ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Question: When an ED physician performs foreign- body removal from the cornea and conjunctiva, does the method of removal determine the code? Or can we bill code range 65205-65222 based on the simple fact of the FBR? Does a Q-tip count for these procedure codes, or does the physician have to use the bevel of a needle? 


Connecticut Subscriber


Answer: There is no CPT requirement for use of a particular instrument associated with these codes, except for those specifically referencing the slit lamp. The code choice should correspond to the location and level of penetration of the foreign body that the physician must remove.

Remember that 65222 (Removal of foreign body, external eye; corneal, with slit lamp) describes a corneal foreign-body removal with a slit lamp used, while 65220 (... corneal, without slit lamp) does not require the slit lamp. Common techniques involve Q-tips for conjunctival foreign bodies and a needle or burr for corneal foreign bodies.