Instrument-based vision screening refers to vision screening using an automated device such as the Welch Allyn® Spot® Vision Screener that can help identify vision conditions or risk factors that may cause decreased vision or amblyopia.1
An instrument-based vision screener takes an image of the eyes to measure refractive error and ocular misalignments.
Instrument-based vision screening refers to vision screening using an automated device such as the Welch Allyn® Spot® Vision Screener that can help identify vision conditions or risk factors that may cause decreased vision or amblyopia.1
An instrument-based vision screener takes an image of the eyes to measure refractive error and ocular misalignments. It can be as quick and easy as taking a photo with a digital camera.1,2 Other names for instrument-based vision screening include automated screening, autorefraction, objective screening and photoscreening.3
Vision problems are common among children, with 19 million worldwide living with a vision disorder.2 Oftentimes, vision disorders have no noticeable symptoms,3 and as a result, children may not realize they see the world differently than others.4
Early detection and treatment of vision problems in childhood is critical, as 80% of vision disorders can be prevented or cured.2 Unfortunately, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only one in three children in the U.S. has received eye care services before the age of six.5
Uncorrected vision disorders can impact a child’s cognitive, emotional, neurological and physical development, potentially resulting in behavior problems, interference with early literacy and learning, and even permanent vision loss.6
Among preschool children, less than 15% receive comprehensive eye examinations and less than 22% undergo vision screening.7 The evaluation of the visual system can help detect conditions like strabismus and amblyopia that distort or suppress normal visual images.3 Without early detection and treatment, these vision conditions may lead to permanent vision loss.3
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is the most influential specialty medical society in this space and recommends that instrument-based screening may be used to assess risk at ages 12 months and 24 months, in addition to the well visits at three through five years of age.8 Bright Futures is an initiative led by the AAP and aims to improve health outcomes for the nation’s infants, children and adolescents by increasing the quality of primary and preventive care.
There are two CPT codes available to report instrument-based ocular screening:
Instrumentation and location of site are the elements that differentiate these two codes.
These are Category-1 codes, which are permanent codes for clinically recognized and accepted services that are assigned values for payment.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends instrument-based vision screening with a “B” level evidence rating, meaning there is high certainty that the net benefit is moderate and that the practice should provide this particular service.2
The Affordable Care Act requires health plans to cover preventative services that have an “A” or “B” level evidence rating.2
In 2018, 82% of claims submitted were covered services. The proportion of paid claims rose 6% between 2017-2018.
Covered ages vary by payer and individual plan. AAP is the most often cited specialty society in coverage policies. The 2016 AAP policy statement indicates instrument-based screening, if available, should be first attempted between 12 months and three years of age and at annual well-child visits until acuity can be tested directly.11 Some plans may cite USPSTF guidelines as the basis for their coverage policy.
Children with a diagnosis of developmental delay (DDD) and who are unable to cooperate with standard visual acuity tests may be covered for instrument-based vision screening by individual plans. Payers predominantly require DDD for children ages four and five. Some commercial payers explicitly cover instrument-based vision screening for children with any diagnosis.
CMS’ National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) provides payers with guidance on proper claims adjudication, particularly when certain codes are billed together. Per NCCI guidelines, CPT 99177 was separately payable with preventive E&M codes until an October 2017 update. The AAP successfully lobbied for NCCI to remove the update effective July 2018. Healthcare providers can appeal zero-dollar payment outcomes for claims on CPT code 99177.
The average patient deductible for unpaid claims was $2.87 in 2018. The reduced deductible amount ($6.80 in 2017) suggests the average total patient cost share has decreased and will likely remain low. For the same claims, deductible as a proportion of total patient cost share (inclusive of copay, coinsurance, etc.) decreased from 80% in 2017 to 47% in 2018.10
Each provider will have their own policies on collection of non-covered services. Providers must inform the patient that the services may not be covered. As part of this process, the provider should have the patient sign a waiver acknowledging the patient’s financial responsibility.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Payer Advocacy Advisory Committee (PAAC) has developed Issue Guidance sheets on emerging payment issues. These can be used by AAP chapters and members to address specific payer issues. Strategies and resources are provided on instrument-based vision screening and CPT 99177.8
Payback will vary based on patient volume, payer mix and local coverage policies. Many providers who invest in instrument-based vision screening technology see positive returns in approximately one year if reimbursement is available3 — the national average for commercial coverage is $19.25.10
In addition, the Americans with Disability Act offers federal tax advantages for the purchase of an instrument-based vision screener.3
Instrument-based vision screeners can be leased for as little as $149/month.
For more information on average coverage rates in your region, visit https://www.hillrom.com/svsinvestment/ to request a Vision Screening Investment Analysis from a Hillrom consultant that includes the following:
The Welch Allyn® Spot® Vision Screener can be leased for as little as $149/month.
Interested in learning more about the return on investment with the Welch Allyn® Spot® Vision Screener based on your pediatric patient flow?
CPT® is a registered trademark of American Medical Association.
The information contained in this document is provided for convenience only and represents no statement, promise or guarantee by Welch Allyn concerning coverage or levels of reimbursement. Payment will vary by geographic locality. It is always the provider’s responsibility to determine accurate coding, coverage and claim information for the services that were provided.
Hill-Rom reserves the right to make changes without notice in design, specifications and models. The only warranty Hill-Rom makes is the express written warranty extended on the sale or rental of its products.
