Reader Questions: Don’t Look to Bundle These E/Ms Together

Why This Topic Matters

Selecting the appropriate encounter type affects accurate claim reporting and helps avoid improper bundling of services that represent the same visit type. The article is relevant for practices that bill both eye exam services and office E/M services and need to understand that payer policies may differ.

Article Sections

1. Question

   The reader asks about same-day reporting of an ophthalmological service and an office visit in a new-patient scenario.

2. Answer

   The response addresses whether the services may be reported together and discusses the need to choose an appropriate encounter type for the visit.

3. Choosing between E/M and ophthalmological codes

   This section outlines the general distinction between office E/M coding and eye examination coding for ophthalmology and optometry encounters.

4. Payer policy note

   The closing note mentions that payer-specific policies may differ and may affect how encounter coding guidance is applied.