Avoid delays—know these changes
Excerpted from page 46 of the June 2018 edition of AOA Focus.
To ensure there is not a delay in processing of your claims, it's critical to stay on top of coding changes and to use correct coding. Below are a few updates and tips to keep you up to date.
Medicare repeals payment cap for therapy services
Medicare claims for therapy services provided after Dec. 31, 2017, are no longer subject to caps. The cap was repealed by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018. Members billing Medicare for therapy services should note that:
- Claims exceeding $2,010 should contain an appropriate modifier, such as the KX modifier, to indicate medical necessity and appropriate documentation in the medical record.
- Claims for certain therapy services exceeding $3,000 may be subject to a targeted medical review process.
The following factors may trigger a targeted medical review process for therapy services exceeding $3,000:
- High claims denial percentage or is less compliant with applicable Medicare program requirements.
- Pattern of billing for therapy services that is aberrant compared with peers or otherwise has questionable billing practices, such as billing medically unlikely units of services in a day.
- Newly enrolled or has not previously furnished therapy services under the Medicare program.
- Provides services to treat a type of medical condition.
- Is part of a group that includes another therapy provider identified by the preceding factors.
Reporting for the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) via claims? Make sure you are using the correct codes
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services made a last-minute change to the quality data codes for Measure 14, Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Dilated Macular Examination, in early 2018. Ensure you are using the correct codes for this measure.
Access AOACodingToday, a free member resource, to assist you immediately with your coding questions.
Be aware of new classification of employee vs. independent contractor from labor department
The new rule took effect on March 11. Get answers to questions about the final rule.
How participating in an AOA survey can benefit optometry
Work to ensure optometry’s fair treatment under Medicare stems from the AOA’s participation on an influential committee tasked with valuating services provided to Medicare beneficiaries—and members can have a crucial say in that process.
Why optometrists love the AOA Business Card
Some large practices have generated $36,000 back in rewards annually, while smaller practices benefit with no annual fee or personal liability.