A comparison of charges by optometrists and ophthalmologists under the Medicare program.
Medicare data obtained from the Health Care Financing Administration was analyzed in relation to average allowed charges by optometrists and ophthalmologists. Optometric charges are considerably lower than ophthalmological charges for all services compared. The policy of different reimbursement levels is currently a major issue being considered by the Physician Payment Review Commission. Optometry must demonstrate that the procedure codes for which they submit Medicare claims are comparable and identical in service content to those provided by ophthalmologists.
Soroka
M
M
SUNY, NY 10010.
D014487:Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S.; D005245:Fee Schedules; D005249:Fees and Charges; D006801:Humans; D006278:Medicare; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000191:economics*; D009907:Optometry / Q000191:economics*; D014481:United States; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy