPT® 2017:
Latest CPT Edition Updates Fluorescein Angiography Reporting
Changes could impact your reimbursement. Although the calendar hasn’t yet turned to 2017, you should [...] - Documentation:
CMS: Blepharoplasty Claims the Cause of Numerous Errors
No visual field testing? No Medicare payment, latest compliance newsletter says. You might be collecting [...] - Billing:
Take This Advice And You'll Never Chase Down A Copay Again
Obtain signed financial responsibility form as insurance against nonpayment. Most medical practices have occasional issues [...] - Avoid Confrontation at All Costs When Collecting Copays
Experts: Give patients a few chances to pay, then call collections. A patient flat-out refuses [...] - Patient Privacy:
10 Tips Help You Avoid 'Insider Threats'
Hint: Establish a baseline to spot suspicious employee behavior. Although the thought of a nameless [...] - You Be the Expert:
Know Your Bilateral Rules
Question: Our patient was working on a building demolition and ended up with small pieces of [...] - Reader Question:
Avoid Modifier 50 for 92010
Question: Is 92020 (Gonioscopy [separate procedure]) inherently bilateral? Codify Subscriber Answer: Most insurance companies, including Medicare, consider [...] - Reader Question:
Know Contact Lens Rules With Keratoconus
Question: We know we can’t bill Medicare for regular refractive contact lenses, but how can we [...]
