Collection and efficiency are both essential aspects of ophthalmology billing. Clean claims submission and timely payment is what keeps your ophthalmology practice afloat. Every practice owner wants to submit clean claims to be paid quickly and reasonably. However, anyone involved in ophthalmology billing understands that it is not easy. Any billing errors, no matter how minor, can impact your revenue. Reducing cost, increasing patients, and improving profit are the main objectives that every ophthalmology practice aims for. As you are aware, the competitive nature of ophthalmology practice can make these objectives difficult. Outstanding surgical outcomes may not be sufficient. Your ophthalmology practice must think outside the box to gain new patients, retain existing patients, and reduce operational costs.
How To Maximize Reimbursements In Ophthalmology Practice
Following billing tips will assist your ophthalmology practice in increasing revenue flow:
Understand Ophthalmology Billing Process
Ophthalmology is the only medical field that employs two distinct code sets: E/M codes and eye codes. It is critical to understand which code to use. For accurate ophthalmology billing, in-depth knowledge of subspecialties (e.g., retina, pediatric, glaucoma, ocular plastics) is also required. The below-mentioned factors will influence your choice of ophthalmology billing codes:
- Payer policies and procedures
- Medical necessity requirements of the payer
- Reimbursement Rates
- Components of performed exams
Other factors to consider when selecting the appropriate code are:
- E/M codes are only used when a visit has a medical component. If there was no medical component, an eye code should be used.
- E/M codes do not have frequency edits, whereas eye codes do.
- Insurance payor documentation for E/M codes is consistent across all payors, whereas documentation for eye codes varies.
Keep Updating Accurate Information
Ensure that all information on health records is accurate and up to date. It is the provider’s responsibility to double-check patient information at every visit. The insurance provider or payor may not recognize old ID numbers or insurance cards. While an unintentional typing error in a patient’s name or birthdate may appear minor, the claim gets denied if the patient data does not meet the health plan on file. Simple mistakes must be avoided because they slow down the medical billing process and impact your bottom line. Manually entering details in ophthalmology can also lead to medical billing and coding mistakes, especially if staff members are not adequately trained in data entry methods.
Examples of frequent errors that result in denied claims because of inaccurate patient data include:
- Misspelt first or last name.
- The patient’s birthdate on the claim does not match the patient’s birthdate on the health insurance plan.
- The ID number is missing or invalid.
- The connection to the insured is not accurate.
Use Appropriate Ophthalmology Modifiers
Ophthalmology modifiers are the most accurate way to describe a service. When these modifiers are misused, they can result in denied medical claims. Modifiers that are frequently used include:
RT stands for the right eye, and LT stands for the left eye.
E1 is the upper left eyelid.
E2 is the lower left eyelid.
E3 is the upper right eyelid.
E4 is the lower right eyelid.
24 – Unrelated E/M service performed by the same doctor during the postoperative period.
25 – Separately Identifiable E/M service provided on the same day as the procedure or other service by the same physician or other qualified healthcare professional.
51 – Performing multiple processes on the same day during the same encounter.
59 – Procedures/services that are not commonly reported together but are adequately billed in the circumstances.
79 – Unrelated processes or services done by the same physician during the postoperative period.
Professionals must always use the correct modifiers to document services clearly and accurately. They must follow all guidelines to prevent denials from impacting reimbursements and cash flow.
Track A/R and Outstanding Balances
Medical billing for ophthalmology should enable a facility to acquire information for themselves, their patients, and other clients promptly and efficiently. With its automated clinical workloads, EMR software is one tool that assists providers in handling records efficiently.
Tracking A/R and outstanding balances is another method for increasing efficiency and reducing administrative costs. A/R follow-up guarantees that facilities have a method for recovering late payments from payors or patients. A/R follow-up duties include tracking denied and appealing claims, investigating partial payments, and reopening claims to maximize reimbursement.
How To Use Accurate Codes In Your Ophthalmology Practice
Medical billing for ophthalmology practice is essential to establish an effective and progressive revenue cycle. Accurate billing using the correct codes protects an ophthalmology facility’s overall revenue health and growth. Increased billing errors and claim denials or rejections can result in lower reimbursement and the possibility of payor audits. Using CPT and E&M codes properly for an ophthalmology practice necessitates a thorough understanding of the codes’ distinctions and limitations.
Experienced medical billers recognize the specifics of billing for an ophthalmology practice and the significance of using two distinct sets of codes. Other healthcare professions do not have the same complex balance of two types of codes. There is also a strong emphasis on insurance payor’s particular rules relating to ophthalmology, medical necessity requirements, or exam elements.
Because the diagnosis codes for eye-related situations are limited, medical billers must recognize how to apply each code to the diverse CPT codes and when to use E&M codes. The application of diagnosis codes to eye codes is confined; E&M codes are not as confined but should only be used if a visit contains a history, physical, or medical decision-making. The term “frequency edits” refers to how often a patient can utilize a specific service, such as a yearly eye exam. The ophthalmology facility must review the patient’s history of visits and the code’s drawbacks, as some services are restricted to one annual visit.
Tips To Ensure Accurate And Timely Billing For Ophthalmology Practice
Medical billing and coding for an ophthalmology facility are complicated; follow these guidelines to ensure timely and accurate billing for your practice.
Always double-check the diagnosis codes
Keep in mind that eye codes are limited to what is medically appropriate. Use E&M codes only when there is a “medical element” to the visit. Eye codes should only be used when the visit concerns vision or visual elements.
Verify for frequency restrictions
These restrictions pertain to the frequency of visits within a given period.
Documentation requirements differ depending on the payor
Particular types of documentation are required for eye codes. Examine the policies and procedures for each payor.
Out-of-network billing (OON)
While OON billing is acceptable, there is a risk of increased claim denials, late payments, or the possibility of misuse and fraud. The key to preventing problems with an OON plan is the upfront patient collection, cost transparency with patients, and utilizing the same charge quantity on claims you would use to establish a patient payment.
These simple steps will ensure that your facility focuses on paperwork and compliance, timely and accurate billing, and delivering the best patient experience possible.
Common Coding Errors To Avoid In Ophthalmology Practice
Avoiding errors in medical billing results in reduced claim denial rates, timely reimbursement, and effective revenue cycle management. Follow these common ophthalmology coding errors to avoid disruptions in timely billing.
Missing or using invalid modifiers
Modifiers indicate that a procedure or service has been modified, but not to the point where a different code is required.
Expired global periods
Expired global periods are times when all facilities are comprised of a single bundled payment. Because global periods have an expiry date, medical billers must know how to apply different codes in this situation, even if a patient is receiving treatment for a procedure performed during the global period.
Incorrect or unsupported diagnosis codes
These codes must back up the medical necessity, and claims may be denied if they are inaccurate. Codes must be appointed with the most incredible specificity possible, including chronic conditions.
Patient’s ineligibility at the time of service
Every visit should include insurance verification. A claim will also be denied if ID figures are not entered correctly.
Experimental procedure or service
Eligibility and benefits must be checked to ensure that specific services are included in a patient’s plan. One payer may consider a process medically necessary but experimental by another. Doing the work ahead will save your facility from denied claims and additional effort.
