Publication Exclusive: Some ophthalmologists opt out of CMS reimbursement system, exclusively accept private pay

Faced with declining reimbursements, administrative burdens and legal concerns, some ophthalmologists have chosen to opt out of Medicare and private insurance and only accept private pay. Others receive reimbursement for basic procedures and charge patients for refractive services. Participating in Medicare as a non-covered entity under HIPAA is also an option.Jason P. Brinton, MD, said that the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) includes a provision so that physicians who choose to opt out of Medicare only have to do so once.

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