Avoid quid-pro-quo co-management relationships with optometrists

Why This Topic Matters

These arrangements can create fraud and abuse risk if they are set up as automatic referral exchanges. Understanding the compliance concerns helps practices reduce legal exposure and document patient preferences appropriately.

Article Sections

1. Co-management relationship concerns

   Introduces the compliance risk discussed in the article and frames the issue around ophthalmology and optometry co-management arrangements.

2. Medicare and OIG compliance context

   Summarizes the regulatory backdrop and the organizations referenced in connection with post-operative care arrangements.

3. Recommended patient communication and documentation

   Covers general preoperative communication and documentation considerations for transfer of care and post-operative follow-up.

4. Example practice approach

   Describes a practice workflow presented in the article as an example of how care transfer communication may be handled.

5. Coder resource

   Points readers to an external resource related to anti-kickback statutes.