Femtosecond laser coding – Ophthalmic Professional
In part two of our look into billing and coding for femtosecond laser cataract surgery, we’ll review notifications to patients, the forms that might be needed and what codes might apply to the packages and surgeries when a femtosecond laser is involved.
Patients often believe their insurance covers everything. Of course, we know this isn’t the case. It’s our duty to explain to patients the difference between covered and non-covered items and procedures. When an item is not covered, it is generally the patient’s choice to either pay for it or not receive the service. Any misinformation you provide could damage the patient’s relationship with the doctor and the facility. Patients might seek care elsewhere. In today’s social-media atmosphere, where patients share with the world their negative experiences, it could cost you and your practice. Additionally, if payers discover that you are passing out incorrect information, they could consider your office in contractual violation and require you to refund monies collected. If the problem is pervasive, your office could be expelled from insurance networks and possibly lose access to their beneficiaries.
This article addresses the following topics:
- What forms to use, and how to use them
- Medicare coding for noncovered services
- Whether to file claims
- Deluxe coverage
- Filing noncovered items
This article was published in Ophthalmic Professional’s Coding column, and written by Corcoran’s Senior Consultant, Paul Larson, COE. To view the entire article in Ophthalmic Professional, click on the link below:
http://www.ophthalmicprofessional.com/articleviewer.aspx?articleID=112188