8/31/2023 0 Comments Retinal camera![]() ![]() Screening all patients with no additional charge is becoming more economically feasible, with low-cost retinal cameras, like the CenterVue DRS ($14,000). My office has two of the Synemed Canon CR2 cameras, which cost $24,000 each.Įconomical Choices to Enable Universal Screening A practice that takes this approach can still bill medical insurance for non-screening photography if they have the right retinal camera system–like Optos and Synemed. When you make digital retinal imaging a regular part of every comprehensive examination, patient perception and sense of value increases because they recognize that there is economic value to the retinal imaging and that they are getting the measurement done complimentarily, which encourages their return visits and recommendation to friends and family. The benefits include photo-documentation for future comparison and the ability to examine the tissue while simultaneously showing the patient what’s evaluated. The notable exception are the retinal cameras made by Optos, which can image up to 200 degrees of retina (about 78 percent of the retinal area). Most of the digital retinal cameras take a 45 degree field of view in the eye. Patient perception that the practice is cutting edge by incorporation of the technology and word-of-mouth recommendation to friends and family. Better operational efficiency of the practice and reduced frequency of dilation (yielding increased capacity to see more patients, and patients that are more likely to purchase eyeglasses the same day rather than come back when not dilated).Ģ. In my case, the cost of the retinal imaging is “financed” by:ġ. If you choose to not charge the patient extra for digital retinal imaging, you do not need to raise the cost of your comprehensive examination. For that reason there are some practices (like mine) that incorporate digital retinal imaging into the routine examination at no additional cost to the patient. When used for screening purposes, one drawback to asking each patient whether they would like digital retinal imaging and would accept an extra charge for the service is some patients may feel like they are being sold something extra and unnecessary and getting “nickeled and dimed.” The lack of consistent acceptance reduces procedural efficiency in the office. ![]() Incorporate With No Added Charge to Patient ![]() In these cases, schedule the patient back for the medical photo. ROB editors note: Some third parties only pay for a medical photo if there is a medical reason for the office visit. The Synemed retinal imaging system using the Canon CR2 camera has an analogous software function. For example, the Optos units have a screening function, and also a billing function called Optomap Plus. However, if a practitioner is using the retinal camera for both screening purposes and medical billing, there should be some software function that differentiates the two. The possible CPT codes for billing are 92250 (fundus photography with interpretation and report), 92225 (extended ophthalmoscopy), and 92226 (extended ophthalmoscopy, subsequent). ODs can bill medical insurance for digital retinal imaging when there is necessity for documentation and an appropriate ICD code. Although I’d like to review the images, you should know that your vision plan does not pay the $XX fee, so you’d be responsible for it.” ROB editors note: If you are a participating provider for a third party, protect yourself by having a signed ABN (Advance Beneficiary Notice) when charging patients for non-covered services or materials. To explain to patients what they get in exchange for the added cost, you might say: “Digital retinal imaging is my preferred method for evaluating the inside of the eye because it’s a permanent record and I have it to compare against in the future. ![]() I know of practices in which over 80 percent of patients agree to have digital retinal imaging despite the added cost. These fees are not generally covered by third-party payers. Charges of $30 to $60 for screening retinal photography are common. The practice can charge an additional fee for digital retinal imaging performed for screening during routine examinations. ![]()
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