Streamlined optometry billing services have become a necessity for providers who want to avoid delayed payments, claims denials and Medicare / Medicaid audits. http://goo.gl/Yi6iZZ

1. Call now 888-357-3226 (Toll Free)
info@medicalbillers.com
www.medicalbillersandcoders.com
Copyright ©-2014 MBC. All Rights Reserved1
Inapt Billing by Optometrists Could Result in an Audit and Remarkable Repayment
Billing errors can be the cause of various financial problems at medical offices. If the
errors are not caught ahead of time, providers can face issues like delayed payments,
loss of revenue, costly fines and even uncalled for audits. Similar to other medical
specialties, optometrists also need to review medical claims in a periodic manner for
identifying common billing mistakes. For instance, up-coding patient visit is one of the
most common billing errors that can lead to an audit.
Medicare / Medicaid Audits more likely
Apart from preparing for the ICD-10 coding system, optometrists also need to adapt to
a series of activities for avoiding Medicare audits. This is because around 60% of
patients walking in in an optometry clinic for availing medical services rely on Medicare
coverage.
Since incorrect billing is considered fraudulent billing in case of Medicare / Medicaid
audits, providers need to spruce up their optometry medical billing services. In such
cases they are required to reimburse the insurance companies with additional paid
amount which can pose serious threats to their revenue cycle. At times the said
amount (if penalized) puts extra financial pressure on optometrists. Therefore, in order
to avoid audits and re-payments, it has become important for providers to streamline
their optometry medical billing services.
How can Optometrists Avoid Audits?
Due to the rise in billing scrutiny, optometry practitioners need to ensure that their
billers are not billing high, even if it is accidental. It has become important for the billing
departments to take a methodical approach towards coding and billing.
 Accurate Application of ICD Codes
Optometry practices rely predominantly on CPT codes for diagnosis. In-correct
application of ICD-9 or ICD-10 codes for diagnosis can lead to claims denials and audits.
This makes it necessary to adopt error-free coding and billing practices to get paid on

2. Call now 888-357-3226 (Toll Free)
info@medicalbillers.com
www.medicalbillersandcoders.com
Copyright ©-2014 MBC. All Rights Reserved2
time and avoid audit-inducing errors. Providers need to get their staff trained and
updated on EMR or other medical billing software to ensure error-free billing.
 Transparency in Billing
Billing transparency is equally important for avoiding audits caused by inapt billing
procedures. For instance, doctors of optometry (OD) perform an important procedure
called glandular evacuation. If they utilize LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System and
administer the procedure of meibomian gland evacuation, the billing can be done for
evacuation procedure rather than diagnosis. This procedure is reimbursed at a high
rate; however, incorrect usage attracts unwanted audits.
 Review the Stages of Billing
Another effective way of avoiding audit caused by inaccurate billing procedures is to
conduct audit reviews of processes and systems. This will prepare their practice for any
unpleasant surprises and save thousands of dollars that go down the drain in case of
audits.
Many optometry practices lack the time to train in-house billing staff or lack resources
for hiring experienced coders and billers. Conducting periodical reviews also become a
challenge as they have to keep attending patients and also comply with the other
healthcare reforms. In such cases, they prefer outsourcing their optometry medical
billing services to a third party such as MedicalBillersandCoders.com. Companies like
MBC have a team of certified and experienced billers and coders who are well-trained
in offering effective RCM solutions to different medical specialties.