Introductory Training
BASIC COURSES
The Art of Taking a Medical History (1 hour)
The medical history is the foundation on which the patient visit is built. The components of the history and their relevance to coding and reimbursement are described. Various techniques for gathering the history are shared.
Coding and Documentation for your Cataract Surgeon
Specific documentation and coding guidelines exist for patients who elect cataract surgery. A variety of ancillary procedures are involved in a cataract work-up. Additional requirements for premium IOLs, femtosecond laser surgery, and surgical correction of corneal astigmatism are discussed.
Coding Office Visits (2.5 hours)
How do you know the appropriate level of service for your eye exams? Should you use evaluation and management codes (992xx) or ophthalmic codes (920xx)? In this program, we discuss the key elements that distinguish levels of service and Medicare’s expected utilization of these codes by ophthalmologists and optometrists. Presentation includes Corcoran’s Office Visit Matrix, a fast, easy, short cut for coding eye exams.
Co-management of Postoperative Care (1 hour)
When should patients be co-managed? The legal pitfalls including safe harbor standards are addressed. Medicare’s instructions concerning the reimbursement of shared postoperative care including documentation, coding, and modifiers are reviewed. Co-management of refractive surgery is also examined.
Getting Ready for ICD-10-CM (1 hour)
This course introduces the theory and principles of ICD-10-CM coding. Differences with ICD-9 are highlighted. Recommendations are given to help you get ready for the changeover on October 1, 2014.
Ophthalmic Tests (1 hour)
A comprehensive discussion of the required elements for the proper coding and charting of diagnostic tests. Pitfalls and common problems are reviewed along with hints for improving and streamlining documentation.
Reimbursement for Evaluating and Treating Dry Eyes (1 hour)
Dry eyes are a common problem affecting millions of patients. The diagnostic tests and in-office treatments for this condition are presented together with the coding and chart documentation requirements.
Reimbursement for Eyeglasses (1 hour)
Why are 95% of all optical claims erroneous? Understanding the eligibility rules for Medicare beneficiaries following cataract surgery and the numerous HCPCS codes are analyzed. Examples of documents that require patient signature(s) are provided. Case studies to illustrate code selection and claim preparation are included.
Surgical Coding, Bundling and Modifiers (1-2 hours)
What’s the difference between a major and minor surgery? Medicare’s specific rules about bundled procedures, postoperative periods, and their impact on reimbursement are reviewed. Definitions of individual modifiers and examples of when to use them are explained.
Technician’s Role in Practice Compliance (1 hour)
Ophthalmic Medical Assistants and Technicians play a vital role in providing ophthalmic care in most practices and are ideal candidates for taking on responsibility for compliance within the practice. Strategies for integrating these individuals into and creating a compliance team will be discussed.
What’s New? (1 hour)
Rules, regulations, coding, and other reimbursement related issues change regularly. This course is a potpourri of the latest issues affecting ophthalmology and optometry practices.