Medicare Blog

how to bill medicare for yag post op

by Miss Jennifer Eichmann Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Bill the date of surgery (not the day the provider assumed the post-operative care) Include the dates of the post-care in the narrative section of the claim MPFS shows the post-operative portion of the payment is 20% of the fee schedule amount for the cost

If the doctor performs a YAG in the postop period, first we bill it to Medicare with the -79 modifier, she says. Then we get the denial back. And then we send it in again with a medical necessity note from the doctor. Unfortunately, says Simerson, this is the only way her Medicare carrier will pay for the procedure.Jun 1, 1999

Full Answer

Does Medicare cover YAG laser capsulotomy?

Does Medicare Cover YAG Laser Capsulotomy? Vision loss due to cataracts can be partially restored with surgical intervention and follow-up procedures, such as YAG laser capsulotomy. This treatment may qualify for coverage with Medicare insurance under certain conditions.

Does Medicare like 2 lines for YAGs?

Our Ga Medicare doesn't like 2 lines for yags. I usually bill it with 1 line and add 50 mod for bilateral. You must log in or register to reply here.

What is the CPT code for YAG surgery?

cpt 66821 - YAG capusulotomy surgery - Medical billing cpt modifiers and list of Medicare modifiers. YAG laser capsulotomies (YAG) are performed in cases of opacification of the posterior capsule, generally no less than 90 days following cataract extraction.

Can I Bill refraction during the YAG global?

Normally, during the YAG global, as with any surgery, unless a return to the OR/Procedure Room is required, the visit is a 99024 post-op nonbillable visit. If nothing else, it is a case of bad timing to bill refraction during the YAG global.

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Does Medicare pay for Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy?

Medicare covers YAG laser capsulotomy if it's medically necessary due to complications from cataracts and cataract surgery, which typically includes a diagnosis of posterior capsular opacification.

How do you bill YAG capsulotomy?

Coding Guidelines Report procedure code 66821 with the -50 modifier if the procedure is done bilaterally. Report procedure code 66821 with a -LT or -RT modifier if performed on one eye only. Report procedure code 66821 with a -78 modifier if performed within 90 days of cataract surgery.

Is YAG surgery covered by Medicare?

Medicare covers 80 percent of the costs of YAG laser capsulotomy after you pay your Medicare Part B deductible. YAG laser capsulotomy procedures are typically done in a hospital outpatient department or an ambulatory surgical center. This is why Medicare Part B medical insurance rules apply to the procedure.

What is the CPT code for YAG laser capsulotomy?

Questions about Medicare rules for YAG laser capsulotomy (CPT 66821) still come up.

What is modifier 79 medical billing?

Modifier 79 is used to indicate that the service is an unrelated procedure that was performed by the same physician during a post-operative period. Modifier 79 is a pricing modifier and should be reported in the first position. A new post-operative period begins when the unrelated procedure is billed.

What is the code for posterior capsular opacity?

366.53 is your code for Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO) after the patient has undergone removal of the cataract.

What does CPT code 66982 mean?

CPT® defines the code 66982 as: "Extracapsular cataract removal with insertion of intraocular lens prosthesis (one stage procedure), manual or mechanical technique (e.g., irrigation and aspiration or phacoemulsification), complex, requiring devices or techniques not generally used in routine cataract surgery (e.g., ...

How much does a posterior capsulotomy cost?

The national average cost of a posterior capsulotomy is $2,376, though that number can vary greatly depending on several factors, including where the procedure is done and what health insurance you have. Luckily, YAG laser surgery is deemed medically necessary and therefore is covered under insurance.

Does Medicare pay for laser?

Medicare recognizes the use of lasers for many medical indications. Procedures performed with lasers are sometimes used in place of more conventional techniques.

Does CPT 66821 require a modifier?

So unless you are in the global period for the original cataract surgery the 66821 doesn't need a modifier, if you are within the global period then you would add the 78 on the 66821.

What is posterior capsulotomy?

Posterior capsulotomy is a surgical procedure which is sometimes necessary after cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is performed when the lens of the eye, which focuses light rays, becomes cloudy. When it interferes with vision, it is called a cataract and the treatment is to remove the cloudy lens.

What is procedure code 66984?

66984—Extracapsular cataract removal with insertion of intraocular lens prosthesis (1-stage procedure), manual or mechanical technique (e.g., irrigation and aspiration or phacoemulsification); without endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation. Many of the nasal/sinus endoscopy codes were modified slightly.

What happens when you have a yag laser cataract?

Understanding YAG Laser Capsulotomy. When a cataract develops, the natural lens in the eye becomes clouded and impairs vision. Cataract surgery removes this lens so that an artificial one can be put in its place. In some cases, complications from this surgery can manifest in the months or years following the procedure.

Can you ride a bike after eye drops?

Because the effects of the eye drops and the procedure may cause temporarily blurred vision, you will need help with transportation and should avoid driving or riding a bicycle for the time your doctor advises. This is usually just for the rest of the day after the treatment has been administered.

Does Medicare cover YAG laser?

Medicare Coverage for YAG Laser Capsulotomy. While benefits provided by Medicare insurance do not cover routine vision care, they do cover medically necessary procedures for qualifying conditions such as cataract surgery and treatment to help restore vision due to complications with cataracts.

Is eye drops covered by Medicare?

You will need to meet any deductible, coinsurance and copayment obligations as described by your Part B coverage terms. If your doctor prescribes medication or eye drops to be taken at home, this may be covered under a stand-alone Part D Prescription Drug Plan or a Part D benefits included in a Medicare Advantage plan.

Is yag laser capsulotomy dangerous?

Complications from YAG laser capsulotomy are considered minimal, but may be serious in rare circumstances. Most commonly, the procedure may result in an increase in eye pressure.

Does Medicare cover glasses after second eye surgery?

What actually happens is that Medicare covers just one pair of glasses or contacts after the second surgery, says Tracy Holt, MHR, COPC, transformational services account manager for Eye Care Leaders.

Does Medicare cover eyeglasses?

Medicare will rarely cover tint, oversize lenses, A/R coating, polycarbonate, or high index, she adds. So does Medicare also pay for the eye exam? No. Medicare does not cover routine eye exams/refractions for eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Does Medicare cover cataract surgery?

Medicare Coverage of Post-Cataract Eyeglasses, Explained. You may already know this, but it’s worth emphasizing: Medicare does not cover refractions, eyeglasses, or contact lenses for beneficiaries. The exception is for post-cataract surgery or in cases when surgery results in the removal of the eye’s natural lens.

Can you collect from a patient for cataract eyewear?

You can collect directly from the patient for these items. To do that compliantly and to collect your full reimbursement, you’ll need to provide and have the patient sign an advance beneficiary notice of non-coverage (ABN) before you deliver the post-cataract eyewear. The ABN is CMS-required form, mandated by HIPAA.

How long after cataract surgery can you have a YAG?

Indications. YAG laser capsulotomies (YAG) are performed in cases of opacification of the posterior capsule, generally no less than 90 days following cataract extraction. YAG performed less than 90 days following cataract extraction should meet both the indications and limitations of this LCD.

How long does a YAG laser last?

YAG laser capsulotomies (YAG) are performed in cases of opacification of the posterior capsule, generally no less than 90 days following cataract extraction. YAG performed less than 90 days following cataract extraction should meet both the indications and limitations of this LCD.

What is the CPT code for post-operative care?

Once the co-managing provider has provided postoperative care, he or she submits a claim form citing the appropriate CPT code and co-management modifier (-55), which indicates post-operative management only, as well as the date he or she assumed the patient’s postoperative care.

Why aren't the correct modifiers appended on the second postoperative claim?

Since the cataract post-op care was performed within the global period of the first postoperative claim, the office billers were not appending the correct modifier on the second postoperative claim to ensure both claims were paid correctly.

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