Wiki New vs. Established patients in optometry

[jennbrad]

Hello I work in a FQHC clinic that offers Medical, Behavioral Health, & now optometry services. I am fairly new to the coding world and I am wondering when a patient that has been seen in medical is coming in for the first time in optometry are they considered new or established when billing for optometry services?

 

[Cheezum51]

They would be considered a new pt for the OD assuming no other OD within the office had seen them in the last 3 years. The OD would be considered a different "specialty" than the other providers in the office, which qualifies for new patient designation for the OD.

Tom Cheezum, O.D., CPC

 

[smoore123]

I have attached a great tool to use when trying to determine if a patient is new or established.

I hope you find this helpful!

-Steph

 

[jennbrad]

Thanks a million

Thank you very much to the both of you for the information. Very helpful Thanks again I appreciate it.