AA0E News - September 2009 Supported by Allergan, Inc.

• Executive Update: Make a Plan to Be a Better Leader
  
• Coding Bulletin: Sept. 2009
  Topics include: Sue’s View – PQRI Report Help Available Soon; New HCPCS Code for Avastin; Ask the Expert
  > Bundling of Cataract and Complex Retinal Detachment > ICD-9 code for Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency and Zonular Dehiscence > ICD-9 code for Capsular Distension Syndrome; Medicare Updates > CMS Announces the Release of the Revised CMS-855 Medicare Enrollment  Applications > Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Indicator File Error and Reiteration of CMS policy Regarding Beneficiary Liability for V2787 and V2788
  
• Techniques: Mastering Effective Interoffice Communication: Nine Tips to Improve Communications Among Staff, Physicians and Managers

AA0E News - August 2009 Supported by Allergan, Inc.

• Executive Update: 2009 Ophthalmology Practice Benchmarking Survey Results
  
• Coding Bulletin: August 2009 
  Topics Include: Sue’s View: Claim Submission, Getting It Right The First Time;  Ask the Expert: ABN Necessary for Every Potentially Non-Covered Visit; Medicare Updates: Proposed 2010 E-Prescribing Incentive: Reporting Simplified >Typical Enrollment Processing Days >Typical Redetermination Processing Days >Corneal Tissue: Claim Submission for Processing, Preserving and Transporting

• Executive Update: The Three-Hour Self-Assessment, Part Two: Your Practice’s Tech Station
  
• Coding Bulletin: June 2009
  Topics Include: Sue’s View – CERT Audits Reveal Common E&M Errors; Altering Medical Records; Modifier -79 Are You Using It Correctly?; PQRI 2007 Re-Run Report Update; UPIN Registry Discontinued

AAOE News - May 2009 Supported by Allergan, Inc

• Executive Update: The Federal Stimulus Package and the HITECH Act: Taking Stock of What We Know To Date
  
• Coding Bulletin: May 2009
  Topics include: CMS Signature Requirements for Medical Review; CERT Will Not Pay Chart Duplication Costs; Misuse of Modifier -79; What’s New with Ambulatory Surgical Centers; E-Prescribing Clarification
  
• Techniques: Technician Retention: Strategies for Today and Tomorrow  

AAOE News - April 2009 Supported by Allergan, Inc.

• Executive Update: The Three Hour Self-Assessment, Part One: Your Practice’s Front Desk
  
• Coding Bulletin: April 2009
  Topics include: And the Winner Is…; Ask the Expert: CMS responds to Evaluation and Management Questions; CCI Edits Version 15.1; Supporting Documentation and Coding Requirements for Postoperative Care: CPT Modifier 55

AAOE News - March 2009 Supported by Allergan, Inc.

• Executive Update: Boosting Your Bottom Line
  
• Coding Bulletin: March 2009
  Topics include: Sue’s View – On Your Mark, Get Set, Code!; Appropriate Use of the New Endothelial Keratoplasty Codes; Modifier JW Update; Modifier GW Update
  
• Techniques: Understanding the Technician’s Role in PQRI, and Special Testing Services

AAOE News - February 2009 Supported by Allergan, Inc.

• Executive Update: Ophthalmology Practice Benchmarking Survey Results Based Upon 2007 Data
  
• Coding Bulletin: February 2009: Get a Clear Picture on Ophthalmology Coding, from A-Scans to YAG

AAOE News - January 2009 Supported by Allergan, Inc.

• Executive Update: New FMLA Regulations Bring Range of Changes, Clarifications 
  
• Coding Bulletin: January 2009
  Topics include: Sue’s View – On Your Mark, Get Set, Code!; Ask the Experts – Answers to Web Conference Coding Inquiries; CMS Updates: All 56 Physician Fee Schedules Available in One File; 1500 Claim Form Instruction Updated; Expanded Benefits Brochure Available; PQRI Physicians Named on CMS Web Site; Reporting Responsibilities Fact Sheets Revised
  
• Techniques: E-Prescribing — The Role of the Technician

• Executive Update: Selecting a Medical Billing Vendor
  
• Coding Bulletin: November/December 2008 Supported by Allergan, Inc.
  Topics include: Sue’s View: Academy Identifies Billing Errors that Prevented Successful 2007 PQRI Participation; OIG Work Plan for 2009; Ask the Expert: Consultations
  
• Techniques: The Technician’s Role in Obtaining the Advance Beneficiary Notice 

AAOE News - October 2008

• Executive Update: Strategic Planning for Practice Executives
  
• Coding Bulletin: October 2008 Supported by Allergan Inc.
  Topics: Sue’s View: Cataract and Vitrectomy Surgery; Ask the Expert > Appropriate Tests Prior to Cataract Surgery; CCI edits 14.3 Effective Oct. 1, 2008, to Dec. 31, 2008; CMS Updates > Payment Update for IOLs Implanted in Physician Offices > CMS Announces New Recovery Audit Contractors to Identify Improper Medicare Payments

AAOE News - September 2008

• Executive Update: Addressing Policies in Your Practice Agreements
  
• Coding Bulletin: September 2008 Supported by Allergan, Inc.
  Topics: Sue’s View – Modifier 59; Ask the Expert: Postoperative Care or Separately Billable? - Tarsorrhapy - Which CPT Code is Correct?; CMS Fact Sheets for Reporting Changes to Your Medicare Enrollment Information
  
• Techniques: Preparing Your Clinical Staff for Electronic Medical Records

AAOE News - August 2008

• Executive Update: EHR: Where Are You On The Continuum of Adoption?
  
• Coding Bulletin: August 2008 Supported by Allergan, Inc.
  Topics: Sue’s View – Medicare Advantage Plan Audit Experience; Ask the Experts: Correct Coding for Limbal Relaxing Incision - Coding for Pterygium Excision with Amniotic Membrane Transplant; Physician Signature Requirements; Welcome Kim Ross, OCS, CPC, Academy Coding Specialist

AAOE News - July 2008

• Executive Update: Family Military Leave: A Growing Trend for Employees with Active-Duty Family Members
  
• Coding Bulletin: July 2008 Supported by Allergan, Inc.
  Topics: Sue’s View – The Check is in the Mail; CCI Version 14.2 Becomes Effective
  Ask the Expert:  Coding bilaterally for 92135 - Glaucoma shunt update; Test Your Coding Competency – Answers Provided.
  
• Techniques: Using Templates to Improve Technician Efficiency

AAOE News - June 2008

• Executive Update: Hiring a New Physician—Answers to Some Key Questions
  
• Coding Bulletin: June 2008 Supported by Allergan, Inc.
  Topics: 2009 PQRI Measure Test Reporting Begins July 1, 2008; 2007 PQRI Feedback Reports Available Mid July; ASC Update – Billing for Drugs and Biologicals.

AAOE News - May 2008

• Executive Update: Ophthalmology Practice Benchmarking Survey Results Based Upon 2006 Data
  
• Coding Bulletin: May 2008 Supported by Allergan, Inc.
  Topics: Sue’s View – Signs and Symptoms of the Best Practices; Ophthalmology Work Values Protected; Coding for Prolonged Services; Test Your Coding Competency.
  
• Techniques: Office Culture

AAOE News - April 2008

• Executive Update: Preparation is the Key to Overcoming Stage Fright
  
• Coding Bulletin: April 2008 Supported by Allergan, Inc.
  Topics: Sue’s View – E&M Reminder for Physicians in Group Practice; Correct Coding Initiative Version 14.1 Update; New Modifiers for Clinical Research Studies; 2007 PQRI Error Report Data.

AAOE News - March 2008

• Executive Update: Web-Based Meetings and Training
  
• Coding Bulletin: March 2008 Supported by Allergan, Inc.
  Topics: Sue’s View – Special Testing Bundling Issue; New Advance Beneficiary Notice; Ask the Expert – What Constitutes Complex Cataract Surgery.
  
• Techniques: Efficiently Using Ophthalmic Medical Personnel

AAOE News - February 2008

• Executive Update: Meeting the High Expectations of Today’s Patient 
  
• Coding Bulletin: February 2008 Supported by Allergan, Inc.
  Topics: Emergency Fee Fix For Complex Retinal Detachment Code; Sue’s View – Consultation or Transfer of Care; The Importance of Billing the Correct Place of Service; Ask The Experts — Anterior Segment Scanning; Submit Surgical Cases for Upcoming March Coding Bulletin; Dates of Service Extended for PSA Bonus Payment.

• Executive Update: Maximizing Patient Referrals
  
• Coding Bulletin – January 2008 Supported by Allergan, Inc.
  Topics: Common Coding Errors Part Two; Eye Code Payment Update Explained; Correct Coding Initiative Version 14.0 Update; Notice of Interest Rate for Medicare Overpayments and Underpayments.
  
• Techniques: Salary Trends of the Ophthalmic Technical Team

• Executive Update: What You Can Learn from One Practice’s Transition from Paper to Electronic Medical Records
  
• Coding Bulletin – December 2007 
  Topics: Common Coding Errors Part One; PQRI Update; 2008 Medicare Participation Options; Ask the Experts - Coding for Removal of Punctal Plugs.
  
• Techniques: Hiring and Keeping Great Staff