Ophthalmic Coding Specialist Practice Test

Which types of supervision does Medicare recognize for physicians during ophthalmic services?

1. General, direct, and personal supervision

2. Only general supervision

3. General and personal supervision only

4. Only direct supervision

The correct answer is: General, direct, and personal supervision

Medicare recognizes three types of supervision—general, direct, and personal—for physicians providing ophthalmic services. General supervision means that the physician is not required to be present in the same room when the service is being delivered, but they must be available for consultation. This allows for flexibility in patient care and can be utilized in larger practices where multiple patients may be seen simultaneously. Direct supervision requires that the physician be in the same room and immediately available to provide assistance if needed, ensuring a higher level of oversight during procedures or examinations. Personal supervision goes beyond these two, as it mandates that the physician is in attendance and personally performing the service. This type of supervision is often necessary for complex or high-risk procedures where direct physician involvement is crucial. Recognizing all three types of supervision enables ophthalmic practices to effectively allocate resources and ensure proper oversight based on the nature of the services being provided. This comprehensive approach supports patient safety and allows for adherence to Medicare guidelines efficiently.