ophthamology consult

What are the requirements for a yearly diabetic exam of a patient with a script from their primary doctor? Can it be coded as a consult or can it only be coded as a yearly exam?

Thanks
Robin

Ophthalmology consult

These annual follow up visits don't meet the requirements of a consult, and should be billed with either an established patient visit code or the eye codes. The physician probably puts the patient on an annual recall list. Even if the primary sends the patient back, it isn't asking for an opinion, but for the Ophthalmologist to care for that portion of the patient's condition.

Did you see Nancy's article about the eye codes?

http://www.codapedia.com/~article_155_An%20Eye%20on%20Coding.cfm

ophthamology consult

Yes I did see the article it was very helpful in explaining to our staff the difference in OV and eye exams. Thanks for your insight on my question

ophthalmology

A "yearly" exam for diabetic is medically necessary follow-up. It is management for the condition probably monitoring for retinopathy. If this is a new patient, a General ophthalmological Eye Code can be assigned, as medically necessary.