Surgical Co-Management
Surgical Co-Management Guide cataract and refractive care, shared well.
Optometric practices find the cataract, screen the refractive candidate and see the patient for years after surgery. This section covers the procedures, lens choices, medications and billing rules behind a co-management program, one focused guide at a time.
Quick answer
Co-management is a clinical relationship with paperwork.
The referring doctor and the surgeon divide one episode of care. For Medicare cataract patients that means a written, dated transfer of care, the patient's consent and matching -54 and -55 claims. For elective refractive surgery it means each doctor charging only for the services they deliver, disclosed to the patient in advance.
Key takeaways
- Screen with data you already collect in a comprehensive exam.
- Treat the ocular surface before biometry and topography.
- Agree on visit schedules and responsibilities with each surgeon.
- Document transfer of care in both records.
- Keep post-op comfort care with your practice through RescueLink.
Cataract co-management.
From the first lens conversation to the last post-op visit.
Cataract surgery options
Approaches, lens categories and what Medicare covers.
Premium IOL guide
Trifocal, EDOF, toric and adjustable lenses, with screening points.
Pre-op and post-op care
Transfer of care, modifiers 54 and 55 and the documentation checklist.
Post-op drug delivery
Drops, the DEXTENZA insert and intraoperative OMIDRIA.
Refractive co-management.
Screening, counseling and follow-up for elective vision correction.
LASIK
FDA candidacy points, risks and the post-op months.
PRK
Surface ablation and its longer recovery.
SMILE
Flapless lenticule extraction on VISUMAX.
EVO ICL
Phakic lens for −3 to −20 D myopia, ages 21 to 60.
Refractive lens exchange
Lens surgery without a cataract, and the retinal risk talk.
Refractive co-management
Program design, disclosure and outcome tracking.
Equipment and manufacturers.
Who makes the platforms on the operative note.
Surgical equipment brands
The major companies and their cataract, refractive and lens platforms.
Manufacturer directory
Imaging, treatment devices, lasers, lenses and practice technology.
Dry eye diagnostics
Optimize the surface before measurements.
Write one protocol per surgeon and reuse it. A shared visit schedule, after-hours plan and transfer form make every co-managed patient feel the same, whichever doctor they see.
RescueLink
Keep post-op comfort care with your practice.
Lubricating drops, lid hygiene and night protection are common after cataract and refractive surgery once the surgeon clears them. Send an eligible over-the-counter list through RescueLink; your practice earns a 15% participation credit on eligible OTC orders on VisionRescue.com.
- No setup fee, subscription or quota
- One-tap ordering for the patient
- Optional auto-ship on recurring items
- Contact lenses and prescription products are excluded
Frequently asked questions
Which guide should I start with?
Cataract surgery options for the counseling basics, then pre-op and post-op care for the billing steps.
Do these guides recommend specific surgeons or products?
No. They summarize public information from manufacturers, FDA, CMS and published studies.
Does Vision Rescue sell surgical equipment?
No. Vision Rescue supplies eye care products to practices and runs RescueLink for patient orders.
How do I ask a question about co-management?
Contact Provider Relations at providers@visionrescue.com or 1-855-692-8024.
References
- First Coast Service Options. Postoperative co-management: modifiers 54 and 55. FCSO
- CMS. Guidance on Rulings 05-01 and 1536-R, 2012. CMS guidance
- FDA. LASIK. FDA
- Every source behind this guide is listed on the Vision Rescue sources page. All sources
About this guide
Written for licensed eye care practices by the Vision Rescue team from manufacturer, FDA, CMS and peer-reviewed sources. Questions: providers@visionrescue.com or 1-855-692-8024.
Important notes and disclosures
Information only, not legal, billing or clinical advice. Confirm current CMS and payer policy and each manufacturer's labeling. Vision Rescue is a licensed pharmaceutical wholesale distributor.
Build a co-management program on purpose.
Pick your surgeon partners, write the protocol once and keep comfort care with your practice.
Product and procedure names are trademarks of their respective owners.