Users' questions

Can VA and Medicare be billed together?

Can VA and Medicare be billed together?

You can have both Medicare and Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, but Medicare and VA benefits do not work together. Medicare does not pay for any care that you receive at a VA facility. VA benefits will not pay for Medicare cost-sharing (deductibles, copayments, coinsurances).

Can you sue the VA for misdiagnosis?

Can You Sue the VA for Negligence, Misdiagnosis, or Malpractice? Veterans, their family members, or their legal representatives may file VA medical malpractice claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). In addition, a family member of a veteran may file a lawsuit against the VA for wrongful death.

Does VA follow Medicare guidelines?

Generally, VA does not bill Medicare or Medicaid for reimbursement; however, VA does bill other types of health insurance including Medicare Supplemental plans for covered services.

Do you have to have a diagnosis to get VA disability?

#1 VA Denies Because You Lack a Current Disability – Do You Need a Diagnosis? First and foremost, veterans must have a current condition in order to establish service connection. This condition is not something that gets a formal diagnosis; however, it causes functional loss and impairment.

Do VA doctors get bonuses?

Market and Performance Pay for Physicians and Dentists. VA Special Rates – providing regular performance-based increases and potential accelerated increases for outstanding performance. Recruitment Incentives – including Recruitment Bonus, Relocation Bonus and Retention Allowance, each up to 25% of the rate of basic …

How does a doctor review a VA claim?

Ensure that your physician reviews your claims file or at a minimum your service medical records (SMRs) and states in their medical opinion that they have reviewed your claims file or (SMRs).

Can a doctor write a letter in support of a VA claim?

Even when VA doctors are willing to write a letter in support of your claim (many are not), their words do not have the force of law. The Veterans Benefits Administration will review your claim for benefits without speaking with your primary care physician or any specialists that you see. What About a Compensation and Pension Exam?

What does a diagnosis code on a claim mean?

A diagnosis code reflects the medical diagnosis that has been made by the provider and tells the payer why a service for which reimbursement is sought was performed.

What does the VA call independent medical opinions?

The VA calls these opinions “Independent Medical Opinions,” or IMOs. They are also sometimes called nexus opinions, since their purpose is often to link an incident in service to your current disability.

Even when VA doctors are willing to write a letter in support of your claim (many are not), their words do not have the force of law. The Veterans Benefits Administration will review your claim for benefits without speaking with your primary care physician or any specialists that you see. What About a Compensation and Pension Exam?

What happens at a VA health care claim exam?

What happens at a VA claim exam? A VA claim exam isn’t like a normal medical exam or other VA health care visits. The doctor won’t treat you for any illness or injury, give you referrals to other health care providers, or prescribe medicine.

How does VA work with Medicare and Medicaid?

If you get medical care at a VA hospital, your VA benefits will generally cover the costs. This is because the VA uses providers who are covered under the plan, so you won’t necessarily need the institution to submit any claims to Medicare.

Is the Department of Veterans Affairs the same as Medicare?

The Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) and Medicare are two separate medical coverage programs. If you served in the military, you might have access to VA benefits and Medicare.