New vs. Est E/M for Eye Care (OD vs. MD)

Hello,

Our medical group (same tax ID), has OD's in Optometry and MD's in Ophthalmology.

Medicare has listed two separate taxonomy numbers, one for Optometry and one for Ophthalmology.

We are billing a new pt for when OD sees the pt on 3/1/2009 for the frist time in 7 yrs. But our question is when that same pt is seen our MD on 4/1/2009, is the MD billing a new pt or est pt ?

We are getting conflicting messages and would like your recommendation.

new pt vs est'd pt

Taxonomy is irrelevant, especially when it comes to Medicare. It's all based on the group practice ID number (whether it be EIN/TIN, PTAN, or NPI). If a patient has been seen by any provider in the group that bills out under the same group ID number, then the patient is established. In other words, the patient becomes established with the group rather than a specific provider within the group.