TearLab Corp. announced that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has published instructions for updates to the clinical laboratory fee schedule for 2012, including a revised reimbursement rate for the TearLab Osmolarity Test, effective January 1, 2012. The payment code of 83861 that currently applies to the TearLab Osmolarity Test will be cross-walked or paired with code 84081. At current 2011 reimbursement rates, payment code 83861 would be reimbursed in every state by CMS at $23.25 per eye.


The TearLab Osmolarity System uses a novel lab-on-a-chip approach that requires less than 50 nanoliters of tear fluid in order to measure tear osmolarity. The TearLab Osmolarity System eliminates the challenges that previously prevented point-of-care osmolarity testing and can produce a sample-to-answer result in less than 30 seconds, the company says.

Fashion Optical Displays’ affordable Impressions Collection of modular wall displays showcases eyewear with distinctive styling so that any wall becomes a profit center, the maker says. Designed for new and established practices, the Impressions Collection features a variety of elements that include horizontal and vertical framed display back panels, graphic display panels and mirrors. These custom-built graphic display panels can be placed in a multitude of configurations that uniquely fit each dispensary. With  Impressions it is easy to insert any free graphics that are cut out of magazines and placed in the graphic wall display panel. Select one or more display panels that hold only seven frames or panels that hold as many as 42 frames.

With Impressions, it is easy to create fresh seasonal displays or expand the frame inventory by adding more panels. Also, mirrors can be easily interchanged with any frame panel. Each panel holds eyewear on Fashion’s stable three-point Concord frame-support system. Each display panel and mirror is framed in a selection of styles including brushed stainless, aged pewter, rosewood and walnut.

For more information, visit fashionoptical.com or call 1 (800) 824-4106.

Compulink Business Systems announced that additional clients have received incentive payments for the first year of the federal EHR program, including providers in its optometry and ophthalmology businesses. 

Issued by CMS, meaningful use refers to requirements that providers must meet through their use of certified EHR technology to qualify for incentive payments. After much anticipation from qualifying physicians, CMS is honoring its pledge to disburse payments for compliance with the regulations for Stage 1 Meaningful Use. Select eligible professionals, including some of Compulink’s clients, have complete attestation and have received their incentive checks. 

Compulink has carried through on its commitment as a business partner, providing certified software, as well as the necessary meaningful use tools. Along with the software, Compulink has most notably provided consulting and support to successfully help their clients achieve meaningful use and qualify for the incentives.  REVIEW