Billing two visits on the same day

I work in a Ophthalmology/ Optometry practice and my question is if a general ophthalmologist refers a patient to a retinal specialist within the same practice can these visits be billed on the same day? I know the fact that both providers are Ophthalmologist they have the same taxonomy code and we bill under the same Tax ID this is probably not possible.

re: Billing two visits on the same day

I still need help with my previous question about seeing two providers on the same day. Does anyone have an answer for me or should I seek help elsewhere?

Thanks

re: Billing two visits on the same day

Payment is made by Medicare for 2 office visits on the same day as long as 1 of them is a consultation and the other is an office visit (either E/M or Eye Codes). This is true if both providers are in the same practice or different practices — but in different practices it really is not an issue.

However, billing for 2 scheduled return office visits on the same day (same speciality) within the same practice is generally not allowed. Medicare regulations allow combining both services and billing at a higher level, if indicated; however, this usually presents financial allotment problems — so many practices elect not to pursue that route. Having said that you could appeal any denial for medical necessity (must be well documented).
But Medicare does not reimburse consultation codes, so billing both visits will probably need documentation of medical necessity when claims are filed.

re: Billing two visits on the same day