Optometry Coding & Billing Alert
Don't Tax Carriers' Patience
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Question: Is there a specific code to use for sales tax when it is listed as a separate line item on the HCFA 1500? My billing software automatically separates sales tax as a separate line item, but I can't find a code anywhere. Answer: Medicare includes sales tax in the allowable. If you bill it separately, use code A9270 (Noncovered item or service) - but don't expect reimbursement from Medicare.
Alabama Subscriber
"Sales taxes where appropriate were included in the calculation of reasonable charges computed," states the Medicare Claims Processing Manual. "They were also accounted for in the calculation of the base fee schedules for DME and orthotic/prosthetic devices. The Consumer Price Index used to update fee schedules also accounts for sales tax. Therefore, contractors do not make any additional payment for sales taxes and do not make adjustments in fees to reflect local changes in tax rates."
Optometry Coding & Billing Alert
- ICD-9 2006 Update:
Describe Specifics With New NPDR Dx Codes
Get used to these codes fast - you'll need to start using them in October [...] - Focus on Bilateral Status for Solid OCB and A-Scan Billing
Skipping these -26 and -TC rules could be costing you $86 per patient Calculating IOL [...] - Code Only 1 Procedure for Each IOL Patient
Reporting 76519 and 92136 together? Not so fast - take a look at the NCCI [...] - HIPAA Corner:
Communicate With Staff to Eliminate PHI Mishaps
Use this professional guidance to protect your patients' health information An optometry office may only [...] - You Be the Expert:
Vision Insurance and Medical Diagnoses
Question: If a patient with both medical and vision insurance comes in for a routine [...] - Protect PHI With De-Identification
Check out our checklist for a guide to what HIPAA considers identifying information Optometrists are [...] - Reader Questions:
Code Gonioscopy Separately From Eye Exam
Question: Can we bill Medicare for both an intermediate established patient exam and a gonioscopy? [...] - Reader Questions:
Prove Necessity for Large Bifocal Segs
Question: I'm really confused about codes V2219 and V2319 for Medicare patients. I know it's [...] - Reader Questions:
Don't Tax Carriers' Patience
Question: Is there a specific code to use for sales tax when it is listed [...] - Reader Questions:
Rely on 99341-99350 for OD House Calls
Question: I am going to see a terminally ill patient at home tomorrow. She's a [...] - Reader Questions:
Make Sure Claim Data Matches Card Info - Reader Questions:
Verify Insurance Coverage Prior to Visit
Question: An oversight at the front desk occasionally results in our office seeing a patient [...] - Reader Questions:
Don't Try Documentation Time Travel
Question: This past July we billed 99213 for an office visit. Now, the patient's insurance [...]