NOV 15, 2016
Does Incident-to Billing apply to Staff Optometrist
Answer revised: Jan. 26, 2024
Question: We employ several optometrists and independent contractors at our practice. Do they qualify as non-physician providers (NPP) for incident-to billing?
Answer: Optometrists are not considered non-physician providers like physician assistants or nurse practitioners. If they examine a patient, they can implement a treatment plan and bill under their own National Provider Identifier.
If your practice treats optometrists as ancillary staff (i.e. technician) you must follow rules for delegated services.
Note that the ordering physician needs to be present in the suite and sign off on the record in such cases.