Change is constant when it comes to billing and coding. With new policies seemingly created daily, how do you know whether you’re current with the latest submission and documentation practices?
Get back your coding confidence at AAO 2016 with these 10 offerings from the American Academy of Ophthalmic Executives.
Introduction to Ophthalmic Coding
Are you new to ophthalmic billing or looking for a refresher? This interactive course (Saturday, Oct. 15; 16CODE1) covers:
- Federal and commercial payers and their guidelines
- Appropriate use of modifiers
- How and when to bill testing services
- Coding tips for major and minor surgical procedures in each specialty
Coding Camp
This three-hour, intermediate/advanced-level course (Saturday, Oct. 15; 16CODE2) gives an update on all aspects of ophthalmic coding, including federal and commercial regulations and common coding scenarios for all subspecialties. You’ll also learn about the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System and other changes happening in 2017.
Come prepared to participate! Your coding competency will be tested throughout this interactive session.
Code This Superbill
This year, the Academy is offering a new coding series, Code This Superbill, specific to individual subspecialties. Each course encompasses the most common reasons for claim denials and how to avoid those pitfalls. Attendees will learn the correct ways to link CPT services to ICD-10 codes as well as coding examples for exams, tests and surgical procedures, including the appropriate usage of modifiers.
Sunday, Oct. 16
- Code This Superbill: Oculofacial (233)
- Code This Superbill: Glaucoma (235)
- Code This Superbill: Modifiers (263)
Monday, Oct. 17
- Code This Superbill: Anterior Segment and Cornea (406)
- Code This Superbill: Retina (522)
Steps to Successful Surgical Coding
If surgical billing is your focus, attend this course (Sunday, Oct. 16; 270) and learn the necessary steps. Real-life coding scenarios will guide the audience through the process and help you identify the best coding principles to apply.
E&M vs. Eye Codes: Who Is the Winner?
This course (Monday, Oct. 17; 471) offers the proper guidance for determining which set of exam codes to choose. You’ll learn how to master payer documentation rules, recognize the different types of exams, ranging from medical to wellness, and identify areas of vulnerability in documentation practices.
Codapalooza
Formerly Codefest, this fun and interactive course (Tuesday, Oct. 18; 604) challenges the audience in all aspects of ophthalmic coding. While two teams compete, the audience participates, using interactive devices to track their answers. The participant with the most correct answers will receive a prize. Arrive early — this is a popular session that always fills up.
* * *
About the author: Jenny Edgar, CPC, CPCO, OCS, is the Academy’s coding specialist. She is also a contributing author to the Ophthalmic Coding Coach and Ophthalmic Coding series. Sue Vicchrilli, COT, OCS, is the Academy’s director of coding and reimbursement and the author of EyeNet’s “Savvy Coder” column and AAOE’s Practice Management Express, Ophthalmic Coding Coach and Ophthalmic Coding series.